John Fetterman

Katie, whoo!

Mr. President, I rise today to welcome the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, His All Holiness Bartholomew, to the United States.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is the longest serving Archbishop of Constantinople in the two millennia history of Christianity. As the highest spiritual authority for nearly 300 million Eastern Orthodox Christians, he has cosponsored international peace conferences; convened Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders to promote cooperation and mutual understanding; and advanced the cause of religious freedom around the world.

Environmental stewardship has been a consistent theme of His All Holiness's ministry. In honor of this commitment, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was awarded the prestigious Templeton Prize.

I am proud to join faith leaders from across Pennsylvania in welcoming His All Holiness to the United States and extend my heartfelt congratulations on this momentous achievement.

Madam President, this is not a speech that I ever expected to give and definitely never wanted to give. Discussing this has been difficult. Anyone who was with us last night at that dinner would confirm that.

But today, on the floor of the Senate and for the record, I will confirm that Bob Casey is Pennsylvania's best Senator. Now, it is difficult to follow Bob Casey, both right now but also without him. I really can't imagine it. For 18 years, Bob showed up, he put his head down, he worked, and he delivered for Pennsylvania. It has been a supreme honor to call Bob a colleague, a friend, and a mentor.

During my campaign, Bob was by my side. When I had a stroke, he lent me his voice when I was learning how to speak again. I never forgot that. And when I got to the Senate 2 years ago, he became a mentor to me. At a very difficult time in my life, he stuck by me because that is who Bob is--a friend and an amazing Senator.

Every day for 18 years, he fought for working Pennsylvanians. He fought for our rural communities. He fought for seniors and for people with disabilities, including myself. He fought for all of us. After 18 years, Bob Casey's legacy is a better Pennsylvania.

Thank you, Bob Casey.

I yield the floor.

(Applause.)