Robert C. Byrd

The Public Record

Robert C. Byrd was a prominent Democratic politician who served as a U.S. Senator from West Virginia from 1959 until his death in 2010. He was known for his long tenure in the Senate, where he held various leadership positions, including Senate Majority Leader. Byrd was a strong advocate for the interests of his state, focusing on issues such as healthcare, defense, and infrastructure. His legislative efforts included promoting efficiency in defense acquisitions and improving health benefits for servicemembers through programs like TRICARE. Byrd's influence extended beyond West Virginia, as he played a significant role in shaping national policy during his time in office.

Quotes by year · 2002–2007335 total · peak 2003 (243)

Jun 2, 2004

The amendment that you and Senator Warner are proposing on this $25 billion request is a vast improvement, and I thank you, a vast improvement over the outrageous power and money grab that the President sought in his original request to…

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Jun 2, 2004

I commend you, Mr. Chairman, for the steps you've taken to impose accountability on the Defense Department and to provide the means for Congress to exercise some oversight of how this money is spent.

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Mar 25, 2004

Thank you for coming before this committee today.

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Mar 1, 2004

It is the sense of the Senate that... any request for funds for a fiscal year for an ongoing overseas military operation... should be included in the annual budget.

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Mar 1, 2004

Well, do we have an exit strategy?

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Mar 1, 2004

General Myers, earlier you stated that there is no way that we can militarily win or lose in Iraq.

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Mar 1, 2004

Mr. Secretary, do you have any concern that once you lift the stop-loss order, you will see a mass exodus of experienced troops?

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Mar 1, 2004

So how many troops are currently affected by the stop-loss order?

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Mar 1, 2004

And when would you expect to lift the stop-loss order?

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Mar 1, 2004

Well, I'm sure that Congress would want to be sure that there's some limitations on these monies and that this will not be a slush fund.

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Mar 1, 2004

What assurances do we have that these funds will be limited to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan only, and not be diverted into some kind of dual-use activities that could be used to prepare for another war?

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Mar 1, 2004

The way you are operating, it is not credible. It is not credible at all. What is the magic about January?

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