Max Baucus: “I, too, wish to say some words on the passing of our good friend and former leader, Robert C. Byrd. It is difficult to…”

“I, too, wish to say some words on the passing of our good friend and former leader, Robert C. Byrd. It is difficult to sum up in words the thoughts and feelings one has for a departed friend whom one has known so long. I had the pleasure of serving with Senator Byrd my entire career in the Senate. I knew, I liked, and I respected Robert C. Byrd for more than 30 years. It is doubly difficult to put into words thoughts that adequately reflect such a presence in the Senate. Robert C. Byrd was a singular Senator. He was a Senator's Senator. There was no title he prized more than that of 'Senator.' When I came to the Senate, Robert C. Byrd had succeeded my mentor, Mike Mansfield, as majority leader. As Robert Byrd was fond of noting, he served as majority leader and then minority leader and then back as majority leader. He saw the leadership of the Senate from both sides, and his experience seasoned his leadership. As proud as he was to earn the title of 'Senator,' he was even more proud that as a Senator he represented the people of his State. I deeply believe that is one of the finest things one can say about a fellow Senator. For more than 50 years, he was a strong voice for the people of West Virginia. Robert Byrd was a strong voice for democracy. He knew the rules of the Senate better than any person alive. He fought to preserve the traditions and customs of what he truly believed is the world's greatest deliberative body.”