[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 75 (Tuesday, June 13, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5765-S5769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO SENATOR ROBERT BYRD
Mr. REED. Mr. President, on Monday, Senator Robert Byrd of West
Virginia reached an extraordinary milestone: 17,327 days in the United
States Senate, almost 48 years. He has cast over 17,000 rollcall votes.
His congressional career has spanned the tenure of 10 Presidents,
beginning with President Dwight David Eisenhower. In West Virginia, he
has run 14 times and never lost.
He has served for over 60 years in both the House and the Senate and
other public service. This year he is running for his unprecedented
ninth term as a United States Senator from West Virginia. Suffice it to
say, he is the longest serving Senator in the history of West Virginia,
as he is in the history of the United States. He is the only person in
West Virginia to carry every county in the State, all 55. He has run
unopposed for the Senate because of the regard, the respect, and,
indeed, the affection of the people of West Virginia.
He is 88 years old. He is not slowing down, he has never slowed down,
and he will keep it up. As a Member of the Senate, he has been a
leader--Democratic whip, majority and minority leader, chairman of the
Appropriations Committee, and President pro tempore of the Senate on
two occasions.
In everything he has done, he has been a champion of the Constitution
and the people of West Virginia. He secured billions of dollars in
funding for his home State, and he has been a leader on mine safety and
other issues that are so closely tied to his constituents.
In May 2001, Senator Byrd was given the award that everyone
recognizes is his due. Gov. Bob Wise and both houses of the West
Virginia General Assembly named him ``West Virginian of the 20th
Century,'' and he is striving now for the 21st century.
He is an individual who is a self-made man, starting off in war
industries in a shipyard, and earning his law degree cum laude from
American University while a Member of the United States Congress. He is
also someone who recognizes the need for education of others. He
created the Robert C. Byrd National Honors Scholarship. This
scholarship provides opportunities for young Americans to pursue
education as he has pursued his education.
He is a historian--a historian of this Senate and the Roman Senate.
In fact, his 3,000-page ``History of the United States Senate'' is the
premier history of this August body. He is a defender, a supporter,
and, in some cases, the living embodiment of the United States
Constitution. He carries it with him everywhere and every time. He is
someone who not only talks about the Constitution, but on the floor of
this Senate and in this country defends it each day.
He is an individual of great prominence. He is an individual of great
humanity.
There is only one fact, I think, that is dimming this very special
occasion for the Senator, and that is, it is not being shared by his
beloved wife Erma Ora Byrd. But she is looking on this day with the
same satisfaction, the same sense of accomplishment.
It is only fitting to close with a quote from Senator Byrd because I
can in no way match his oratorical skills. In September 1998, he
addressed the history of the Senate and he said:
Clio being my favorite muse, let me begin this evening with
a look backward over the well-traveled roads of history.
History always turns our faces backward, and this is as it
should be, so that we might be better informed and prepare to
exercise wisdom in dealing with future events.
His grasp of the past has given him a wise and insightful view of the
future. He has always encouraged us to learn our history and then
practice our history to shape the future of this country in this Hall
of the Senate.
He has stood tall on so many occasions, but most notably I think was
in October 2002. With an iron will and articulate voice, he questioned
the policy of this Government as we entered this fight in Iraq.
History, I think, will record his wisdom, his decency, and his
contribution to the country. Although I am a day late, I hope I am not
a dollar short.
Congratulations to Senator Byrd on his model accomplishment.
Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, I join our colleagues in the
accolades and commendation for our colleague, the senior Senator from
West Virginia. I believe there is no other Senator who commands the
respect and the admiration and the love of fellow Senators as does
Senator Byrd.
