Cord Byrd: “I wish to make some comments on this matter. But first I would like to commend the outgoing Parliamentarian, Robert…”

“I wish to make some comments on this matter. But first I would like to commend the outgoing Parliamentarian, Robert Dove, for his years of devoted service and to congratulate Alan Frumin on his assumption of the duties of the office. In my view, there are important institutional considerations that must guide the selection of any individual who aspires to become the Parliamentarian of the Senate. A long career in non-partisan service in the Senate offers the obvious benefit of experience, and fosters a detailed comprehension of the Senate's institutional role. An understanding of the Senate's unique constitutional role can best be developed by actually working on the floor of the Senate, and by close observation of Senate debate. A prospective parliamentarian should have little or no history of active partisan politics but instead should demonstrate an interest in the whole Senate as an institution. An individual with such a background can best represent the Senate's prerogatives in its dealings with the other departments of Government and with the other body, the House of Representatives.”