Thomas Daschle: “Tomorrow, January 8, 1997, will mark a momentous day in the life and career of one of this chamber's most esteemed and…”

“Tomorrow, January 8, 1997, will mark a momentous day in the life and career of one of this chamber's most esteemed and respected Members. Fifty years ago, on January 8, 1947, before this Senator was born, Robert C. Byrd took his seat in the West Virginia State Legislature, thus beginning a remarkable half-century of public service. On this golden anniversary of the beginning of a remarkable career, I want to take a few minutes to call attention to this achievement, to congratulate him for it, and to thank him for his service to the people of West Virginia and the United States. Fifty years of public service. That is a long time. Perhaps I can illustrate. It translates into two terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates, one term in the West Virginia State Senate, three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, and seven terms in the U.S. Senate. Since Robert Byrd began serving the people of West Virginia, 10 Presidents have occupied the White House--that is nearly one-fourth of all Presidents in American history.”