New members of the Senate spend sometimes tedious assigned hours presiding over the floor. For them, Robert Byrd’s floor remarks became personal tutorials — on the history of the United States Senate, and the Roman Senate as well. There were times when staff members, and perhaps even a new senator, might have wished for an abridged version, but the lessons were in the details, and those who listened learned.
I recall a raucous back-and-forth Senate vote finishing at 11:59 p.m. Senator Byrd then spoke in detail on a matter he felt required constitutional elaboration. I was struck by how the weary senators stuck to their seats. We listened in deference and interest, because Senator Byrd knew when history could guide us aright.
In times when outcomes seem to transcend the rules, when “make it happen” ignores how things happen, the Senate will sorely miss Senator Byrd’s voice calling consciences to the Constitution. As he rests in peace, may the Senate have occasional second thoughts.
— JOHN D. ASHCROFT, a former United States attorney general and Republican of Missouri, who served in the Senate from 1995 to 2001
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New York Times: Robert Byrd, Living History