Cord Byrd: “the Senate has been blessed with the presence of many fine men and women over the past two centuries. Many of the great…”

“the Senate has been blessed with the presence of many fine men and women over the past two centuries. Many of the great figures in our country's history played their parts before a Senate backdrop. Names such as Daniel Webster, Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun leap to mind. I should say, incidentally, that I have been unable to find any piece of legislation, certainly any major piece of legislation, that carries the name of Webster, Clay or Calhoun. They did not achieve their greatness by introducing legislation and by seeing it enacted, but they spoke to the great issues of the day and spoke with fervor and courageously and with great vision. But there are speakers, thinkers and leaders in more recent times as well, and I think of Robert Taft of Ohio, renowned in his day for his integrity and intelligence; I think of Georgia's erudite, gentlemanly Richard Russell; and of the wise, capable Mike Mansfield from Montana. To these names I would like to add, today, one of my most esteemed colleagues and best friends in the Senate family--Edward M. Kennedy, who, on yesterday, celebrated his 66th birthday. Oh, to be 66 again! From my perspective, of course, turning 66 places one in the springtime of one's life. What is truly remarkable about Senator Kennedy is that, despite his relative youth, he ranks third in seniority in the Senate.”