My first encounter with Senator Byrd, I will never forget. Right over
there at that desk, 5\1/2\ years ago, I rose to make my maiden speech
in the Senate. In the course of that speech to a fairly empty Chamber
of the Senate, I happened to mention that it was my maiden speech. In a
few moments, suddenly the doors of the Senate flung open and in strode
Senator Byrd. He sat down at his desk and listened very politely and
patiently as I continued my first oration in this tremendous, most
deliberative body. As I finished, Senator Byrd stood and said, ``Would
the Senator from Florida yield?'' I said, of course, ``I yield to the
distinguished Senator from West Virginia.'' He proceeded to give a
history of the Senate about maiden speeches. He told how, in the old
days, when word would get out that a new Senator was going to give his
first speech, all of the other Senators would gather around because
they wanted to hear what the new Senator was saying. Of course, you can
imagine what an impression this made on this new Senator 5\1/2\ years
ago by not only the conscience of the Senate but the historian of the
Senate, the keeper of the rules of the Senate, the distinguished
Senator from West Virginia. And, of course, he passed a milestone
yesterday. All of us are proud for him, and we are exceptionally proud
for this institution, that it would have a Senator such as the
distinguished senior Senator from West Virginia.
I want the Senate to know that this Senator is very privileged that
he has had the opportunity not only to call him a friend and colleague
but that this Senator has had the opportunity to sit at his knee and
try to soak up the wisdom of the years, the exceptional historical
knowledge of this institution and the extraordinary knowledge of
history of planet Earth that the Senator brings to this Chamber.
Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise to talk about a significant
event that took place yesterday in the U.S. Senate, and that is the
fact that we have now a new longest serving U.S. Senator in the history
of our country. Senator Byrd nears the end of his eighth term here in
the Senate but holding more than just another significant record. His
contribution to our country has been almost beyond compare. He already
holds Senate records for the most leadership positions held and for the
most rollcall votes cast, over 17,600 and still counting.
Starting in 1946, Senator Byrd has run in 14 elections for the West
Virginia House of Delegates, the State Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the U.S. Senate. He inspires the envy of all of us
because he has won all of these races, and I have no doubt that voters
in West Virginia will reelect him to a ninth Senate term this fall.
That is going to enable him in December of 2009 to pass the record that
Carl Hayden has as the longest serving Member of Congress in United
States history. But Bob Byrd is not here
[[Page S5766]]
merely to set and break records. He is here to serve the people of West
Virginia and all Americans, and he has done so admirably.
Senator Byrd is a testament to the values of hard work and
perseverance. Almost from the start, he has had a hard life, but he has
triumphed. His mother died from the 1918 flu pandemic, when Senator
Byrd was just an infant. His aunt and uncle raised him in the
hardscrabble coalfields of West Virginia during the Great Depression.
He was the valedictorian of his high school class, but he couldn't
afford to go to college. After high school, Senator Byrd went to work.
He pumped gas, sold produce, became a meat cutter and welder. During
World War II, he helped to build Liberty and Victory ships in the
Baltimore and Tampa shipyards.
Following the war, he began his career as an elected official,
winning a seat in the House of Delegates in West Virginia. In 1952, he
was elected to the first of three terms in the U.S. House of
Representatives. In 1958, he was elected to the U.S. Senate. In his
races since then, he has carried all 55 of West Virginia's counties. In
the year 2000, he won all but seven of West Virginia's 1,970 precincts.
What a record. It is hard to find one that compares in any way to the
allegiance that he has had from the constituents in West Virginia who
not only send him back here but love him as their representative at the
same time.
It just wasn't winning elections. Senator Byrd could have rested on
his laurels, but that is not his style. His life and career have been a
relentless pursuit of self-improvement. In 1963, after 10 years of
taking classes at night, Senator Byrd earned his law degree cum laude
from American University. He didn't have to do that because he wasn't
going to become a lawyer, but he thought it would make him a better
person and a better Senator.
Senator Byrd is a great example to all of us, but he is especially
interesting for America's young people for three reasons. First, he is
truly a self-made man. Nothing has been handed to him. He has earned it
all. He knows what it is like to be poor, and he knows what it is like
to do hard manual labor. That is why he has always been the working
man's champion.
