Dan Coats: “The Senator from Kansas is a long-time friend and someone I have had the privilege of serving with and getting to know…”

“The Senator from Kansas is a long-time friend and someone I have had the privilege of serving with and getting to know on a personal basis--he and his wife and family. We are both here with some experience under our belts, and unlike many of our colleagues who may see only one side of the story, we have been on both sides. I had my differences with Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia. There was no greater defender of the rights for the minority than Senator Robert Byrd, a Democrat who served his lifetime in the U.S. Senate. I wish there had been some respect for what Senator Byrd said. I can see him standing on the floor saying: It doesn't matter how partisan this is, these privileges are engraved in stone. We have learned from our Founding Fathers, and they learned through their adverse experiences throughout history about denying the minority a voice, a right to participate. This never would have happened if Robert Byrd were here. I know there are new Members who have just not experienced what it is like to be told to sit down and shut up. We will tell you what you can say and what amendment you can offer, if any. To be told time after time after time--and you know it builds. As all the bills come up and you have five things you would like to get done this year on behalf of your constituents, and you wait for the next bill to be brought up and you say: Mr. Leader, can I have an amendment on this bill? Sorry, no more amendments. I filled the tree. It is done.…”