Cord Byrd: “that completes my remarks for today. I thank the Chair for his patience. In this instance, I refer to ``the Chair.'' I…”

“that completes my remarks for today. I thank the Chair for his patience. In this instance, I refer to ``the Chair.'' I thank the Chair for his patience. The present occupant is a fine Senator. He pays attention. He does not sit up at the desk and read newspapers or sign his mail. There used to be a phone at that desk. And Senators who presided would use that telephone. When I became majority leader, I had the telephone removed because I thought that a Presiding Officer should pay attention to what was going on on the floor. I always say to new Senators: Pay attention while presiding. Don't sign your mail while presiding. If you feel you have to sign mail in the chair, tell the leadership that you have business to take care of in your office. Let someone else preside. There are a few Senators who have listened to me and who carry that admonition with them. Pat Roberts is one such Senator. He sits up there and is very alert. He never signs his mail while presiding. He never reads a magazine or a newspaper. He is alert, and he watches the Senate proceedings. Why shouldn't he? This is the premier upper house in the world today, and it should set the example for members of the state legislatures. I was once a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. I was once a member of the West Virginia Senate. I like to believe that when legislators throughout the 50 States of this country look at the Presiding Officer of the U.S.…”