Political Quotes

“today marks an extraordinary-- extraordinary--milestone in the history of the Senate and in the life of one of our most distinguished colleagues. Today, Robert C. Byrd, the senior Senator from West Virginia, becomes the longest serving Senator in the history of the United States. Today, he will have served 17,327 days in office, and outlasted 1,885 Senators who have graced this Chamber since 1789. He has cast more votes than any other Senator. And this year, Senator Byrd is running for an unprecedented ninth term. Our distinguished colleague has amassed an astonishing record of service, and it is my privilege and honor to pay tribute to the Dean of the Senate--one of the greatest orators in the grand tradition of this august institution. Senator Byrd won his first election to the Senate back in 1958. Lyndon Johnson was the majority leader. Dwight Eisenhower was President. And the Soviets had won the space race with the launch of Sputnik. Senator Byrd joined the Appropriations Committee and quickly got to work learning the ins and outs of parliamentary procedure. Senator Byrd has been called a walking encyclopedia of Congress. Indeed, in his career he has authored a four-volume history of the U.S. Senate. In 1971, Senator Byrd was chosen Senate Democratic whip. In 1977, he was elected Democratic leader, a position held for six consecutive terms. He led the Senate as majority leader for 6 years, and served as minority leader for another 6.…”