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It is importannt for people of this state to remember that on many important issues - from the rush to the Iraq war to the imperial presidency of George W. Bush to the need for honest discussion on mountaintop removal and the future of coal - Senator Robert C. Byrd has been a thoughtful and foresighted leader.
Senator Byrd is not a senator resting on his laurels, but one still looking ahead to what is best for our state and for our nation.
So when I see the braying Bray Cary and the coal barons' favorite sycophant Roman Stauffer criticize Senator Byrd, West Virginia Democrats should remember how right Senator Byrd has been on other important, major issues when he flew against the prevailing winds of the state.
The people of the nation and the state would have been much better off if they had listened to Senator Byrd's words in 2003 about the rush to war just as they should pay heed to his words today of the need for honest brokers when it comes to the future of coal.
Senator Byrd has made many foes in this state with his stance. Not that a giant like "Big Daddy" needs it, but I have Senator Byrd's back.
There is a reason Senator Robert C. Byrd is known as Big Daddy.
Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., today announced that a new $328 million Biometrics Technology Center is slated for construction on the campus of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division in Clarksburg.
The joint FBI and Department of Defense (DOD) facility will serve as a center of excellence for research, development, and application of biometrics in support of national security and law enforcement. The 360,000 square-foot, four-story building will nearly double the space capacity of the existing 2,500-employee FBI CJIS Division campus. Once completed, it will also enable the FBI to consolidate all of its biometrics operations, many of which are in satellite facilities in Fairmont, and will accommodate nearly 2,000 employees.
"This joint effort will further enhance our efforts in fighting the global war on terrorism," said a delighted Byrd. "And for the State of West Virginia, it will provide construction jobs and, once the building is completed, will provide the space for the FBI CJIS Division to expand employment opportunities as new advances in biometrics research emerge. This new facility will be a major shot in the arm as we continue to seek ways to diversify West Virginia's economy."
Once completed, it will allow the FBI CJIS Division, which already has the largest centralized collection of biometric information in the world, and the Department of the Army, which has also developed military biometrics database systems in coordination with the FBI, to make advances into other identification technologies, such as DNA, iris, palm prints, and facial recognition. The Biometrics Technology Center will include a Conference Training Center, which will allow the FBI CJIS Division to provide in-house biometric training to their law enforcement partners.
These enhancements will provide further opportunities to positively identify individuals and prevent terrorists, criminals, and other ineligible individuals from entering the United States, thus improving our border security.
Daniel D. Roberts, Assistant Director of the CJIS, stated, "This project epitomizes the continuing cooperative effort between Senator Byrd and the FBI to ensure the safety of American citizens. Working with our Department of Defense partners, this facility will equip the law enforcement and defense communities with the latest biometric technology for use in the war on terror and to fight violent crime in the United States."
Dr. Myra Gray, Executive Manager, Department of Defense Biometrics Task Force, added, "As long time partners with the FBI, we are thrilled to be working with them on the development of the Biometrics Technology Center, which will be located in Clarksburg, WV. It is designed to be a world-class facility that will provide even greater collaboration and efficiencies for the research and use of biometric technologies across the federal government. The successes we have realized utilizing biometrics to aid the Warfighters in identifying known and suspected terrorists have significantly advanced our defense capabilities. Biometrics have also provided DoD greater resources by which to ensure that our personnel, facilities and installations worldwide are safe and secure thanks to advanced ways to confirm and verify individual identity."
Byrd has worked with FBI and DOD officials for several years to help bring this project to fruition. A construction contract is expected to be awarded in fall 2010 with a projected completion date of 2013.
Good afternoon, WV Blue readers. This is your afternoon open thread to discuss all things Hill-related. Use this thread to praise or bash Congresscritters, share a juicy tip, ask questions, offer critiques and suggestions, or post manifestos.
As always, this is a crosspost from Congress Matters. This is the most important news of the day... okay, maybe only some of it. So if you disagree, go watch CSPAN, the banks still own the place. Omnibus passed the House but there was no agreement in the Senate, so watch your government in neutral on CSPAN2.
