November 30, 2010 — Today, after 36 services of service to the people and state of Connecticut, Senator Chris Dodd delivered his farewell address on the floor of the United States Senate. Dodd, who will retire at the end of the year, thanked his colleagues, Senate staff, and, most importantly, the people of Connecticut for giving him the distinct honor of representing them in the U.S. Congress for over three decades.

In his remarks, Dodd spoke of the important role the Senate plays in our democracy and urged his colleagues to protect the Senate’s unique role in our national debate and find the shared goals and common purpose to advance the interests of our country.

“Over the past two centuries, some 1900 men and women have shared the privilege of serving in the Senate. Each of us has been granted a temporary, fleeting moment in which to indulge either our political ambition and ideological agenda, or, alternatively, to rise to the challenge and make a constructive mark on our history.

“My moment is now at an end, but to those whose moments are not yet over, and to those whose moments will soon begin, I wish you so much more than mere good fortune. I wish you wisdom. I wish you courage. And I wish for each of you that, one day, when you reflect on your moment, you will know that you have lived up to the tremendous honor and daunting responsibility of being a United States Senator.”

Below are links to a comprehensive timeline, a summary of Senator Dodd’s career in public service, and the Senator’s remarks as prepared for delivery.

November 28, 2010

I cannot write about Chris Dodd without bias. He is a friend. I like him, admire him, respect him.

Of course we have to stick together because we are both geezer dads. On Sept. 10, 2001, I called Chris from the delivery room to tell him my son, Henry, had been born. Three days later, he returned the favor following the birth of Grace.

I have heard him say that people ask him how he is able to get down and play with his children. And I have heard him answer, "Getting down is easy; it's getting up that's hard." I know the feeling.

Exiting senator about to embark on ‘farewell tour’

By RAY HACKETT
Norwich Bulletin
Nov 27, 2010 @ 09:45 PM

On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn., will deliver his final speech on the Senate floor, the beginning of the end of a distinguished 36-year political career. Next month, the senator plans to embark on a sort of “farewell tour” of Connecticut, visiting communities and saying goodbye to the many who have supported him for more than three decades and those he has helped during that time.

November 17, 2010 — Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement after the Senate failed to take action on the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would guarantee equal pay for equal work regardless of gender.

“This is a sad day for women’s equality and a giant step backward in the fight for equal rights for all. It is deplorable and unconscionable that in 2010, women are not earning the same as men for performing the same work. It’s disappointing that politics still stand in the way of this important legislation to correct a grave inequality in our society. Those who cast a ‘no’ vote today, cast a vote that will ensure discrimination against our mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives will continue in the workplace.

November 11, 2010 - Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement today in recognition of Veterans Day and the tremendous sacrifice that military veterans in Connecticut and across America have made for their country.

“Today, we recognize all those who have served in our nation’s armed forces and we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have made it possible for us to live in peace, freedom, and security. And we never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

November 3, 2010 - Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today issued the following statement on the election of Richard Blumenthal to the United States Senate:

“I congratulate Attorney General Blumenthal on his election.  Having known Dick for over 30 years, I have no doubts that he will be an excellent United States Senator and will represent the people and interests of Connecticut with the same vigor and passion that we have seen from him as our Attorney General.”

September 21, 2010 – Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement today after the Senate was blocked from debating the Defense Authorization bill, which provides critical resources to our troops, ends the military’s discriminatory policy of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and provides millions of young-adults who grow up as Americans the opportunity to attend college or serve in the military through the DREAM Act.

Calls for Passage of Paycheck Fairness Act on 90th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote

August 19, 2010 — As our nation celebrates the 90th anniversary of a woman’s right to vote, Senator Chris Dodd called on Congress to finish its work guaranteeing equal rights for men and women by passing the Paycheck Fairness Act, which will guarantee equal pay for equal work regardless of gender.

July 20, 2010

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement today following the recommendations of Vice President Joe Biden and the White House Middle Class Task Force that the Senate pass the Paycheck Fairness Act this year.

“It is not only unfair that women are still making 77 cents for every dollar that men earn- it is also archaic and unacceptable,” said Dodd. “We have come a long way towards achieving equality for women, but the battle is far from over. I have fought for years to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act to finally guarantee equal pay for equal work, and I believe the Task Force’s recommendation demonstrates how critical it is that the Senate act on the legislation this year.”