Remembering Senator Robert C. Byrd

Floor Speech

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, West Virginia, the U.S. Senate, and our Nation have experienced an incredible loss. Over the last few weeks, this Chamber witnessed poignant eulogies and remembrances of the legendary Senator Robert Byrd. Much has been said and written since Senator Byrd's death on June 28, 2010.

Those who have so eloquently written and spoken knew the Senator much better than I--Presidents, Senators, world leaders, dignitaries, as well as members of his family and friends in West Virginia.

He will be remembered as an intelligent, compassionate and illustrious figure. A giant.

Many people have recalled his historic milestones, distinguished career and legendary speeches. I first met Senator Byrd when I arrived in the Senate in 2007. I introduced myself and told him about a friend and patient of mine from Wyoming who had told me that Robert Byrd was his favorite senator. Like Senator Byrd, my friend uses a wheelchair. Senator Byrd asked me why my friend liked him so much. I told him it was because of their mutual commitment to the Constitution.

I went on to say that he thought Senator Byrd was ``the best thing since sliced bread.'' Senator Byrd's eyes brightened and widened with the reference to sliced bread. He then gave me a complete history of sliced bread in America and the date when the first mechanical bread slicer was used in the United States. As a true man of the people, Senator Byrd also sent a note and a copy of the Constitution to my friend in Wyoming.

When former Wyoming Senator Cliff Hanson died late last year, I shared the news with Senator Byrd. Senator Byrd said, ``I liked Cliff Hansen. Cliff Hansen was a friend of mine. Cliff Hansen knew what he stood for.'' The same can be said for Senator Byrd.

As a public servant, he had few equals. As a parliamentary expert, he had none. Every day, Senator Byrd showed his enduring dedication to his family, the people of West Virginia, the United States Constitution, and our Nation.

Senator Byrd leaves us with a memory of the man--the memory of his kindness, grace, and passion. He had a depth of institutional understanding and knowledge of the traditions of the U.S. Senate that will never be replaced. While many of us are students of history, Senator Byrd truly lived this Nation's history. His strength, determination, and unyielding pursuit of knowledge serve as a model for all of us.

To his daughters Mona Byrd Fatemi and Marjorie Byrd Moore, his grandchildren, and family, I extend my family's sympathy and hope the coming days are filled with love, enduring strength, and God's grace.

Bobbi and I wish the Byrd family our best and our prayers are with you.

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