gold medal ceremony for senator bob dole. a wonderful bipartisan event. the highest honor that any civilian can get from the congress. thanks for joining us. i'm dana perino. here's shep. >> shepard: it's time for adult leadership. that's what then senator bob dole said more than two decades ago during a government shut down. he help to break the impasse. adult leadership. they're honoring it today on capitol hill. we're about to see bipartisan. good afternoon from new york. i'm shepard smith. president trump, vice president pence and congressional leaders presenting the congressional gold medal to the former senate majority leader and former republican presidential nominee bob dole. the medal is the highest honor congress can give. others that earned it, george washington, thomas edison, bob

hope. winston churchill, john wayne and ronald and nancy reagan and those that marched from selma to montgomery. the congressional gold medal is a recognition of a person's distinguished achievements and contributions to our nation. senator dole is now 94 years old and his award is in recognition of his service to the nation as a soldier and a legislator. bob dole served in congress for more than three decades representing kansas in the house for eight years and then the senate for 27. along the way, he set a record serving as senate republican leader for 11 years. senator dole retired from congress in 1996 and then to focus on his presidential campaign. he won that republican nomination but lost in the general to bill clinton. bob dole also served our country during world war ii and paid a permanent price for it. he was trying to help a fellow soldier when an artillery shell

exploded. bob dole never regained full use of his right arm. he received two purple hearts and a bronze star for his service. he said the experience helped inspire his efforts to help veterans and the disabled. today as we set on the first precipice of the first government shut down to happen in 30 years, a man known for what he called as adult leadership is honored by his former colleagues and elected figures from both sides of the political divide. while we wait for the ceremony to begin and should in a matter of moments, let's turn to chris wallace. what a legacy of service bob dole and liddy dole both. >> absolutely. bob dole an example, an exemplar of the greatest generation. fought in world war ii. very badly hurt when it is troops were trying to retake italy. spent more than a year in rehabilitation, in hospitals.

went back to his hometown of russell, kansas. the people there decided to over time support him, giving nickels, dimes, quarters to send him on his way, his campaign. as you said in the early 60s, went to the house. later the senate. 35 years in all. this comes as you suggest, shep, at a particularly interesting time. we're two days away for the potential of a government shut down when the two sides can't get together and for the fourth time, if they're unable to pass a c.r. this year, would actually see the government shut down at midnight on friday night. that's the kind of thing that bob dole spent a career, 35 years on capitol hill trying to avoid. he was a legislator when that was not a dirty word. when the idea that you made compromises across the aisle. you took something, the other people took something. nobody was entirely happy but they moved the ball at least

part way down the field. that was considered an honorable profession. now people who do that, who reach across the aisle are called part of the swamp. bob dole thought it was a badge of honor. >> shepard: bob dole's presidential run in 1996 coincided with the early days of this channel and our efforts to cover political matters back then for "fox news sunday" and the local stations. i remember that campaign. how would you bob dole's efforts? >> unsuccessful. he lost in a landslide. he and john mccain seemed to be somewhat similar in that they were both enormously successful and really served the country tremendously with great honor on capitol hill. both of them had the presidential bug. bob dole was the republican nominee for vice president

against jimmy carter and walter mondale in 1976. he ran as a republican nominee for president in 1996, two other teams ran unsuccessfully for the republican nomination. he wanted to be president. the country for what its own reasons didn't either nominate him or didn't elect him. he certainly blazed a true remarkable path of honor in congress and i think like john mccain, despite his efforts to get to the white house will be seen as a man and a leader of congress. >> shepard: let's bring in former mississippi governor, hailey barber. governor barber was a republican national committee chairman when bob dole was the gop nominee for president. >> great to see you, shep. chris is very right. there's no better exemplar of the greatest generation than bob

dole. his life speaks for itself. he was a young kid in the late part of the war, 1944, 45, wounded, never recovered fully. yet he came back and he continued to serve his country. he's a great example for americans today of all ages. he's part of the old breed of people that got things done, who didn't let party get in the way of good policy. i was honored to be chairman of our party when he was our nominee. while he did lose by a fair margin, seven points, i think, bill clinton was one of three presidents in american history that never got a majority of the vote. he didn't get a majority of the vote against bob dole. it was a third-party candidate that separated clinton from dole. >> ross perot. at the time there was a great effort to push back on that, which didn't go very well.

can you talk about those days? >> perot had run in 92 and he had given the white house to the democrats. president clinton was elected the first time with 43% of the vote because ros perot got 19. a lot of those perot people came home and voted republican in 1994. many of them came over and voted nor bob dole. but not nearly enough. the third party candidacy was there. but dole more than almost anybody of the day was somebody that was going to reach across the aisle. that wanted government to work that believed that this is more important than party. this is more important than being pure. this is about what our country needs. bob dole knew a lot about what our country needs. >> shepard: he was able to stop that showdown back in the day and bring the government back together. is there a leader like that today? is there someone that might model himself or herself after bob dole?

