Sen. Richard Bryan said his goodbyes to the U.S. Senate on Thursday, warning colleagues against the influence of big money and partisanship.
He said both the world and the Senate have changed dramatically in the 12 years he has represented the state of Nevada.
"The Senate today is a very different institution than it was 12 years ago and, I fear, a diminished institution," he said.
"We are more partisan and more polarized than a decade ago and compromise, for some, has become a dirty word.
"And the role of money today has become too much of a dominant force," he said. "It is a corrosive force. I believe there is a direct relationship between the decline of public participation and the role of money."
Fellow Nevada Democrat Harry Reid recited Bryan's 36-year career of public service that also includes the Nevada Assembly and Senate, the Attorney General's office and six years as Nevada governor. He pointed out that they began their service in the Assembly in 1968 where they were known as "the gold dust twins" and have had a decades-long partnership.
"We've had a wonderful run," said Reid, who is minority whip in the Senate. "I wish there were something I could say that would translate into the love and affection and admiration I feel for Senator Bryan but there isn't."
Reid's comments were amplified by Sen. Fritz Hollings, D-South Carolina, a 34-year veteran of the Senate.
"No one has really performed more distinguished service than our colleague from Nevada," he said. "I have always said that, more than a balanced budget, what we need is balanced senators and congressman and that's what we have in Senator Bryan."
Thanking his colleagues, his wife Bonnie and his longtime staff, Bryan concluded his emotion-choked farewell by saying, "Mr. President, I yield the floor for the last time."
Congress is scheduled to conclude its business this session Friday.
