[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 74 (Monday, June 12, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1123-E1124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING ROBERT C. BYRD'S 17,327TH DAY OF SERVICE IN THE UNITED 
                             STATES SENATE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 12, 2006

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, what do you get when you multiply the power 
of the beacon by the strength of a workhorse by the steadiness of an 
anchor: Robert C. Byrd? We can celebrate his length of service today 
but we will always prosper more from his daily leadership for West 
Virginia over these past years.
  We celebrate that definition of Senator Byrd, today as he becomes the 
longest serving Senator in the history of the Republic.
  Today, June 12, 2006, marks a record 17,327th day Robert C. Byrd has 
served in the United States Senate. While we desire to mark this 
milestone and unrivaled achievement with celebration, I suspect the 
senior Senator from West Virginia will spend this day as he has every 
day for the past 48 years--by going to work to improve and enrich the 
lives of the people of West Virginia and ardently defending the 
Constitution of the United States.
  In total, Senator Byrd has served this Nation nearly 54 years in the 
U.S. Capitol. Senator Byrd served three terms in this body before being 
elected to the Senate. Here on the House side, in Statuary Hall the old 
House Chamber, overlooking all, stands sentinel, Clio, the Muse of 
History, in a winged chariot, a symbol of the passing of time. There to 
witness and record the history of the Republic for future generations.
  Time does tell all, Mr. Speaker. That is why today is so significant. 
Time trumpets talent, but talent ultimately triumphs over time. Senator 
Byrd's time here is a direct measurement of his talent, witnessed by 
the wisdom of the people of West Virginia who have returned him to 
serve again time after time. Democracies breed talent. The time of 
tenure validates talent.
  I send words of congratulations and comfort to my Senator on this 
day, as I know it marks above all the birthday of his lovely and 
beloved Erma, who recently left us to rest eternally with our Lord in 
Heaven.
  It remains one of my life's great privileges to serve with a man I 
consider a mentor and friend. I have never seen a greater example of a 
public servant and I have attempted to emulate my service after his.
  Senator Byrd has been an architect of advancement for our state; the 
influence of his steady leadership over the past five decades can be 
seen from the hills to the valleys, from our towns and villages to our 
cities.
  And it is with great excitement that I look forward to the continued 
service of West Virginia's senior Senator. For that is the brilliance 
of Robert C. Byrd--always with his stern gaze firmly fixed on the 
future, a better, more prosperous, more secure future for West Virginia 
and all America.
  As a beacon you will continue to shine your light of advancement and 
progress across our entire State and Nation; as a workhorse you will 
continue to spend each day of your service dedicated to providing your 
people opportunities for prosperity; as an anchor you will continue to 
steady our land while giving generations of West Virginians and 
Americans hope, faith, and prosperity.

[[Page E1124]]

  To my friend, I congratulate you on all you have achieved for your 
beloved West Virginia and all that you will achieve in the future for 
our Nation.
    

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