Cord Byrd: “I am pleased and proud to cosponsor today's Senate resolution that honors my good friend and former colleague, Senator…”

“I am pleased and proud to cosponsor today's Senate resolution that honors my good friend and former colleague, Senator Howard Baker, for his lifetime of public service. As the Senate Democratic leader from 1977 to 1980, I had the pleasure to work with Senator Baker, first when he served as the Senate minority leader. From the start, I found my leadership relations with Senator Baker to be excellent, and that never changed. Make no mistake, he was a tough competitor, but he always remained amiable and friendly to work with, in short, a gentleman in the true sense of the word. He was necessarily partisan, but not overly so. I will never forget his extraordinary cooperation in obtaining consent for ratification of the Panama Canal Treaties. The legislative accomplishments of the 94th and 95th Congresses were a testament to our cooperation. My admiration for Senator Baker increased even more when he became majority leader in 1981. He remained co-operative, friendly, and easy to work with. When I paid tribute to Senator Baker on the occasion of his birthday in 1983, I stated that Senator Baker was 'the most congenial and likable of all the majority leaders in my time here.' 'He is accommodating,' I pointed out, and I marvel at his equanimity. He takes everything in stride. He does not appear to be overwhelmed by the power of his office. I recall quite clearly how all Senators, on both sides of the aisle, liked Howard Baker and had a genuine fondness for him.”