Cord Byrd: “in my multivolume history of the Senate, I noted that the Senate is ``the anchor of our republic.'' It is, I wrote…”

“in my multivolume history of the Senate, I noted that the Senate is ``the anchor of our republic.'' It is, I wrote, ``the morning and evening star in the American constitutional constellation.'' Today, I recall those words because I am even more convinced that the Senate still stands as the great forum of constitutional American liberty. For five decades--that is a pretty long time--I have seen this Senate weather the storms of adversity, withstand the barbs of cynics and the attacks of critics as it provided continuous stability and strength to our great country during periods of strife and uncertainty. The Senate has served our country so well because great and courageous Senators have always been willing to stay the course through the continuum and to keep the faith. The Senate will continue to do so as long as there are Members of the Senate who understand the Senate's constitutional role and who zealously guard the Senate's powers. It has been said that this institution--meaning the Senate--has a life of its own. That may be true. I also know from my 50 years of service in this Chamber that the life of the Senate is rooted in the character of the men and the women who serve in the Senate.”