[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E94-E95]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  INTRODUCTION OF SEN. ROBERT C. BYRD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT E. WISE, JR.

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 1998

  Mr. WISE. Mr. Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to be at an 
event with Congressman Nick Rahall and Senator Robert C. Byrd in 
Beckley, West Virginia. That day Congressman Rahall gave a wonderful 
introduction of Senator Byrd. I would like to submit a copy of his 
remarks for the Record.

 Remarks of U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, Introduction of U.S. Senator Robert 
     C. Byrd, College of West Virginia Library, November 22, 1997.

       Thank you, Dr. Polk.
       ``I cannot live without books.'' Declared Thomas Jefferson 
     at age 72.

[[Page E95]]

       As we dedicate this state of the art learning resource 
     center today, we should reflect that books and Beckley and 
     Senator Byrd share a rich history.
       John Beckley, our Town's namesake was the first Librarian 
     of Congress, appointed by Jefferson.
       The library of Congress houses perhaps the greatest 
     collection of human knowledge ever assembled--with one 
     glaring exception.
       The greatest collection of knowledge on the United States 
     Senate rests here with us today in the form of our state's 
     senior senator, our esteemed guest, The Honorable Robert C. 
     Byrd.
       I do believe Senator Byrd would agree with Jefferson that 
     life without books makes living difficult, but Senator Byrd 
     would go a step further.
       You see when Senator Byrd studies history, he studies not 
     for leisure, though it is a passion with him, he studies for 
     the future of our Country, and of our State of West Virginia.
       As has been said a good book is one ``which is opened with 
     expectation, and closed with profit.''
       America and West Virginia have greatly profited by the 
     books read by Senator Byrd.
       President Polk, Senator Byrd is probably the best student 
     you ever had because he still thirsts for knowledge. 
     Knowledge not for knowledge sake, but knowledge put to work 
     for the people.
       I would like to cite one example.
       Senator Byrd addressed his colleagues starting on May 5, 
     1993, in 14 addresses on the pitfalls, the hazards, the 
     constitutional danger and the sheer stupidity of a line-item-
     veto concept.
       He drew heavily from the lessons of the Roman Senate, 
     applied them to the constitutional system we have benefited 
     from for over two hundred years, and showed them for what 
     they are. If I may Senator Byrd put it best, I quote:
       ``The Budget medicine men have once again begun their 
     annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Line-Item Veto, to 
     worship at the altar of fools' gold, quack remedies . . .  
     and other graven images--which if adopted would give rise to 
     unwarranted expectations and possibly raise serious 
     constitutional questions involving separation of powers, 
     checks and balances, and control of the national purse.''
       But his voice of principle rose above and went right over 
     the heads of the petty politics of the day and a concocted 
     line item veto was passed by the Congress. Senator Byrd has 
     said teaching the Constitution to his colleagues is like 
     reading the Bible to a herd of buffalo.
       When the majorities in the Congress handed the President 
     the power of the line item veto, guess what? He used it.
       The first time he used it, the cry went up from the 
     Congress, even from those who had voted to give away their 
     power.
       Do you know what the same Congress that had given the 
     President the power of the veto, that same Congress over rode 
     his vetoes--all of them--in the first bill he vetoed.
       I share this example with you to say, Robert C. Byrd was in 
     this case, one man armed with truth who made a majority.
       When Senator Byrd is able to provide federal funding for a 
     resource center such as this, he builds with more than bricks 
     and mortar--he builds with minds and character for those who 
     will use and grow within these walls and those connected to 
     this center through cyberspace.
       Today is not an end, it is a beginning, a new dawn. It is a 
     culmination of the efforts of the tireless worker, a man who 
     believes in West Virginia and in its people.
       Builder of highways, mover of mountains, job creator, 
     student, scholar, teacher--a man whom we respect, we know, we 
     love and we thank.
       It has been said, a teacher affects eternity, he never 
     knows where his influence will end.
       It is indeed my great privilege, my high honor to introduce 
     you to our friend, our neighbor, our senior Senator, whose 
     influence will never end.

     

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