Cohen Statement on Passing of Senator Robert Byrd

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today issued the following statement mourning the death of Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia:

“The Senate lost one of its lions today. Senator Robert Byrd was a statesman, a legend and a historic figure of great magnitude. As the longest serving Senator in American history, he helped our country change and grow for the better. He regretted his past affiliation with the Ku Klux Klan and was ashamed of himself for filibustering the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He did his best to remedy those errors by later becoming a civil rights champion. He was brave enough to oppose the Iraq War when many were willing to rush to battle, was a dog lover who made a compelling speech on the Senate floor condemning dog fighting, and authored the amendment that officially recognized September 17 as Constitution Day. We will miss Senator Byrd and his tireless work ethic on behalf of the people of West Virginia and the United States.”