Arlen Specter: “this is truly a unique day in the life of the Senate, with the spotlight shining on Senator Robert Byrd in recognition…”

“this is truly a unique day in the life of the Senate, with the spotlight shining on Senator Robert Byrd in recognition of an enormous achievement, being the longest serving Senator in the history of the body. It is a remarkable achievement. Senator Byrd started his political career with an election in 1946, 60 years ago, and is still going strong. He served in the Senate at the same time that Harry S. Truman was President of the United States. Just think about that for moment. This is a man whose service has spanned the Presidencies of President Truman, President Eisenhower, President Kennedy, President Johnson, President Nixon, President Ford, President Carter, President Reagan, President Bush, President Clinton, and President Bush. It is quite an accolade. And Senator Byrd accurately states that he hasn't served under any President, however, he has served with Presidents. He is a scholar and devotee of the doctrine of separation of powers, something which seems to have been forgotten lately. But when the issue arose as to the line-item veto and the constitutional amendment for the balanced budget, Senator Byrd has been vociferous in defending the prerogatives of the Congress of the United States. He even goes so far from time to time to remind people that article I of the Constitution is for the Congress. You don't get to the executive branch until you get to article II. You don't get to the judicial branch until article III.…”