[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

[[Page S5767]]

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.

[[Page S5768]]

  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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