And now, a message from Sen. Robert Byrd

From the Congressional Record (April 24, 2006):

Yes, there have been many efforts to modernize the Senate in order to meet new challenges. Able leaders have demonstrated courage and skill in forging alliances and building friendships to pass legislation. I did that when I was leader of the Senate. I forged alliances with such and such a Senator. I forged an alliance. Despite more than two centuries of pressure to change and "modernize''--let's put quotation marks around that word, `"modernize''--despite more than two centuries of pressures to change and "modernize,'' the Senate, as an institution, remains remarkably similar to the body created at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It retains all of its original powers, including providing advice and consent--yes. You said it. You better read that again in the Constitution. It retains all of its original powers, including providing advice and consent to Presidents on nominations and on treaties, serving as a court of impeachment--you better believe it, Mr. President. The Senate can send you home. You better believe that.

Hat tip to Salon.