Further Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2023

Floor Speech

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Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, when it was reported a few years ago that Senator Pat Toomey had taken up beekeeping, he said this about the appeal of his new hobby:

When you're in my line of work, you're often dealing with abstractions. It's fun to have something tangible, where you can see the results.

Well, my good friend from Pennsylvania has, of course, produced many tangible results during his 12 years in the Senate. As Senator Toomey's service here draws to a close, I rise today in tribute to an outstanding leader who has been as busy and beneficial as those hard- working bees he tends.

Pat came to the Senate in 2011 well prepared for this line of work by his three terms in the House. With his background in the financial services industry and as the owner and operator of a small family business with his brothers, he has been an effective voice for economic growth, regulatory reform, and fiscal responsibility. His respectful demeanor, his integrity, and his commitment to getting the facts have earned him the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle. His persuasive and principled arguments often convince his opponents to become his allies.

I always personally looked forward to Senator Toomey coming to visit me to discuss a nominee or a piece of legislation. Inevitably, he would arrive with all the facts, all the data, all the quotations, and make his case. He didn't rely simply on rhetoric or an appeal to party loyalty--not at all. His approach was to present a solid case for why I should agree with him, and his track record, I must say, was very good.

Throughout his time in Congress, Pat has focused on creating good jobs for the people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and across our entire country. He knows that America has the best workers in the world, and when they have a level playing field, they can compete with anyone.

Drawing on his expertise in finance, Pat pushed for policies that supported workers and were conducive to the startup and growth of businesses. He played an absolutely essential role in shaping the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which reduced the tax burden for American families. He coauthored sections of the JOBS Act, which made it easier for businesses to invest and expand. He has always worked to cut redtape to help unleash economic opportunities.

There is another side to Pat as well. He is a true champion for those who are vulnerable in our society. I have worked with him on many issues over the years, including legislation to safeguard seniors from financial exploitation, as well as a bill to support 50 million Americans who serve as family caregivers. Pat has led efforts to better protect children from abuse, as well as to prevent animal cruelty.

Pat is a determined leader. He is a leader who seeks bipartisan solutions. After the horrendous and heartbreaking Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012 that took the lives of 26 people, including 20 children, he reached across the aisle to work with another good friend of mine, Senator Joe Manchin, on comprehensive legislation to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals, terrorists, and those who are dangerously mentally ill. That initiative laid the foundation for the Safer Communities Act that became law this year. It was a pleasure to serve with Pat on the bipartisan 20- Member working group who forged that landmark law.

Pat, it has been such an honor to serve with you, and I cherish our friendship. I will miss those visits to my office to straighten me out on certain issues and to educate me.

In all sincerity, I really did look forward to those visits because they were always an intellectual exchange, and you always made such a great case.

I wish you, Kris, and your wonderful children all the best. You will be missed.

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