Cord Byrd: “Let me refer to some things I inadvertently overlooked. One is the splendid staff work that was demonstrated in bringing…”

“Let me refer to some things I inadvertently overlooked. One is the splendid staff work that was demonstrated in bringing this conference report to the floor and bringing the meeting of the minds of conferees in both Houses, the meeting of the minds together. It was the most remarkable display of statecraft that I have seen in my service on committees in the Senate, the way our staffs worked. The Senate appropriations staff on both sides is a class act, a class act. I thank Terry Sauvain and Chuck Kieffer and Steve Cortese. These are remarkable men in the way they worked together and the way they worked in the House. I want to extend the same expressions of thanks and admiration to the House staff, Jim Dyer and Scott Lily. It is remarkable. This is a real class act to watch. I also want to thank our ranking members, Mr. Stevens and others on that side of the aisle, Thad Cochran and the other Members on the Republican side of the aisle in committee. These are fine people to work with, never a hint of partisanship. None.”