William H. Frist: “I wish to acknowledge an important feat of one of our Members. At 10 o'clock this evening, the distinguished Presiding…”

“I wish to acknowledge an important feat of one of our Members. At 10 o'clock this evening, the distinguished Presiding Officer, the Senator from North Carolina, Mr. Burr, reached his 100th hour of presiding. I should clarify that it is 100 hours since the beginning of this year. I know sometimes it has probably felt like he has presided 100 hours in a week. The reason this is important, according to the Senate Historian, is this is the fastest time in reaching the 100- hour mark since presiding records have been kept. (Applause.) Senator Burr will be the first Senator in the 109th Congress to receive the Golden Gavel Award. Most Members recognize that sitting in that chair is the best way to learn Senate procedure. He has done so with distinction and honor. He has done so with a firm but fair gavel. In addition to his regular presiding times, he has been here on many Mondays and Fridays, when a lot of us are at home and elsewhere. We thank him for that. We owe a debt of gratitude to him for doing that, and we thank him and congratulate him on this outstanding achievement. (Applause.)”