Second, he is always striving to learn more and do more. No other
Senator can match his extensive knowledge on so many subjects or can
recite so many passages from the Bible or from Roman history or from
Shakespeare and other playwrights and poets. Senator Byrd isn't content
merely to memorize what others have written. He literally wrote the
book on the history of the U.S. Senate. No one can match his knowledge
of Senate rules, precedents, and parliamentary procedure.
Finally, Senator Byrd is a shining example to all of us because of
his steadfast commitment to principle, especially with regard to the
role of a U.S. Senator. He has never wavered in his defense of our
institution. All Americans are deeply indebted to him for that
dedication and loyalty. At a time when the current administration is
intent on usurping powers that the Founding Fathers reserved for
Congress, we need Senator Byrd more than ever, his reminders to all of
us about what is appropriate in terms of obeying the rules and the
procedures we have adopted, but more importantly, the honor that this
institution has developed over more than 200 years.
Senator Byrd has demonstrated that fearlessly standing on principle,
even when it is unpopular, is the key to a successful political career
and in life generally. His concern for his State and his constituents,
and his ability to deliver for them, are legendary. But above all,
Senator Byrd has stood up for the Constitution. He is what we refer to
as a Senator's Senator. We are truly fortunate to have him here, and we
are truly privileged to serve with him. He is also a wonderful
colleague. He never forgets a birthday or other important occasion,
never fails to remind us of the beauty of the seasons.
Yesterday his service here in the Senate reached 17,327 days, a
record for which he can be appropriately proud. I know that day was
bittersweet because it also marked the birthday of his beloved wife,
Erma Ora James, his high school sweetheart, and a coal miner's
daughter. We were all so sad when Erma passed away this past March,
just 2 months shy of their 69th wedding anniversary. Their love for
each other, their respect for each other, was an inspiration to every
one of us.
Senator Byrd's record-setting day yesterday was tinged with some
sorrow and reflection, but I hope he can take comfort in knowing that
so many people here in the Senate and all across America hold him in
such high regard.
I would like to borrow a page from Senator Byrd by quoting
Shakespeare, who in ``Twelfth Night'' wrote:
Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have
greatness thrust upon them.
Senator Byrd has achieved greatness in the U.S. Senate. He achieved
it through his tireless service to the people of West Virginia and his
fearless defense of the Constitution of the United States of America.
The Senate and the Nation are far better for his efforts. We wish him
well, a continued ability to serve, and look forward to hearing from
him when he talks about subjects that are so familiar to him and yet
are so far removed from the typical daily thought that we run into.
Senator Byrd, when I first came here, invited me into his office. He
delivered a treatise on the former rulers of Great Britain, the Kings
of England. From memory, he recalled the length of their term, how they
died, who succeeded each and every one of them. I sat there feeling
like I was back in the university or even earlier than that, because he
had this incredible and has this incredible memory of so many things,
and he can relate them wonderfully.
I come out of the computer business. Until I got here and got to know
Bob Byrd, I didn't realize that there is someone who has the knowledge,
the database, the information that is very difficult to find in other
than very large capacity computers.
Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I do want to talk for a minute about
Senator Byrd and recognize he has set a record in the Senate, as many
of my colleagues have noted on the floor.
He marked his 17,327th day in office yesterday and became the longest
serving Senator in history. That is truly a remarkable accomplishment,
and I personally have many fond memories of working with Senator Byrd
and look forward to many more.
I remember well when I came here as a freshman Senator 13\1/2\ years
ago. Senator Byrd at the time brought in all of us freshmen Senators to
sit across from him in his very important office and looked down at us
and told us that we would be presiding, as is the Presiding Officer
today, and told us about our responsibilities and made it very clear he
would be watching from his office, and if we were reading any other
material or talking to anyone it would be noted.