>> well, we're very much more polarized today than when senator dole was running the senate. but we're polarized with tremendous parody. the republican majority in the senate is 51-49. to say the republicans control the senate is a misnomer. the republicans have a majority but it takes 60 to control the senate. even in the house side, you've got some republicans interestingly the ones with the safest seats that often don't want to fall in line and go with the majority of republicans because they're standing they think nor purity. i can tell you the two-party system, purity is the enemy of victory. we need to make our country work. that's what americans want. that's why they're so proud of this tax reform that was done right before they went home for christmas. it's producing results. we're seeing, again, as bob dole would tell you, good policy produces good results. we're seeing an economy is

grower faster than under obama because of regulatory reform and tax reform. >> shepard: chris, is there anyone that you can think of that would step forward the way bob dole did in those days? >> as you ask the question of governor barber -- hailey, good to be on the program with you as well, sir -- i don't think the problem is a lack of leadership. it's a lack of followership. there's certainly people, mitch mcconnell in the senate and paul ryan in the house who offer plenty of leadership, but the problem is that before the leaders could get their caucuses to follow them, if not everybody, certainly the vast majority, the problem is you're seeing right now with the potential government shut down on friday, you have various caucuses that are saying, well, do you want me -- i should stop talking and see the president. [applause]

>> ladies and gentlemen, the speaker of the united states house of representatives, the honorable paul ryan. [applause]

>> please be seated. good afternoon, everybody. it is a privilege to welcome you to the greatest hall in washington for an even grander occasion. as we award the highest civilian honor that this body can bestow. i'm honored to be joined by president donald trump and vice president mike pence. i'd like to welcome our congressional leader and so many familiar faces that i see here in the audience. today it's my honor to say that pursuant to s-1616, we award the congressional gold medal to the soldier, the legislator and the statesman from kansas, senator bob dole. [applause]

[applause] the congressional gold medal is one of our oldest traditions. since its founding our country has been ushered beyond the threshold of greatness by individuals of unrivalled courage. bob dole is one of those giants. for the man from russell, it was always a question of what could he do for others. be it on the front lines of

world war ii or within the halls of congress, bob dole always stood by what is just and what is right. he was a resounding voice for the hungry and he was a resounding voice for those with disabilities. negotiating some of the biggest reforms that our social programs have ever seen. he's also proven himself to be one of the greatest allies americans veterans will ever know. in 1999, he stood in this very place to dedicate that very flag for our prisoners of war and those missing in action. [applause] bob dole has never stopped fighting for those who fight for us. he is as honorable as they come. it is this kind of american

hero, the selfless, staunch defenders of those that cannot defend themselves that do not always get the recognition that they deserve. so today may this celebration mark not only all he has done for those in this room, not only all that he has done for those watching at home, but all he has done and the impact that he has made for those who don't even realize that it was he who made it. senator dole, because of you, america is much better. on behalf of congress and all americans, thank you and god bless. [applause]

>> ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the performance of our colors and the retirement of our colors. ♪ ♪ ♪ oh say can you see ♪ by the dawn's early light

♪ what so proudly we hailed ♪ at the twilight's last gleaming ♪ ♪ whose brought stripes and bright stars ♪ ♪ through the perilous fight ♪ o'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming ♪ ♪ and the rocket's red glare ♪ the bombs bursting in air ♪ gave proof through the night that our flag was still there ♪ ♪ oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave ♪ ♪ o'er the land of the free ♪ and the home of the brave

