[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 98 (Monday, June 28, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S5481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD

  Mr. AKAKA. Madam President, I rise to pay tribute to Senator Robert 
C. Byrd, my mentor, supporter, and good friend.
  Senator Byrd was the dean of the Senate, our foremost constitutional 
scholar. No one in the history of our country served longer in 
Congress.
  For more than a half century, Robert C. Byrd kept the Senate in line. 
He always kept a copy of the Constitution in his jacket pocket, close 
to his heart. He was meticulous, a master of the rules of this historic 
institution. Through hard work and dedication, Senator Byrd became an 
institution himself.
  When I joined the Senate 20 years ago, to my great fortune, Senator 
Byrd took me under his wing. He guided me through procedural rules and 
taught me how to preside over the floor. I still have the notes he gave 
me when I was a freshman Senator. He was adamant that the Presiding 
Officer should always be respectful of the speakers, while maintaining 
strict adherence to the rules of the Senate.
  Senator Robert C. Byrd was a patriot who cared for and loved this 
country, the United States of America. He worked hard for the people of 
West Virginia, who showed their support for him election after 
election.
  Senator Robert C. Byrd was a spiritual man. Each week a number of 
Senators got together for a morning prayer breakfast. Senator Byrd was 
a regular participant when he was well. His favorite hymn was ``Old 
Rugged Cross.'' I enjoyed singing it with him many times.
  We shared a love for music and the arts. His fiddle playing was 
legendary.
  He loved his family. He loved his children and grandchildren. He 
loved his dogs. Closest always was his wife Erma who was always by his 
side until her death in 2006. They spent many wonderful years together, 
and now they are together again.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the Byrd family.
  Senator Byrd, we love you and we miss you.
  Thank you very much, Madam President.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Pennsylvania.
  Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in 
morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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