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Leadership. Character. Commitment. |
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Senate Remarks by Robert C. Byrd |
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March 27, 2003 |
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"In Remembrance: Daniel Patrick Moynihan" |
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I was saddened to learn last night of the death of one of the most erudite, most versatile, and most gifted persons ever to bless this chamber, and one of my favorites, our former colleague, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. With doctorate and law degrees from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, he was a Fulbright
scholar and the author of a number of controversial, but important books. He held academic positions at several of our country's most prestigious universities, including Syracuse, Harvard, and MIT. Unable to settle
into an academic life, Dr. Moynihan went on to serve in high positions in the Administrations of Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford – making him the first and only person to serve in the Cabinet or
subcabinets of four successive administrations. His government work included serving as the American Ambassador to India and as the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Even with this
background, and these accomplishments, Daniel Patrick Moynihan still refused to rest. In fact, his greatest work, I might even go so far as to say his destiny, was still ahead. In 1976, he was elected to the first of four terms
in the United States Senate, and it was in this chamber that the talents, the skills, and the powerful intellect of this philosopher-statesman shined the brightest. It was more than his outstanding work as a Senator from a
large and powerful state. It was more than his outstanding work as chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. It was that he was a visionary with
the strongest sense of the pragmatic, an idealist with the most profound grasp of what was practical, an internationalist who always put our country first. With his keen and profound historical perspective and his incredible breadth
of knowledge ranging from taxes to international law, he had the uncanny ability to make us confront issues that needed to be confronted, and to cut to the core of a problem and then help us to solve it. A person and a Senator
not only of high intellectual quality, but also high intellectual honesty, Senator Moynihan took on the complicated and politically sensitive issues, like Social Security, health care, and welfare reform, with passion and compassion; he
took them on with determination and foresight and with unflinching integrity. I have never forgotten, and will never
forget, our valiant fight together to challenge and defeat the line-item veto. This was one of his many struggles to preserve and to protect our constitutional system. He truly believed in our Constitution just as he truly believed in the mission as well as the traditions, the rules, and the folkways of the United States Senate. He knew that the American government is not the monster that demagogues fear and like to portray, but a positive, creative force in American life that has helped all Americas to enjoy better, safer, and more productive lives.
Senator Moynihan retired from the Senate in the year 2000. But he was one of those Senators who was so much a part of this institution that he has never really left it. I still look over at his seat and see him
just like I still see Richard Russell, Everett Dirksen, Lister Hill, and the other great lawmakers with whom I have had the honor and privilege of serving. I look over there and see his unruly hair, his crooked bow tie, his glasses
that always seemed about to fall off his face, and that unforgettable Irish twinkle in his eyes. But I have missed his incredible grasp of the issues. I have missed his intellectual vigor, and his incisive wit and
wisdom. In these difficult and trying times, I, and the Senate, have sorely missed his innate sense of fairness, and his unbounded and unqualified determination to do the right thing regardless of political party or political
consequences. As I said when he retired from the Senate, "His conscience is his compass.... Senator Moynihan states facts, the cold, hard truths that many others in high places refuse to face and that some are unable to
see." Senator Moynihan lived the lifetime of ten mortals. An author, ambassador, a college professor, an outstanding public servant, and a great United States Senator, he accomplished so much. He leaves an indelible
mark on this country. His legacy is intact. His was a creative and successful life. And, he was blessed with a wonderful and gracious wife, Elizabeth. I close my remarks by reciting the immortal words of
Josiah Gilbert Holland: God give us men! Mr. President, those of us who knew Daniel Patrick Moynihan, especially those of us who served with him here in the United States Senate, will
remember his "strong mind," his "great heart," his "true faith," and his "ready hands." We will remember him as a man of "dependable character" and "sterling worth." Thank you God for giving us Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. ### |
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