Senator Pat Leahy is one of the most effective senators to ever serve in the history of the Senate. Even though I often disagree with him, he is a proud progressive and a fierce advocate for his causes and the people of Vermont.
As a member of the Appropriations Committee serving as Chairman and Ranking Member of the State and Foreign Operations account that funds the State Department and all developmental aid programs, it was a pleasure having Senator Leahy as my partner.
We were able to direct money to impoverished regions, keep the State Department well-funded and well-protected, and remain true to our values. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I had many occasions to find common ground with Senator Leahy.
The Senate will suffer a real loss when he retires, but I do know @SenatorLeahy will run through the tape for the next year. The people of Vermont are rightly proud of his service. He has been a joy to work with, and I consider him a very good friend.
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He’s one of the last survivors of the Bataan Death March, and with his passing one of the most consequential chapters in American history will be closing.
His service reminds us of the cruelty of war, the determination of the American Soldier, and the sacrifices that have to be made to maintain our freedom.
Senator Leatherman was a giant in the South Carolina Senate.
When it came to the needs of South Carolina – from the mountains to the sea and everywhere in between – he was always at the forefront of breakthrough change.
He had a statewide perspective that served South Carolina well.
His leadership was indispensable in recruiting Boeing to South Carolina and he was a great champion of the Port of Charleston.
Senator Leatherman loved his hometown and the Pee Dee.
He was the most effective voice for his region of the state one could have ever imagined.
He was a tireless advocate always focused on building a stronger and better future.
This so-called ‘framework’ negotiated by Democrats behind closed doors will add to our inflation problems and be an impediment to growth. There is nothing moderate about this proposal.
While we do not yet know all the details, what we already know is troubling. Due to the tax increases and provisions, American companies will be less competitive in the world market.
We will see capital flow out of the United States because the costs of doing business will dramatically increase over time. Expect a spike in energy prices as this Democratic package puts American energy independence at risk.
My main interactions with General Powell involved ‘soft power’ making sure developmental aid was used in a way to make the world a better place.
General Powell cared deeply about the men and women of the State Department.
He is noted as a great military leader, justifiably so, but he also had a passion for diplomacy and the benefits of avoiding war by stabilizing troubled regions.
One of the big takeaways from my recent trip to the Yuma sector of the US-Mexico border was the dramatic increase in the number of Brazilians coming to the United States.