I certainly did remember that during the many hours I spent in the
Presiding Officer's chair because I knew he was watching. But I think
it was a simple reminder to all of us as to the importance of the
office we hold here and the respect we have to have for our colleagues.
I remember as well that he invited me to lunch several months later
with the Senator from Oregon, Mr. Hatfield, a Republican, to sit down
and talk with me about the responsibilities I had as a Senator. And I
was so impressed sitting in the room with Senator Byrd and Senator
Hatfield, never in my life expecting to have that kind of opportunity.
And at that meeting they impressed upon me the importance of working
across the aisle and respect for the minority and how important
everybody's voice is here. It was an important lesson and one I think
we all should be reminded of more often.
But just that simple act of inviting me to lunch with two incredible
leaders in the Senate is a memory I hold dear, and I thank my colleague
for doing that.
But, frankly, I think what I most will remember Senator Byrd for--and
is a good reminder to all of us, too--is several years ago when my
husband came out here to Washington, DC--he lives in Washington State.
I go home every weekend. But he came out here because it was our
wedding anniversary, and instead of me having to fly home, he flew out
here. He was coming up the steps of the Capitol, and I met him as
Senator Byrd was walking out to his car.
Senator Byrd saw my husband, and he said: Welcome. Nice to have you
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here at this end of the country. What brings you here?
And my husband said: Well, it is our wedding anniversary.
And Senator Byrd, who, as we well know, lost his beloved wife just a
few short weeks ago, was about to celebrate I think it was his 67th
wedding anniversary. He looked at my husband and said: Which
anniversary is this?
And my husband said: It is our 32nd.
Senator Byrd paused and said: Well, it is a good start.
I think the message of that is important for all of us in our
everyday lives, in our responsibilities as spouses, and as Senators, to
remember it is a good start every day, and you can't rest on your
laurels and think back: Well, we have done this for 32 years. The next
32 will be easy. Every day you have to come out and work hard at
whatever role you are in at the time.
I certainly say to my good friend, Senator Byrd, how much I respect
him and admire him. And today, as he marks his 17,328th day in office,
I say to him: It is a good start.
Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Senator Byrd, a man
I am honored to call colleague and friend.
Senator Byrd is a hero and a patriot--as noble and eloquent as the
great Senators--from Cicero to Richard B. Russell--of whom he has
taught us all so much. He is a living example of the great opportunity
in America. He is a living tribute to the preeminence of our
constitutional democracy.
Senator Byrd lives to serve the people of West Virginia who sent him
here, just as he would die to protect the Constitution that guides his
every step. It is his duty and joy to use his prodigious legislative
skill for West Virginia, and it is West Virginians' great fortune to be
represented by a man who knows and does his job so well.
Several years ago, Senator Byrd turned one of my worst days in the
Senate into one of my best. It was the end of session, late in the
evening, and I had lost a fierce battle over dairy policy. Most
Senators were wandering out to make their planes, and Senator Byrd
stood up. In ringing tones, he made a short speech about the battle I
just lost. In part, he said: ``He has stood up for the people of
Wisconsin. That is what I like about him. He stands for principle. He
stands for his people.''
No kinder words have been spoken about me in this Chamber--no
accolade of which I am more proud. Senator Byrd, you too stand for
principle. You stand for your people. And that's what I like about you.
I am not an orator like Senator Byrd, and I certainly don't have the
words to say what his friendship has meant to me and what his
stewardship has meant to this country. Let me instead borrow the words
of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a poet Senator Byrd quotes often here on
the floor and often from memory. I'm sure he knows this one, too:
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time
Senator Byrd is a great man. His dedication to duty, his love of
country, and his devotion to his family are examples to us all. He
leaves footprints in the very soil of this Nation that have and will
continue to shape--for the better--who we are. I am grateful for his
friendship and honored to serve with him.
Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise to add my voice to the chorus of
praise for an extraordinary member of this institution--my dear friend
from West Virginia, Senator Robert Byrd.
What a pleasure it has been to serve with Senator Byrd.
I am constantly inspired by his grace--his brilliance--and his
unmatched work ethic.
Today we honor Senator Byrd for reaching the milestone of longest-
serving Senator in history--8 terms--48 years--and 17,666 votes.
These are stunning numbers, but this legend is much more than the Cal
Ripken, Jr., of the Senate.
Longevity is only part of the story. We know him best for his
intellect, his devotion to the people of West Virginia, and his
reverence for the institution of the Senate; for keeping a copy of the
Constitution in his breast pocket--next to his heart--at all times, not
for symbolism but for constant counsel, for having served beside 11
Presidents--both Democrat and Republican; for standing with them when
their cause is just--yet never backing down from a fight with any
President when he believes important principles are at stake,
particularly when our role as a coequal branch of government is
threatened.
And that is what I admire most about Senator Byrd: He always stands
on principle and fights for what he believes, no matter what the odds.
What an inspiration this has been to me and to so many of us.
What an inspiration--his love of this country, his integrity, his
absolute dedication to honest and principled government.
And what an inspiration--his 68-year partnership with his wife Erma--
whom I know he misses dearly--and whom I know is looking down on him
today with tremendous pride and love.
And it is for these reasons--far more than for his longevity--that we
honor him today.
But anyone who knows Senator Byrd realizes that these words of praise
are not sought because, despite his well-earned title of Senate
Historian--Senator Byrd is not one to dwell on the past. He is a
forward thinker.
For him, this special day is really just another day at the office.
Because as Robert Byrd knows best of all--there are crucial issues to
debate. Problems to solve. And many more votes to be cast.
Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, I rise today to honor my friend and
colleague Robert Byrd, who yesterday officially became the longest
serving Member in the history of the Senate.
As of June 12, 2006, Senator Byrd had officially served West Virginia
in the Senate for 17,327 days. That is an astounding 47\1/2\ years
since he took office on January 3, 1959. It was a time when a postage
stamp cost $0.04, gasoline was $0.25 per gallon, and you could buy a
brand new Ford car for a little over $2,100.
Senator Byrd has served through 10 Presidencies, statehood for Alaska
and Hawaii, wartime and peacetime, surplus and deficit, the dawn of
space travel and the advent of the Information Age. And, as I stand
here today, I have to chuckle at the fact that when I was just
beginning the first grade, Senator Byrd was already serving his second
term in the Senate.
However, the indelible mark he has left on this institution has more
to do with the quality of his service than the length of his service.
Senator Byrd has a deep love for his beloved home state of West
Virginia, for the institution of the U.S. Senate, and for our country.
Always ready with a copy of the Constitution in his pocket, Senator
Byrd understands just how sacred this document truly is, and he fights
every day to protect it.
He literally wrote the book on the rules and traditions of the
Senate, and he teaches by example, offering the kind of eloquent,
principled debate that has historically filled this Chamber. His
speeches are honest and heartfelt, with a Shakespearean rhythm,
peppered with stories from his boyhood in the coalfields of Appalachia.
He is never shy about scolding colleagues when they put politics before
principles or when they violate the practices of this great
institution.
And yet he also exemplifies the cordial tradition of the Senate,
disagreeing without being disagreeable, and always willing to offer a
handshake to a political opponent at the end of hard-fought debate. He
is a man of integrity, who has demonstrated that an honest search for
truth can lead to a principled change of heart and a desire to seek
justice for all.
I know this remarkable accomplishment is a bittersweet one, since
Senator Byrd is not able to share it with his beloved wife Erma, who
passed away in March. Yesterday, the day on which Senator Byrd set this
record, was also Erma's birthday. It is fitting that he marks this
milestone on the same day he celebrates Erma's life, because he has
often credited Erma's unconditional love and support with sustaining
him through his years of service.
