Political Quotes

“I rise to pay tribute to Senator Robert C. Byrd, my mentor, supporter, and good friend. Senator Byrd was the dean of the Senate, our foremost constitutional scholar. No one in the history of our country served longer in Congress. For more than a half century, Robert C. Byrd kept the Senate in line. He always kept a copy of the Constitution in his jacket pocket, close to his heart. He was meticulous, a master of the rules of this historic institution. Through hard work and dedication, Senator Byrd became an institution himself. When I joined the Senate 20 years ago, to my great fortune, Senator Byrd took me under his wing. He guided me through procedural rules and taught me how to preside over the floor. I still have the notes he gave me when I was a freshman Senator. He was adamant that the Presiding Officer should always be respectful of the speakers, while maintaining strict adherence to the rules of the Senate. Senator Robert C. Byrd was a patriot who cared for and loved this country, the United States of America. He worked hard for the people of West Virginia, who showed their support for him election after election. Senator Robert C. Byrd was a spiritual man. Each week a number of Senators got together for a morning prayer breakfast. Senator Byrd was a regular participant when he was well. His favorite hymn was ``Old Rugged Cross.'' I enjoyed singing it with him many times. We shared a love for music and the arts. His fiddle playing was legendary.”