Jim Bunning: “today I want to speak on the loss of the great statesman, orator, and author, Senator Robert Byrd. Senator Byrd served…”

“today I want to speak on the loss of the great statesman, orator, and author, Senator Robert Byrd. Senator Byrd served the State of West Virginia and this great Nation in the Senate for over 50 years. It has been an honor to serve and craft legislation with Senator Byrd to protect and promote the values of our two States, which share a common border and economy. He represented his State well. Following my election to the Senate, Senator Byrd offered me valuable advice and direction on the operations and rules of the U.S. Senate. Upon learning of his passing, my wife Mary and I were deeply saddened by the news. Starting from humble beginnings, Senator Byrd was a great example of the virtue of hard work and determination. After losing his mother during the influenza epidemic of 1918, Senator Byrd was sent to live with his aunt and uncle in the coal-mining region of southern West Virginia. With a combination of his strong work ethic and quest for knowledge, Senator Byrd graduated as valedictorian of his high school class. Despite his stellar academic achievements, Senator Byrd was unable to attend college following his high school commencement due to financial constraints. At the age of 19, Senator Byrd married his high school sweetheart and lifetime soulmate Erma Ora James. In an effort to support his growing family, Senator Byrd took jobs, which included working as a gas station attendant and butcher, to put his family first.”