Robert Byrd: “I helped to craft the 1969 and 1977 Federal Mine Health and Safety Acts.”

I have said that, as long as the Senate retains the power to amend and the power of unlimited debate, the liberties of the people will remain secure.

I respectfully exercise my Fifth Amendment right and decline to answer.

The Senate has been the last fortress of minority rights and freedom of speech in this Republic for more than two centuries. I pray the Senators will pause and reflect before ignoring that history and tradition in favor of the political…

I have proposed a variety of improvements to Senate Rules to achieve a more sensible balance allowing the majority to function while still protecting minority rights.