On the recordJune 30, 2010
the Senate has lost its most talented, dedicated, and best-informed Member about the precedents, rules, and customs of the Senate, when the distinguished President pro tempore, Robert Byrd, passed away to join his beloved wife Erma in the heaven he was confident existed for those who were true believers. I had the good fortune to work closely with Robert Byrd as a fellow member of the Appropriations Committee for 30 years. I served as the ranking minority member when he was chairman and as chairman when he was the ranking minority member. I preferred being chairman. But I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities to conduct the hearings, schedule the committee markups, and negotiate with our House colleagues to formulate and pass the bills that funded the departments of the executive branch, the judiciary, and the Congress. One of the highlights of my experience with Robert Byrd was a trip we took to several European capitals. He was comfortable discussing our mutual interests and differences with the leaders of other nations. His mastery of European history and politics was as impressive as his well-informed understanding of American history and politics.
