Chuck Schumer: “Thank you, Mr. President. While I will be speaking on the subject of Senator Byrd, I, too, want to join my colleague…”

“Thank you, Mr. President. While I will be speaking on the subject of Senator Byrd, I, too, want to join my colleague from Illinois in commending our Senator from Alaska on this issue and so many others. The Senator's staff does not have to worry. He speaks fluidly, eloquently, and without flaw. But, second, I think his courage on this issue has helped inspire our caucus to move forward. We come from different States. For some States it is easier; for some States it is harder to take on this issue. Probably for Alaska it is one of the two or three hardest States to do it, and the Senator has done it with courage, with intelligence, with drive, and I think ultimately with success. So I thank the Senator.”