Cord Byrd: “I join the distinguished Democratic whip in recalling Slade Gorton. Slade Gorton was an outstanding chairman of this…”

“I join the distinguished Democratic whip in recalling Slade Gorton. Slade Gorton was an outstanding chairman of this subcommittee. On many occasions, I lauded Slade Gorton's chairmanship. He was eminently fair, preeminently knowledgeable of the bill. In conferences, he knew everything that a Senator ought to know about the projects and the items at issue between the two Houses. I have never seen a subcommittee chairman who was better than Slade Gorton when he was chairman of this subcommittee. He was also very kind and good to me. I am glad the distinguished majority whip has had the thoughtfulness to mention Slade Gorton today. Along this line, let me say that on yesterday, and the day before, we worked hard to complete the supplemental appropriations bill. Senator Stevens is the former chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the Senate, about whom I have no hesitancy in saying, he was the best chairman of the Appropriations Committee that I have seen in my 43 years in the Senate, including Robert Byrd. I have no hesitancy, not a bit, in lauding a Republican. I have no hesitancy in saying, "He is a better man than I am, Gunga Din." I have seen some great chairmen of this committee, the Appropriations Committee. Senator Russell, to me, was the finest Senator, the best Senator with whom I have ever served in my 43 years in the Senate.”