Congressman Brady's Tribute to Senator Arlen Specter

PHILADELPHIA - Arlen Specter was my friend for 40 years. He was as smart as he was independent and because he was an accomplished debater he could argue on any side of an issue. He was truly one of a kind. As a Republican member of the Senate Appropriations Committee he worked with the Democratic House members to secure $35 million for the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. He never wavered in his commitment  to support the 45-foot Delaware River dredging project. On one 90-degree day he stood just yards away from a crane working a containership at the Philadelphia Port. And he reminded us that he had also stood in the same spot in 11-degree weather to support the Port because he said, “this is the heart and soul of our region.” His tenacity and fearlessness was never on more display as he fought cancer. He rebounded time after time always ready to get right back in the fray. He leaves an incredible legacy and there is so much we can all learn from his decades in public service. He stood and fought hard for what he believed in. And, he staunchly believed in and championed bi-partisanship as long as it was in the best interests of the people. He was my friend but he was even a better friend to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and our beloved country.