Here's some of my own thoughts, shorterTM version today.
If you don't like them come to Drinking Liberally Friday, 11 DEC, 8:00PM, Peking Restaurant, Martinsburg, WV. Talk among yourselves. I might be a little late due to a previous commitment. Then you can tell me to my face!
...the longest-serving member of Congress ever - a capstone on a remarkable career in which the adopted son of a coal miner propelled himself from poverty to the pinnacle of legislative power, where he could, did and still does send billions of federal dollars back across the Blue Ridge to help build his home state of West Virginia.
Byrd's stat sheet speaks for itself:
• Served 20,774 days - or 56 years and 10½ months - in Congress
WASHINGTON - West Virginia Sen. Robert C. Byrd has become the longest-serving lawmaker in congressional history, a milestone to be marked Wednesday with a Senate resolution.
"I look forward to serving you for the next 56 years and 320 days," Byrd said in a statement marking the occasion. His only regret, Byrd said, was that his late wife, Erma, was not there with him.
"I know that she is looking down from the heavens smiling at me and saying congratulations, my dear Robert - but don't let it go to your head," Byrd said.
Update by Carnacki
Former Byrd staffer and now U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV03):
"Senator Robert C. Byrd has made a career of setting the standard for his fellow Members of Congress to emulate and today, he has, again, set the bar of Congressional service one notch higher."
"This is a history-making day. But Senator Byrd's record-setting achievement is not gauged best by the number of years, days, and hours he has spent in office - though he could tell us to the minute. It is, instead, more correctly measured by the wealth of hope his work has generated, the vast number of lives his efforts have touched and improved, and the multiple generations of citizens his struggles from virtual orphan to the heights of political power have inspired."
"His work, in short, has been monumental. His efforts have provided for public services and fundamental structures - modern highways, safer bridges, veterans centers, clean water systems - but these fall far short of the greatest and most lasting monument that he has given the people of West Virginia, his devotion and tireless work to make their lives richer."
"I am proud and awed - though not in the least surprised - to be able to congratulate West Virginia's senior Senator on becoming the longest serving Member in the history of the U.S. Congress. And I look forward to many more record-breaking years of Robert C. Byrd serving in the U.S. Senate and setting a wise and fruitful course for the future of West Virginia and the Nation."
United Mine Workers of America:
United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:
"For nearly 57 years, Sen. Robert C. Byrd has represented the people of West Virginia with the kind of courage, conviction and strength rarely seen in the history of American politics. His stature in Congress ranks with the finest legislators our nation has ever produced. That is not only due to his tenure as the longest-serving member of Congress in the history of our nation, but even more so to his immense skills as a legislator, orator and leader.
"He has been, and remains, the best friend coal miners and their families have ever had in Congress. From continually fighting for better health and safety in America's mines to ensuring that our nation kept its promise of health care to retired miners and their widows, Sen. Byrd's eloquent voice and masterful legislative skills have meant that millions of miners and their families have had a better, more secure life during his tenure in Washington.
"One doesn't have to travel very far anywhere in West Virginia to see specific and concrete examples of Sen. Byrd's dedication to our state. Indeed, the reason one can travel with ease at all in many parts of West Virginia is due to Sen. Byrd's efforts to improve the transportation network throughout the state.
"It is no stretch at all to say that the lives of all West Virginian have been improved because we had the good sense to send Robert C. Byrd to Washington to fight for us for the last 57 years. I look forward to continuing to work with him as we struggle to meet the many challenges that face UMWA members and all West Virginians today. With Sen. Byrd on our side, we will prevail."
(Bumped as a reminder about today's milestone. - promoted by Clem Guttata)
From an email:
To commemorate U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd becoming the longest-serving Congressional member in history on Nov. 18, 2009, Gov. Joe Manchin is joining members of the Legislature, congressional staff members and fellow West Virginians to pay tribute, celebrate and recognize the many accomplishments of the state's senior senator.
