Haley Stevens: “it is not often we get the time to just come to the floor to talk about friendships and about what it means to be…”

“it is not often we get the time to just come to the floor to talk about friendships and about what it means to be friends in the Senate. I wish to take some time today to talk about my friend, the former majority leader, former chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and longtime friend, Senator Byrd. It just so happens that we have spent a lot of time together. I remember so well one great trip to London when we went there for the British-American Parliamentary Conference where we had a great deal of time to talk about the past and our own personal lives. But I have come to the floor today to ask the Senate to join me in offering congratulations to my good friend and colleague, Senator Robert Byrd, and his wife Erma, who, on Sunday, will celebrate 68 years of marriage. This is an anniversary few of us will ever see, and as far as I can tell--I have checked with the Historian--no Senator has ever had the opportunity to celebrate 68 years of marriage. As a matter of fact, my oldest son Walter and his wife Debbie will celebrate 23 years of marriage on the same day, this Sunday. Those of us in the Senate have relied greatly upon Senator Byrd's knowledge and love of history. With just a few short days remaining before their anniversary and because we will probably not be in session tomorrow, I think it is appropriate to return the favor and ask the Senate to reflect a moment on Robert and Erma's history together as husband and wife.…”