On the recordFebruary 3, 2011
it is my great honor to speak on the floor for the first time as a Senator. I am truly humbled by this auspicious occasion and the enormous privilege to serve the greatest people in America--the people of West Virginia. West Virginia may be a small State, but our impact on our Nation's history and our future is far greater than the size of our geography or population. West Virginia was borne out of the turmoil of the Civil War, founded by patriots who shared a united pursuit for justice and freedom for all. Since this historic beginning, our lands and vast natural resources have helped build this Nation. Our people's hard work, sacrifices, and patriotism have helped make our Nation stronger and safer. From the mining of the coal that powers our cities to the forging of the steel, we have done and will do the heavy lifting that has built America. But this great responsibility to serve as a Senator for West Virginia would never have come about had our State not lost a true giant, our beloved Senator Robert C. Byrd. Senator Byrd was a mentor to me, a great friend to West Virginia, and a tireless advocate for us all. West Virginia would not be the State it is today without the inexhaustible commitment he made every day. Every day without Senator Byrd is a loss for us all, but we can all take comfort that he made not just West Virginia a better State, but he made America a greater nation.