"On Nov. 18, a West Virginian breaks all records and makes history," Manchin said. "Sen. Byrd sets the gold standard for what it means to be an outstanding public official, and next week he will reach a historic national milestone for length of service.
"Sen. Byrd is a man of the people who fights tirelessly for us every single day in Washington. West Virginians are so thankful for Sen. Byrd's service to our state and this ceremony gives us an opportunity to applaud his efforts. Gayle and I invite all West Virginians to participate in this very special day."
The celebration starts at 3 p.m. next Wednesday, Nov. 18 with a speaking program in front of the senator's statue on the second floor Rotunda of the State Capitol. The speaking program will include: Governor Joe Manchin, Judge Blane Michael, Charleston Attorney Ned Rose, Director of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies Ray Smock, and Anne Barth, State Director for Senator Robert C. Byrd, who is expected to deliver a message from the senator.
The ceremony is followed by an exhibit that highlights the senator's accomplishments and includes photos from throughout his distinguished career, his beloved fiddle and other personal memorabilia. The ceremony and exhibit are free and open to the public.
Fairness WV's statement on today's historic Senate vote on the passage of the Hate Crimes Bill is at the fairnesswv.org site. This is the first piece of major legislation to recognize the entire LGBT community. It allows US Attorneys to prosecute crimes that might not otherwise be prosecuted by local law enforcement because of stereotypes and prejudice. Fairness thanks out entire congressional delegation for supporting the bill. Although Senator Byrd was not present for the final vote for the bill, he voted for cloture earlier in the day. Senator Rockefeller, Congresswoman Capito, Congressman Mollohan, and Congressman Rahall all voted for the bill. Fairness WV lobbied all five of our federal legislators.
WASHINGTON - West Virginia Sen. Robert C. Byrd reappeared on the Senate floor Tuesday with some of his old bluster back after a season of frailty, this time to manage a $44.1 billion homeland security spending bill.
"There are some people in this country who have become complacent about the threat of another attack," Byrd, chairman of the homeland security subpanel of the vaunted Appropriations Committee, said in a clear voice. "Don't count me as one of them."
Don't count him out, either.
Byrd, 91, is the longest-serving senator in history and has come back from debilitating illness before. Last year as chairman of the full Appropriations Committee, lobbyists and others spread rumors that he was too frail to continue to serve in that capacity. Byrd, who had weakened physically, stepped down from the chairmanship when he was ready - after the 2008 elections.
He retained his chairmanship of the subcommittee, however, which is what brought him to the floor Tuesday looking more alert and steady than he has at other points in the year. The matter at hand was a House-Senate spending agreement on security measures against naturalo disaster, terrorist attacks and other threats.
Bow Tie Boy, Vic Sprouse, Don Surber and all the other ne'er do wells that made shameful remarks about Byrd's health should all eat crow and bow their heads in shame. Of course sense they have no sense of decency, I don't expect they will.
BYRD CALLS ON MASSEY ENERGY TO
ACT RESPONSIBLY IN MARSH FORK
Washington, DC - Reacting to news reports, Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., today blasted Massey Energy officials for their refusal to provide assistance to efforts to replace the existing Marsh Fork Elementary School because of potential environmental dangers. The Raleigh County School is adjacent to a coal silo constructed by Massey, and sits at the foot of the company's pond that holds back hundreds of millions of gallons of toxic coal slurry. Massey is moving forward with plans to build a second coal storage silo on their site adjacent to the Marsh Fork Elementary School, further compounding the environmental hazards for the school children nearby.
"Such arrogance suggests a blatant disregard for the impact of their mining practices on our communities, residents and particularly our children. These are children's lives we are talking about," said Byrd.
"If Massey were not operating near Marsh Fork Elementary, we would not be debating what to do about moving these young students someplace safer. This is not the taxpayers' burden to remedy. This is Massey Energy's responsibility to address."