♪ >> please remain standing as the chaplain of the u.s. house of representatives, father patrick conroy gives the invocation. >> let us pray. god of abraham, we give you

thanks for the gift of life and for the many blessings that life brings. today we gather in this hallowed temple to representative government dedicated to the enjoyment of life and its blessings for its citizens to honor senator bob dole of kansas. we are honored by his presence and his long life of service to his own nation. as a congressman, senator and among so many efforts in his life as a private citizen, as co-creator of the bipartisan policy center, a legislative giant from a bygone era may his commitment to work across the aisle to embrace practical bipartisan ship on many issues

as an inspiration to congress on both sides of the aisle that desire to be productive in their work and in congress. though easy to say, we know, oh god, that this is difficult. thus it is all the more note worthy that his successors in government have chosen to honor him this day with the congressional gold medal. bless our world, oh god, with peace. bless senator bob dole and his wife, elizabeth, and god bless the united states of america. amen. >> please be seated. ladies and gentlemen, united states representative from the second district of kansas, the

honoring lynn jenkins. [applause] >> thank you. it's truly a great pleasure to be here in the capitol today honoring not only a great kansan, an american patriot but a remarkable mentor and my dear friend. on this historic day, i'm pleased to be joined by so many to award the congressional gold medal to senator bob dole in recognition for his service to the nation as a soldier, a legislator and statesman. i'm moved by the support, love and respect the congress and our entire country has shown for this man. i think the good senator is fond of saying you can take the boy out of kansas but you can't take kansas out of the boy. i know this is true when it comes to senator dole. when i was first elected to the

kansas house, the kansas senate, state treasurer and congress, there's been a strong and consistent voice mentoring me all along the way. the senator is always checking in on us, those of us back home, making sure kansans know they still have a special place in his heart. that commitment to the people of the great state of kansas is truly inspiring. senator dole is known for many great accomplishments, but beyond all of his accomplishments, he's fondly remembered as a public servant that put others before himself. the senator has given his blood, sweat and undying passion to serve this country. it is only fitting that we award one of our nation's greatest citizens with the congressional gold medal. senator, as you have inpacted me and inspired me to public service, you have greatly inspired me and people all over the world that you have never

met. i'm blessed and humbled to call you friend. there's no person i would rather see be awarded the congressional gold medal. may god bless you and your family and may we all choose to live by your example. [applause] >> ladies and gentlemen, united states representative from the fifth district of maryland and the democratic whip of the house, the honorable steny hoyer. [applause] >> mr. president, mr. vice president, mr. speaker, leader mcconnell, leader schumer, former speaker pelosi, senator

dole. the senator's dole. in his timeless study of political courage, john f. kennedy wrote and i quote, "the true democracy living and growing and inspiring puts its faith in the people, faith that the people will not simply elect men that will represent their views ably and faithfully, but also elect men who will exercise their conscientious judgment. faith that the people will not condemn those whose devotion to principle leads them to unpopular courses, but will reward courage."

there's many speakers after me and i imagine the word "courage" will be in tone frequently. respect, honor and ultimately recognize right. john kennedy spoke of senator bob dole and other americans that have risen above the average and been extraordinary in their service to the american people. few americans living today have demonstrated the kind of courage that bob dole has. the medal he's receiving today represents his possession of two kinds of courage. the first is valor. the kind of bravery he displayed on the battlefields of the second world war whose wounds he has carried ever since.

the second is conviction. a steady determination over the course of one's public life to stand up for what one believes to be right and to be just. that is our bob dole. that is what bob dole did in congress when he worked across the aisle with me and others to enact the americans with disabilities act. it's what he did when he came to the senate floor in 2012 in his wheelchair to advocate, again, for those with disabilities around the world frankly against some in his party's opposition. it's the same courage he displayed again and again as a senator, as majority leader, as a presidential candidate and as a private citizen.

his devotion and liddy's devotion to this continued minute, how blessed america is by their service. as we celebrate that courage today, we pay tribute to bob dole, not only as a great legislator but as a good and great and decent american and human being. he has been advantaged, of course, by the partnership of an extraordinary woman. a woman of compassion and commitment and like her husband, of great patriotism. loyal to our country and its people. his wife, liddy dole. [applause] senator, i'm proud of the work

that we've done together. i'm honored by your friendship and so taken with your devotion to country. if i were going to invent a united states senator who would reach out across the aisle, reach out across the country to serve this nation well, i would invent bob dole. i'm proud to be on hand today to recognize all that you have achieved, senator, to enhance the work of the congress and to make our country stronger and safer. how appropriate it is to give a gold medal to someone who is the gold standard. [applause]

