Robert Byrd: “Makes the majority leader and the majority party the subject of the minority, subject to the control and the will of the…”

Senator Robert Byrd, the expert extraordinary on the Senate, spent weeks on end trying to figure out a way that you could assure the passage of bills that pertained to the budget and not destroy the filibuster rule.

Bob, I will never know the rules as well as you do. I will make a deal with you. I will not surprise you if you will not surprise me.

I respectfully exercise my Fifth Amendment right and decline to answer.

I have said that, as long as the Senate retains the power to amend and the power of unlimited debate, the liberties of the people will remain secure.