Byrd added that, "Let me be clear about one thing - this is not about the coal industry or their hard-working coal miners. This is about companies that blatantly disregard human life and safety because of greed. That is never acceptable."
"At a time when coal is under such close scrutiny, coal companies operating in West Virginia should be working together to put their best foot forward. For the sake of the entire coal industry, Massey Energy should strive to be a better and more responsible corporate citizen. And for the sake of the kids, they should address these serious environmental concerns at Marsh Fork Elementary immediately."
State Senator Mike Oliverio of Monongalia County has created a message board for "grateful citizens of West Virginia to express their appreciation and gratitude for Senator Robert C. Byrd."
Here's what I'd like to say:
Thank you, Sen. Byrd, for all you have done for West Virginia. While I don't agree with all your policy positions, I've never doubted your commitment to the people of this state or your commitment to the United States constitution.
Whereas so many others go to Washington, D.C. and return home to their state far wealthier, you've spent nearly a lifetime in Washington and made West Virginia, not yourself, wealthier.
And, oh, how I wish the rest of the Senate had had the wisdom to listen to your advice regarding the invasion of Iraq.
(Thank you State Sen. Oliverio for creating the website.)
Paul Nyden at the Charleston Gazette sees through the concern trolling of the Wall Street Journal:
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Some political commentaries, including a recent Wall Street Journal analysis, question how effective Sen. Robert C. Byrd can be after suffering recent health problems, especially in helping pass health-care reform legislation.
Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, told the Charleston Gazette, "As long as Byrd is able to be there, he has enormous influence because of his seniority and stature.
"Living in West Virginia, you know how much he has contributed to the state's economy. Byrd may not be at his peak, but he can deliver more than anybody who could be put in there instead."
Sabato mentioned Paul Kirk, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee chairman, who was just named to succeed Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass.
"Paul Kirk is a nice guy. But is he going to deliver anything? Or will the new senator elected [from Massachusetts] in January deliver anything? You can't replace seniority and institutional memory," Sabato said.
Ambulances and fire trucks were dispatched to the Northern Virginia home of Sen. Robert Byrd Tuesday morning.
A neighbor of the 91-year-old West Virginia Democrat said several ambulances were outside his residence in McLean, Va., and a Byrd spokesman said the senator suffered a fall in his home.
Update (by Clem G.): From an email:
Sen. Byrd apparently stood up too fast this morning in his home and fell down. To err on the side of caution his caregiver called an ambulance. He was taken to the hospital where he is currently being checked out. At this point in time he seems fine and there is no indication that he will be admitted.
Update #2 (by Clem G.): Official press release:
UPDATE ON SENATOR BYRD
Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., has been admitted to the hospital and is expected to remain there for a few days. Byrd was taken to the hospital this morning as a precautionary measure following a fall at his home which was likely caused by standing up too quickly. While having no broken bones or bruises, upon examination, doctors found an elevated white-blood cell count which can be an early sign of an infection. Therefore, his doctors have determined that Byrd should remain in the hospital for antibiotic treatment and observation. Senator Byrd is in good spirits and expressed his disappointment that he was unable to join all his Senate colleagues this afternoon for the biennial Senate photo.
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), the only senator to have served longer than the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), mourned his friend Wednesday, saying his "heart and soul weeps."
Byrd said he hoped healthcare reform legislation in the Senate would be renamed in memoriam of Kennedy.
"I had hoped and prayed that this day would never come," Byrd said in a statement. "My heart and soul weeps at the lost of my best friend in the Senate, my beloved friend, Ted Kennedy."
Byrd's wistful statement focused on the work accomplished with Kennedy during decades together in the Senate, and called on the healthcare bill before Congress to be renamed in honor of Kennedy.
"In his honor and as a tribute to his commitment to his ideals, let us stop the shouting and name calling and have a civilized debate on health care reform which I hope, when legislation has been signed into law, will bear his name for his commitment to insuring the health of every American," Byrd said.
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