When asked last week about achieving this milestone, Senator Byrd
replied that ``records are fine, but what's important is what I do for
the people of West Virginia.'' That humble devotion to the people he
serves is what brought Robert Byrd to the Senate more than 47 years
ago, and it is what continues to drive him each and every day.
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After I was sworn in last January, one of the first Senators I met
with was Senator Byrd. We sat down in his hideaway on the first floor
of the Capitol. After we posed for a few photographs, I inquired after
his wife, who I had heard had taken a turn for the worse, and asked
about some of the figures in the many photos that lined the walls.
Eventually I asked him what advice he would give me as a new member of
the Senate.
``Learn the rules,'' Senator Byrd said. ``Not just the rules but the
precedents as well.'' He pointed to a series of thick binders behind
him, each one affixed with a hand-written label. ``Not many people
bother to learn them these days. Everything is so rushed, so many
demands on a Senator's time. But these rules unlock the power of the
Senate. They're the keys to the kingdom.''
We spoke about the Senate's past, the Presidents he had known, the
bills he had managed. He told me too many Senators today became quickly
fixated on reaching the White House, not understanding that in the
constitutional design it was the Senate that was supreme, the heart and
soul of the Republic.
``So few people read the Constitution today,'' Senator Byrd said,
pulling out a pocket copy from his breast pocket. ``I've always said
this document and the Holy Bible, they've been all the guidance I
need.''
On many occasions over the past year and a half, I have remembered
these wise words as I have performed my duties in the Senate.
I am proud to call Robert Byrd a colleague, a friend, and a mentor. I
congratulate him on this remarkable achievement and wish him all the
best for many more years of service to our country.
Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to my friend and
colleague, Senator Robert C. Byrd, who today, on his 17,327th day in
office, becomes longest serving Member of the Senate.
As I thought about Senator Byrd's remarkable career, I wondered: What
can I say that would properly honor his long labors in service to this
Senate and this Nation?
I decided to look back in history, the history that Senator Byrd has
quoted time and again, and seek the advice of other Senators known for
their oratory. And while many great speakers have blessed the United
States Senate over its history, including Senator Byrd, I found wisdom
in the advice of the great Roman Senator and orator, Cato the Elder.
He said: ``Rem tene; verba sequentur.'' (rem TEN-ay WHEREba
seKENtoor)--``Grasp the subject, the words will follow.''
So I sat back and thought about Senator Byrd, both over his long
career that I have read about, and the 18 years I have been privileged
to work with him as a colleague.
A lot of thoughts came to mind.
Warm. Courteous. Kind.
Hardworking. Humble. Humorous.
Both well read and an accomplished author well worth reading.
But none of these were quite right. I still hadn't grasped the
subject.
Then an image hit me, the image of Senator Byrd reaching into his
coat pocket for that copy of the Constitution he always keeps by his
heart.
That was it. I knew I had grasped my subject.
Time after time, Senator Byrd has taken this floor to remind us we
have duties beyond our parties, beyond our passions, beyond our
personal philosophies.
Our overwhelming duty is to our Nation's Constitution and the unique
responsibilities it assigns each House of the legislative branch.
In particular, Senator Byrd constantly reminds us that our duty as
Senators is to be the more deliberative of the two legislative bodies
as the Framers envisioned this Chamber to be. Federalist No. 62 says
the Senate should be a body that does not ``yield to the impulse of
sudden and violent passions'' or be ``seduced into pernicious
resolutions.''
So I thought about the history of this Senate. And I would like to
reflect on the very first Senator, William Maclay of Pennsylvania,
because his spirit is alive today in Senator Byrd. Senator Maclay
became known among his colleagues as a stickler for following the
Constitution, which sometimes put him at odds with those same
colleagues. He also kept a meticulous diary of the proceedings of that
first Senate.
