Robert Byrd Quotes on Senate
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And the president is all wrong when he maintains that a nominee should have an up-or-down vote. The Constitution doesn't say that. The Constitution doesn't say that that nominee shall have any vote at all. There doesn't have to even be a vote.
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It [the Senate] handed everything to a president, by way of using the military forces of this country where he would, when he would, how he would, as long as it was connected with Iraq. And that's a blotch upon this country and the Senate.
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That's what the Senate is about. It's the last bastion of minority rights, where a minority can be heard, where a minority can stand on its feet, one individual if necessary, and speak until he falls into the dust.
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They call me 'The Pork King,' they don't know how much I enjoy it.
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I love to serve. I love the Senate. I love the Constitution. If I could live another hundred years, I'd like to continue in the Senate.
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The people of West Virginia have never let me down, and I intend to never let them down.
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Mr. President, before we begin consideration of this spending bill, I want to take a moment to say how distraught and terribly shaken I am over the news of my dear friend, my dear dear friend, dear friend, Ted Kennedy. My thoughts and my humble prayers...are with Senator Kennedy...my dear friend Ted with his wife Vickie...and with the members of the Kennedy family. I hope and pray that an all-caring omnipotent God will watch over Ted and keep Ted here with us and for America. Ted...(sobs), Ted...my dear friend, I love you. And I miss you....and Erma, Erma, Erma, my darling wife Erma, would want to say, thank God for you, Ted. Thank God for you. (Regarding Sen. Ted Kennedy's discovery of a brain tumor and consequent surgery)
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Robert Byrd is already recognized as an American icon. Without question, when history is written, Senator Byrd will hold a prominent place as a Senate legend.
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Robert C. Byrd is truly a legend in his own time. He stands larger than life, not only for his accomplishments, but also for his principles.
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Bob Byrd personifies what our Founding Fathers were thinking about when they were thinking about a United States Senate. He brings the kind of qualities that the Founding Fathers believed were so important for service to the Nation.
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His number one priority has always been the people of West Virginia. It has been a great example for all of us to never lose sight of the fact that you are elected by the people from your State and the people in your State should have first priority.
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The final chapter in Robert Byrd's history is not likely to be written for some time, yet it is safe to say that he has set a standard as a Senator, as a legislative leader, and as a statesman that will stand among the best as long as there is a Senate.
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There are still those people, like Senator Byrd, who exemplify the qualities of leadership strong personal character and a sense of virtues and principles that inspire others to greatness.
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When future historians are writing about the 20th century Senate, Senator Robert Byrd will surely be remembered as one of the giants who followed in the footsteps of Henry Clay and Daniel Webster.