Senator Byrd (D-WV) spoke about the history of the Senate and its role in American society. He specifically discussed the powers and responsibilities bestowed on senators by the Constitution, noting that with the possibility of presidential impeachment, senators must be statesmen.

This talk in the Old Senate Chamber was the third in a Senate Leaders Lecture Series instituted by Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) in which a guest speaker shared insights about the Senate's history and practices.