One of the earliest debates in the first Senate was over what to call
George Washington. It is hard to imagine now, but there were many back
then who thought that ``President of the United States'' was not a
fitting title, that something grander was needed.
A Title Committee was appointed in the Senate to consider titles such
as, Your Elective Highness, and His Highness, the President of the
United States and Protector of the Rights of the Same.
And those were some of the more modest proposals. The Senate also
thought about giving special, nobility-style titles to members of the
executive branch.
Senator Maclay found this absurd and in violation of the
Constitution. He waited for someone else to speak out. But when no one
else did, the very first Senator of the very first Senate rose and
said:
``Mr. President, the Constitution of the United States has designated
our chief magistrate by the appellation of President of the United
States of America. This is his title of office. We cannot alter, add
to, or diminish it without infringing on the Constitution. As to grades
of order or nobility, nothing of the kind can be established by
Congress.''
In his diary, Maclay was even more biting about attempts to establish
lofty titles because he thought they violated both the letter and the
spirit of the Constitution.
He wrote:
``Never will I consent to straining the Constitution, nor will I
consent to the exercise of doubtful power. We come here the servants,
not the lords, of our constituents.''
Now does that sound like anybody we know?
Looking toward the future, Senator Maclay went on to write:
``The new government, instead of being a powerful machine whose
authority would support any measure, needs help . . . and must be
supported by the ablest names and most shining characters which we can
select.''
I believe everyone here agrees that Senator Byrd embodies the
``shining character'' and dedication to the Constitution that the first
Senator of the first Senate thought would be crucial to the new
Nation's success.
I also believe Senator Byrd has done so by following the advice of
that ancient Roman Senator who he has quoted so often, Cato the Elder.
Senator Byrd has truly grasped his subject--the Constitution--and the
words have followed for nearly half a century.
I hope his words will continue to enlighten this Senate and this
Nation for years to come.
Senator Byrd, thank you.
Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, the Book of Proverbs says: ``The silver-
haired head is a crown of glory.''
Today, the crown of glory rests upon the silver-haired head of our
dear friend and colleague, Robert C. Byrd. For yesterday, he became the
longest-serving Senator in the history of the Senate.
Senator Byrd has served in the Senate since January 3, 1959. That is
longer than there have been 50 States in the Union. That was before
Charles de Gaulle was President of France. That was before NASA had
astronauts.
Senator Byrd has served as Senator during the terms of 10 Presidents,
9 majority leaders, and 8 Speakers of the House of Representatives.
For 12 years, Senator Byrd served as the leader of Senate Democrats.
He served as majority leader, minority leader, and then majority leader
again.
Senator Byrd has served as the Senate's historian, elder statesman,
and conscience.
Senator Byrd has zealously defended the power of the purse. Senator
Byrd has zealously defended the Senate. And Senator Byrd has zealously
defended the Constitution of the United States.
But notwithstanding his having held the high rank of Senator for
longer than any human being, Senator Byrd has never forgotten whence he
came.
Senator Robert C. Byrd grew up in the bituminous coalfields of West
Virginia, graduated from high school class in the depths of the Great
Depression, and worked pumping gas, selling
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produce, cutting meat, and welding ships. Even though Senator Byrd
reached the zenith of power, Senator Byrd has always remained a man of
the people.
Senator Robert C. Byrd is an assiduous pursuer of knowledge, a
tenacious friend, and a man of deep, abiding faith.
Now Senator Byrd surpasses in length of service the likes of Strom
Thurmond, Carl Hayden, John Stennis, Russell Long, and Richard Russell.
And now Senator Byrd stands in quality of service with the likes of
Daniel Webster, John Calhoun, Henry Clay, Robert La Follette, and
Robert Wagner.
I thank almighty God that for more than 47 years, Americans have been
able to call him ``Senator.'' I thank God that for more than 27 of
those years, I have been blessed to serve here with him. And I thank
God that for more than 27 years, I have been blessed to call him
``friend.''
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