He knows the tax code as thoroughly as the pope knows the Lord's Prayer.
– William Proxmire
I have spent my career trying to get Congressmen to spend the people's money as if it were their own. But I have failed.
– William Proxmire
Move over, $7,000 coffeepots! Stand aside, $400 hammers! We now have the $792 doormat!
– William Proxmire
The biggest danger for a politician is to shake hands with a man who is physically stronger, has been drinking and is voting for the other guy.
– William Proxmire
The last few years have been my happiest. I'm happy in the years that most people are blue and sad and waiting to die. I don't feel that a bit. Smiling has a lot to do with it. You can just lift your spirits by smiling a little bit.
– William Proxmire
The limousine is the ultimate ego trip, the supreme sign of success. It shouts: Hey, this guy is really and truly Mr. Big.
– William Proxmire
The poor taxpayer may wipe his shoes on a $3 doormat when he goes home, but not the Navy. It is, damn the cost, full feet ahead on a doormat you would be ashamed to get muddy.