>> ladies and gentlemen, united states senator from kansas, honorable pat roberts. [applause] >> thank you. mr. president, mr. vice president, senator elizabeth dole, distinguished leaders and guests. it is both a privilege and an honor for me to be part of this ceremony for my friend, my colleague, my long-time mentor, bob dole. kansas' favorite son. you know, bob, looking around this rotunda with our nation's most senior elected officials,

some, some might say there's no subject on which we could all agree. when congresswoman jenkins and i embarked on a mission last summer to make this congressional medal happen, there was just, to put it mildly, just a tad bit of division in our congress. i knew that to get the senate's attention, i needed to put a little elbow grease into cutting through the noise and the discourse. but in less than two days, two votes, two days, i had this signatures of all 100 senators. [applause] i didn't have to go to them and ask. they came to me and asked if they could sign. it takes a very special person for all 100 of us to be so

enthusiastic and grateful, join in common bipartisan cause for this unique award. the fact that we are here today is a testament to you personally, bob. to your leadership in congress, to your statesmanship and perseverance in bringing us the world war ii memorial and to your heroism and sacrifice on the battlefield. bob, you know, i could go pretty much all day long about you. i have some pretty good stories to tell. however, i've limited it to one. to the man and the mission, our mission, to build a presidential memorial to the man who commanded you on the battlefields of it lit, dwight david eisenhower of abilene,

kansas. with your tireless advocacy, the memorial is now being built just down the hill. thank you, thanks to your commitment. bob, people will be able to visit the memorial to ike, the man that you called your hero. bob, to many of us and to team dole, you are our hero. your leadership on so many laws that have improved the lives of all americans and memorials forever etched in stone will always remind america of you the boy from russell, kansas and your enduring love of our country. we return that love for you today. bob, god bless you and god bless america. thank you. [applause]

>> ladies and gentlemen, united states senator from vermont, the honorable patrick leahy. [applause] >> thank you. mr. president, mr. vice president, thank you for being here. you're honoring a true, a true american patriot. bob, as we're here, the memories come to the surface to be here with you and elizabeth. two senators i've served with. marcel and i feel blessed for the opportunities we've had to spend time with the both of you on so many occasions. especially when you invited us to your wedding reception. that was a great day.

now, i've enjoyed and learned much from working with senator bob dole, with majority leader bob dole, with republican leader bob dole beginning when i was a young member of the senate, awhile ago. beyond the impressive fact that bob dole is the nation's longest serving republican leader of the senate, we can say he is a senate legend. the best leaders i have known in my 43 years in the senate have shown three special qualities. first he understood the and appreciated the senate's unique constitutional role in our system. a second trait is the ability to bring people together to forge agreements even when based on compromises. as david mccall has observed about congress, little or great consequences are accomplished by any legislator alone. high achievement is a joint

effort, especially with leadership like yours, bob. a senate leader needs all the tools. effective law making methodical or painstaking process. you have to be a father, a confessor, all of those. bob, you're every one of those. as a leader, you were a catalyst, a straight talker. he had one of the best senses of humor of any senator i've served with. like pat, i could probably not repeat some of the comments he had. i remember when he and george mitchell, the democratic leader met every day to chart the way forward. he would invite democrats and republicans into his office and somehow persuade us. we were all working together. we did. of course, his third trait is why that worked. that's the trait of trust. a good and effective leader must keep his or her word.

my highest compliment, bob, you always kept your word. now, we know the injuries he suffered. those let him to be a champion for others that cope with disabilities, thinking of others, not himself. i watched conservative bob dole and liberal george mcgovern create the international food for education and child nutrition program. helping so many people here and around the world. now we're only as strong as our values. our values are only as real as our actions. bob dole rose to so many challenges under tremendous pressures. he set the example putting country before priority. so we say, my friend, well-done. a grateful nation thank you. the venerable united states that you love so deeply is better and stronger for your stewardship.

we all thank you, we honor you and elizabeth and i feel so honored that i was able to serve with you. [applause] >> ladies and gentlemen, the united states army band. ♪ ♪ when you walk through a storm ♪ ♪ hold your head up high

♪ and don't be afraid of the dark ♪ ♪ at the end of a storm is a golden sky ♪ ♪ and the sweet silver song of our lark ♪ ♪ and gone through the wind, walk on through the rain ♪ ♪ though your dreams be tossed and blown ♪ ♪ walk on, walk on, with hope

in your heart ♪ ♪ and your -- you'll never walk alone ♪ ♪ your neighbor -- you'll never walk alone ♪ [applause] >> ladies and gentlemen, the democratic leader of the united

states house of representatives, the honorable nancy pelosi. [applause] >> mr. president, mr. vice president and mrs. pence, to our distinguished speaker, majority leader mcconnell, leader chuck schumer, it's honored to be here with so many friends of senator dole and so many colleagues. i first want to pay tribute to the sponsors of the resolution, congresswoman jenkins, congressman wit, steny hoyer and senator leahy. thank you for your leadership and getting this done so expeditiously. it's fitting that -- that was ant applause line. sorry. [applause] it's fitting that we meet here

