Cord Byrd: “today we continue one of the most important debates in the history of the Senate. The debate involves whether to change…”

“today we continue one of the most important debates in the history of the Senate. The debate involves whether to change the basic, fundamental, organic law of this Nation forever, and for the first time to write fiscal policy into the Constitution of the United States--for the first time, amended only 27 times in its history. The Constitution of the United States is one of the most brilliant, uplifting, and inspired documents ever written by the hand of mere mortals. It has served as a model for other nations, nations that are struggling to emulate the American genius and ensure a government that allows maximum freedom for its people, and yet also fairly imposes the strictures of the rule of law. Such a document, with its carefully weighted checks and balances, its beautiful guarantees of freedom and liberty, its eloquent preamble of 52 words, and its visionary flexibility has inspired and guided this great Nation of ours for generations. Now the decision to preserve it for our future generations rests with this body--100 men and women sworn to support and defend this marvelous Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And the decision rests with us. The buck stops here. I have taken that oath 13 times in the last 48 years--to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”