Washington -- U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today praised Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) for his service to the nation, and addressed speculation his resignation as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee would lead to her becoming chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Following is Senator Feinstein’s statement:

“Senator Robert Byrd has served the nation and West Virginia with unmatched longevity and distinction. It has been an honor to serve on the Appropriations Committee with him. He will continue to be a member of the Appropriations Committee and retain his chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security. I look forward to continuing to serve with him in the next Congress.

“As Senator Byrd so eloquently stated in his resignation from the chairmanship of Appropriations, this is a moment of great change in our nation’s history. If Senator Byrd’s resignation means that I will chair the Intelligence Committee, I would welcome the responsibility, and I am prepared to address the great challenges facing our nation.

“I believe that strong oversight of the intelligence community is critical to ensuring our national security, and to restoring America’s reputation in the world.”

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