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.
I think that if he expects to get $20 billion, he ought to make himself available.
When I last had the microphone we talked about the National Guard, and I want to finish my questions along that line.
This is a lot of money. I understand the need to expedite the action, but this does not shield us from the responsibility to ask questions.
I was one of the 23 who voted against giving the President the power, which the Constitution doesn't give him, the power to declare war.
By refusing to pay for this war today and, instead, exacerbating the largest deficit in the Nation's history, President Bush is forcing those young Americans, who are now in kindergarten, to pick up the tab for his war in Iraq.
But still, we are disadvantaging the American people when it comes to handling their money by ramming this huge bill through with only one day of hearings.
I urge you to make provision to call outside witnesses so that the committee will have more than just the administration line.
We should have taken a little longer there. The inspectors were on the ground.