Pelosi Floor Speech on the Passing of Senator Paul Sarbanes

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks on the Floor of the House of Representatives on the passing of former Maryland Senator Paul Sarbanes. Below are the Speaker's remarks:

Speaker Pelosi. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I join the Members of the Maryland delegation in praising a great man, Paul Sarbanes. The people of Maryland and all Americans have lost a leader and a public servant of dignity and principle, Senator Paul Sarbanes. His 40 years of tireless service as a Member of the Maryland House of Delegates, the House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate strengthened our nation and made a difference in the lives of countless Americans.

In Congress, Paul Sarbanes was respected by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his humility, tenacity and brilliant intellect. It was a source of great pride for me that his congressional career year began in the same House seat held by my father years before. All Marylanders can take pride in Paul Sarbanes's leadership as a defender of our American democracy on the Judiciary Committee, and his tireless work to bring integrity, transparency and oversight to Washington as Chair of the Banking Committee.

May it be a comfort to Senator Sarbanes's children, Michael, Janet and our colleague, [Congressman] John Sarbanes, and the entire Sarbanes family that Senator Sarbanes, Paul, is with his beautiful wife, Christine. They are together in heaven. May it be a comfort that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.