Quotes about Senate Membership

Albert Gore Sr.

The caucus is not open to former Senators.

When Lyndon Johnson was elected Vice President he, as the former Senate Majority Leader, wanted to lead the Democratic Senate Caucus. Gore objected because he thought that violated the separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislative branches, and he wanted the Senate to be independent from the administration. Despite Gore’s objection, Johnson was elected.

Herbert Hoover

Most ex-Presidents would be glad to become ex-officio members of the Senate without a vote.

Lisa Murkowski

I am not here as my party's nominee. I am unique among the 100 senators in that regard.

Alben W. Barkley

I am not one of those senators who feel it is necessary for the Senate to pass a resolution binding the membership to be honorable men. If I thought it was necessary to pass a resolution to make us honorable, I would not want to be a member of this body.

There was rationing during World War II, and California Senator Sheridan Downey introduced a resolution calling on Senators to accept rationing restrictions and not use their position to evade the restrictions:

Margaret Truman

He took pride in belonging to the world's most exclusive club: the United States Senate.

Kamala Harris

If segregationists had their way, I would not be a member of the United States Senate today, I would not be a top contender to be president of the United States.

Lionel Murphy

It is a great privilege for any man to become a member of the Senate.

Danny K. Davis

It would be wonderful to be a member of the United States Senate.

Phil Gramm

We’ve had members of the Senate who have been there 30 years and haven’t gotten good at it yet.

Senate Membership Quotes