in the rotunda of the capitol where american heros that forged extraordinary progress for our nation are memorialized in marble in bronze and the company of washington, lincoln, eisenhower and grant, susan b. anthony and martin luther king jr. we gather to recognize another american champion, senator robert joseph dole. [applause] and this pantheon of patriot, we're privileged to honor this leader of great integrity, deep dignity and extraordinary courage. we're blessed to be here with senator dole and his extraordinary wife, elizabeth -- they just celebrated 42 years of beautiful marriage. [applause] elizabeth is an american hero in

her own right. i joined steny in recognizing her. our nation is better for her strong leadership and her service in the cabinet and the united states senate. we now thank her for her tireless work on behalf of our hidden heros, the military caregivers that sacrifice every day for our veterans and our country. thank you, elizabeth. [applause] senator bob dole has demonstrated his steadfast commitment to country right from the start. when the second world war broke out, bob left the wheat fields of russell, kansas to fight fascism in the hills of italy. bob's courage in battle was legendary. for his selflessness and sacrifice, he's awarded two purple hearts and the bronze star. equally extraordinary was the

bravery that bob dole, senator dole -- we're calling him bob today -- demonstrated during his difficult recovery. he turned adversity into action as he healed from the grave wounds sustained while risking his life for a fellow soldier and decided to come to congress and to serve the people of kansas here. it gives my colleagues in the house and me great deep pride to know that senator bob dole first served in washington as a member of the house of representatives. that could be an applause line but i guess not. [laughter] [applause] the senators are applauding. as a representative, as a senator and then majority leader, he fought relentlessly to ensure that every man and woman in uniform would receive the care they need upon returning from combat. his commitment re-affirms our

sacred pledge just as the military leaves no one behind on the battlefield, we must leave no veteran behind when they come home. [applause] president dwight eisenhower, he choose to be memorialized here. his family told us of it's wishes as a five-star general. isn't that exciting? a lot of people can be president of the united states but hardly anybody can be a five-star general. [laughter] anyway, he stands in bronze in the rotunda. he once said, president eisenhower, a people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both. senator dole's life and career

embody's that ethos. he's dedicated a lifetime of holding our american principles and advancing our founding values. senator dole firmly believes in the value of justice. embattled in congress in the 1960s to expand the civil rights of every american. he believes in fairness, fighting to create and push the americans with disabilities act over the finish line of my colleague, mr. hoyer mentioned, that worked with him on that important legislation. bob also believes in honoring human dignity. together with senator george mcgovern, he extended the life line of food stamps, school lunch initiatives and special nutrition initiatives to millions of women, children and working families. high school mcgovern-dole food initiative has brought food from america's heartland to community

as cross the world. that initiative is synonymous with america's compassion and leadership in the world. senator dole once said, our challenge is not to question american ideals or replace them but to act worthy of them. may we all take heed of those profound words. senator bob dole, for a lifetime spent defending and exemplifying our proudest american ideals, we thank you. this congress sends our warmest congratulations to you, to your incredible wife, elizabeth, daughter robin and the entire dole family. in accepting this congressional gold medal, you bring luster to it and to the congress of the united states. thank you. [applause]

>> ladies and gentlemen, the democratic leader of the united states senate, the honorable chuck schumer. [applause] >> president trump, vice president pence, majority leader mcconnell, speaker ryan, leader pelosi, senators leahy and roberts, congressman hoyer, jenkins, senator elizabeth dole, friends and family who have traveled here today, welcome. we gather, of course, to recognize senator bob dole. a son of the heartland. born to an era of depression and war. who unblinkingly answered his country's call to arms. who bravely fight in the second world war. at the age of 21, sustained grave injuries for which he earned two purple hearts and a

bronze star. who after returning home did not pass the mantel of service but rather continued to carry the torch in an altogether different way, elected by the people of kansas to serve them in congress for more than 35 years. what an astounding record of service. i never had the pleasure of serving in the senate with senator dole. but his reputation and his achievements and most of all, his character preceded him. i knew of his steadfast advocacy for veterans and americans with disabilities. something that we greatly admire. i heard about his ability to work across the aisle, to build coalitions that trust that you could place in his word and the respect he would show a political opponent even as he fought them. though i have never served with

