Richard Shelby joins elite crowd having cast 10,000+ Senate votes

0
48
Richard Shelby

Alabama U.S. Senator Richard Shelby joined an elite crowd of U.S. Senators this year when he cast his 10,000 vote on the Senate floor earlier this year.

Shelby, the chairman of the prestigious Senate Committee on Appropriations, on Wednesday was recognized by his Senate colleagues for his achievement that has put him among the ranks of only 32 other members, past and present, in the upper chamber.

“Like so many of his accomplishments, that landmark seemed to slip by without a whole lot of fuss,”Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on the Senate floor. “But, what a remarkable milepost in a very distinguished career.”

McConnell began the remarks and was followed by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).

“As he took the reins of the Appropriations Committee, he made it clear that, working with Senator Leahy, regular order would be the name of the game,” McConnell added.

The Senators also commended Shelby for bringing back regular order to the appropriations process. Under Shelby’s leadership, and with the help of his colleague, Leahy, the appropriations committee passed all 12 major spending bills by July 4 — the fastest in three decades, since 1988. 

Shelby, who has served in the U.S. Senate for over 30 years, said he is humbled by his colleagues remarks.

“I am humbled to hear Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, and Vice Chairman Leahy speak about my achievements in the Senate this year. We have worked hard to move funding bills through regular order to restore the Senate’s appropriations process, as well as the faith of the American people. I am grateful to have been given this opportunity. Our progress so far is encouraging, and I hope we can continue on this path,” said Shelby. 

He continues, “Further, I am honored to have cast my 10,000th vote in the Senate this year. Thank you to the great people of my home state of Alabama who have voted to keep me in office for over 30 years, and to my colleagues and staff who have supported me along the way. This is truly a privilege.”

Shelby also tweeted his thanks for the encouraging words.

Watch the full remarks of Shelby’s recognition below: