[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 92 (Thursday, June 26, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S6438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PRAISE FOR SENATOR BYRD

  Mr. TORRICELLI. Madam President, I, too, would like to join in words 
of praise for Senator Byrd. Every Member of this institution knows the 
Senate of the United States has no finer scholar nor better defender of 
the U.S. Constitution than the Senator from West Virginia. I share his 
disappointment in the decision of the Court today that standing does 
not rest with Members of Congress. But, indeed, as Senator Moynihan 
noted, this is not only not a defeat, it is not even a retreat. The 
only two judges who were to consider this matter on its merits have 
reached the inescapable conclusion that by statute the Congress of the 
United States cannot rearrange basic constitutional powers as contained 
in the Constitution itself.
  There will be another day with other parties who will bring this 
matter before the Court on its merits. And on that date, this Court 
will again, as it has on so many occasions, preserve the basic 
structure of the U.S. Government as contained in the Constitution. On 
that day, Senator Byrd will have his victory. It is postponed, it is 
delayed, but it will not be denied.
  I once again offer my congratulations to the Senator from West 
Virginia on what will be his ultimate victory.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. BYRD. Madam President, I thank the Honorable Senator for his 
gracious remarks.

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