him in the senate, i am unfortunately familiar with his trademark wit. senator dole is responsible for a certain quotation that hounded me for many years. apparently the most dangerous place in washington is between chuck schumer and a camera. [laughter] perhaps a grain of truth. now, for the benefit of prosperity. when senator dole uttered those famous words about yours truly, it stuck. senator dole, i bear you no ill will. after all, you are the one that

brought cspan to the senate. i never would have found as many tv cameras without you. [laughter] with much of the focus today on senator dole's illustrious career in congress, his post senate life is similarly renowned. for his organizationed work over the past several years, senator dole has been recognized around the world for his efforts to combat childhood hunger and malnutrition. over the course of more than four decades, senator dole never stopped serving, never stopped striving, never stopped working to make his country and his world a better place. what a legacy. senator dole has earned more than the congressional gold medal, though that he will receive. he has earned our universal

admiration. congratulations, bob, on this much deserved honor. [applause] >> ladies and gentlemen, the majority leader of the united states senate, the honorable mitch mcconnell. [applause] >> 67 years ago on a january day, a young man headed to the kansas state capitol for his swearing in as state representative. he was only 27, but it wouldn't be the first time he swore to

defend the constitution. back in 1942, just a teenager, he raised his right hand and enlisted in the army. that oath took him to the hills of italy. one day his company took heavy fire. a nazi shell ripped into his shoulder. all of those second lieutenant robert j. dole of the 10th mountain division beat the odds and recovered, he would live with his war wounds every day thereafter. because of how faithfully he fulfilled that first oath, bob dole could no longer raise his right hand. but he wasn't done serving his

country. so he walked in to the state house, raised his left hand and began the next chapter in a life filled with patriotic sacrifice and public service. both and i arrived in the senate in 1969. he was a new senator fresh off a commanding victory. i was a 20-something staffer. bob already stood out. the staff marvelled at the kindness and decency he showed us. though we had nothing to offer him, bob spent 35 years in congress and including a decade as leader. he ran a national campaign. his fingerprints are all over countless pieces of consequential legislation. but the most notable part of

bob's career is the character that shaped it. his honesty. his humility. his abiding love for the people of kansas. bob dole's resume never left his roots behind. in the 1980s, it was the son of the dust bowl and the depression who broke the stalemate and helped safe social security. in 1990, it was this wounded warrior that reached across the aisle to help pass the americans with disabilities act. bob's accomplishments reshaped public policy. but for anyone that served with him, they aren't his most memorable legacy.

that would be either his unimpeachable integrity or world class sense of humor. bob showed us a leader needs a backbone and a funny bone. in his case, neither was in short supply. [laughter] i didn't understand how high bob set the bar until my turn came to follow in his foot steps. bob and i are members of a small rather elite group. we shared a unique role. one with intense demands and awesome responsibilities. that's right. we're the only two americans in history to serve as the first gentlemen of the department of transportation and the department of labor. [ laughter and applause ]

now bob set as towering example in many ways, in not least is the importance of marrying up. he and elizabeth have stood together, served together and encouraged one another with a loving friendship. for elaine and me and as for so many, the doles truly model what it means to be unlimited partners. elizabeth, it's absolutely wonderful to have you here with us today. [applause] bob has built an extraordinary life on the basis of ordinary american values. as a legislator, he showed that principles and pragmatism are not opposites, but compliments.

as a leader, he prized results over rhetoric. above all, from percy jones, army hospital to his favorite senate balcony facing the mall, this soldier, statesman and american hero has never stopped fighting for vulnerable people that have less power and less strength than he does. that, my friends, is the true measure of servant leadership. that is bob dole. bob more than deserves the hahn near we're conferring today. by the way i see it is ours to thank him on behalf of the country that he's loved and served so faithfully for his truly extraordinary service. thank you. [applause]

>> ladies and gentlemen, the speaker of the united states house of representatives, the honorable paul ryan. at this time i would like to invite senator leahy, senator roberts, congress woman jenkins on stage with us to present the congressional gold medal of honor.

[applause] [applause] >> ladies and gentlemen, the honorable bob dole. [applause]

>> mr. president, mr. vice president, mrs. pence and vice president quail is here somewhere. we're honored by your presence and we thank you very much for being here. i want to thank all of those that have said such kind words about me. they're probably not true, but they were nice. [laughter]

mr. speaker, i'm extremely honored to accept this great hon honor. and i thank you for presenting it to me. i also wish to thank all of the speakers who have been up here and said such kind words. and i also want to thank my colleagu colleagues. without them, nothing would have been accomplished. and i also