[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 13 (Monday, February 23, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S816-S817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     MARKING THE SIXTY-SIXTH BIRTHDAY OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, the Senate has been blessed with the 
presence of many fine men and women over the past two centuries. Many 
of the great figures in our country's history played their parts before 
a Senate backdrop. Names such as Daniel Webster, Henry Clay and John C. 
Calhoun leap to mind.
  I should say, incidentally, that I have been unable to find any piece 
of legislation, certainly any major piece of legislation, that carries 
the name of Webster, Clay or Calhoun. They did not achieve their 
greatness by introducing legislation and by seeing it enacted, but they 
spoke to the great issues of the day and spoke with fervor and 
courageously and with great vision.
  But there are speakers, thinkers and leaders in more recent times as 
well, and I think of Robert Taft of Ohio, renowned in his day for his 
integrity and intelligence; I think of Georgia's erudite, gentlemanly 
Richard Russell; and of the wise, capable Mike Mansfield

[[Page S817]]

from Montana. To these names I would like to add, today, one of my most 
esteemed colleagues and best friends in the Senate family--Edward M. 
Kennedy, who, on yesterday, celebrated his 66th birthday.
  Oh, to be 66 again!
  From my perspective, of course, turning 66 places one in the 
springtime of one's life. What is truly remarkable about Senator 
Kennedy is that, despite his relative youth, he ranks third in 
seniority in the Senate. Indeed, having begun his senatorial career at 
the tender age of 30, there is no reason why Senator Kennedy may not 
grace this chamber with his presence for another 35 years (although I 
assure my colleague that, while he may have the upper hand on me in 
years, I am in no rush to relinquish my seniority to him!).
  But Senator Kennedy's career is not adequately measured in years. 
Rather, if we are to fairly and truthfully evaluate the career of the 
senior Senator from Massachusetts, we must reckon with the hard work, 
the legislative skill, and the undiminished idealism that have been the 
hallmarks of his Senate tenure. I shall elaborate on each of these 
points in turn.
  I begin with hard work. For, far from relaxing upon his well-deserved 
laurels, Senator Kennedy continues to put many of his far younger 
colleagues to shame with his willingness to put in long hours. I for 
one have always found it doubly fitting that Senator Kennedy is the 
ranking member (and former Chairman) of the Senate Labor Committee. For 
the Senator is not just a passionate advocate of the causes of working 
men and women; he is also one of the most industrious members of this 
body, and a man whose tireless labor continues to inspire others. 
Senator Kennedy knows well that, as Thomas Edison pointed out several 
generations ago, ``there is no substitute for hard work,'' and his 
success as a legislator owes much to his energy and dedication.
  This brings me to my second point: the remarkable legislative acumen 
of my dear friend from Massachusetts. Senator Kennedy first ran for the 
Senate in 1962 under the slogan ``He can do more for Massachusetts,'' 
and he has certainly more than lived up to those words. Massachusetts 
and the rest of the country owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Kennedy. 
I will not try to recite all of his legislative achievements. Though 
many may consider me an orator of the old school, I have no intention 
of delaying the business of this body for the many hours that such a 
recitation would require. Instead, let me just point out a few of his 
more recent achievements, such as AmeriCorps, the School-to-Work 
Opportunity Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Job Training 
Partnership Act (and subsequent amendments). Few Senators have been as 
successful and as skillful as Senator Kennedy at passing bills. Never 
content simply to endorse the efforts of his colleagues or to introduce 
a bill for the sole purpose of providing fodder for a self-serving 
press release, Senator Kennedy brings to each of his legislative 
endeavors the diligence, savvy, and bipartisanship that have made him a 
great lawmaker.
  Finally, I wish to salute Senator Kennedy's idealism. Throughout his 
career, Senator Kennedy has fought for a simple premise: that our 
society's greatness lies in its ability and willingness to provide for 
its less fortunate members. Whether striving to increase the minimum 
wage, to ensure that all children have medical insurance, or to secure 
open access to higher education, Senator Kennedy has shown time and 
time again that he cares deeply for those whose needs greatly exceed 
their political clout. Unbowed by personal setbacks or by the terrible 
sorrow that has been visited upon his family time and time again, his 
idealism burns forth as resolutely and indefatigably as the torch 
burning over the grave of his brother, President John F. Kennedy.
  And so, Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to wish my good 
friend and beloved colleague, Ted Kennedy, a happy, healthy 66th 
birthday.
  I yield the floor.

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