Cord Byrd: “Next Monday is the official observance of the birthday of our first President, George Washington, who so wisely…”

“Next Monday is the official observance of the birthday of our first President, George Washington, who so wisely observed, as did Judge Hogan, "From the nature of the Constitution, I must approve all the parts of a bill or reject it in toto." How right George Washington was! I can think of no greater tribute to his wisdom than this decision today. Mr. President, I yield to my distinguished colleague who joined in preparing the amicus and who has, all the way from the beginning of these debates, which have gone on for years now, stood like the Irish oak in opposition to giving the President of the United States--any President, Republican or Democrat--a line-item veto. I salute my friend, and I am very grateful to him for the work that he has done and for his constant support and leadership as we have stood together with Senator Carl Levin, who cannot be here today because he is in Europe. If Senator Moynihan had been at the Constitutional Convention, even though Judge Yates and Mr. Lansing left the Convention early, leaving only Alexander Hamilton to sign that great document, Senator Moynihan would have been there to attach his signature.”