Inhofe comments on passing of Sen. Robert Byrd

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe released the following statement on the death, at age 92, of West Virginia Sen. Robert Byrd:
“As the longest serving member of the United States Senate, Robert Byrd possessed great compassion and leadership for the people of West Virginia. His dedicated service in the Senate combined with his mastery of the Constitution and the chamber’s rules and procedure will inevitably leave behind a vacuum difficult to fill. “As leaders from the entire political spectrum begin to mourn his death today, I remember the first time I had a personal relationship with him in 1994, the day he swore me in to the United States Senate on my 60th birthday.
“Later that day, I went to the floor to attack Senator Wendell Ford (D-KY). Following my scathing remarks, Senator Byrd pulled me aside and said ‘Young man – keep in mind that was my 60th birthday- I like your spunk but this is the Senate where we do things differently than they do in the House of Representatives.’ “From there, Byrd continued to explain the collegiality of the U.S. Senate. I appreciated this kindly advice on how to succeed in the Senate. Since then, I have cherished my friendship with Senator Byrd. During this time of mourning, I send my sincere condolences to his family as well as to the residents of West Virginia.”