Congratulating Senator Robert C. Byrd on Casting his 17,000th Vote

CONGRATULATING SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD ON CASTING HIS 17,000TH VOTE

Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise to join so many of my colleagues and friends in paying tribute to the great Senator from West Virginia. As my friend from Illinois indicated, we are praising and honoring him today not just for the number of votes he has cast but for the courage of his votes. It is one thing to cast 17,000 votes; it is another to look at the quality and the integrity behind those votes.

So I join with my colleagues in saying thank you to Senator Byrd. I was proud to join with Senator Byrd as he spoke out on the Iraq resolution and what our role in the Senate should be and is.

I went home, as did my colleagues, and over and over again people asked me did I know Senator Byrd; did I work with Senator Byrd; listen to what he is saying because he is speaking for all of us.

I also thank Senator Byrd for helping me as one of the 12 Members who came in 2000. When we were in the majority, we had the opportunity to preside over the Senate, and I am very grateful for all I learned about the Senate, about the process, about the importance of being dutiful in our responsibilities, and also about the important role we play in governing our country. I will forever be grateful to Senator Byrd for the lessons that I have learned and continue to learn.

One of the most wonderful images I have of being in the Senate actually occurred during orientation when I was first elected and coming here in December of 2000. I had the opportunity to invite my son to join me in the Old Senate Chamber where we heard from Senator Byrd, some wonderful, eloquent words and stories from the early days in the Senate. It was captivating. It was inspirational. It was motivating. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to share with my son, the new venture I was undertaking and the responsibilities I was undertaking as a Senator from Michigan.

I thank the great Senator from West Virginia for his friendship, for his courage, for his role in the Senate in helping us to understand our responsibilities and our duties to the country.