Robert Byrd to Set Congressional Longevity Record

By: Amanda Sterling
Topics: Congress

(CBS)

By tomorrow, Sen. Robert C. Byrd, a Democrat from West Virginia, will have the honor of being the longest-serving member of Congress ever, breaking the record set by former senator Carl Hayden.

Politico reports that Byrd, who is 91, has now officially served 20,774 days -- or 56 years, ten and a half months -- in Congress. Byrd was elected to the Senate in 1959 after serving three two-year terms in the House of Representatives, and has since been reelected eight times. He accomplished a unique feat by earning a law degree while in Congress, graduating in 1963; and he is President pro tempore of the Senate, making him third in the line of presidential succession behind Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"On Nov. 18, a West Virginian breaks all records and makes history," West Virginia governor Joe Manchin said in a recent news release. "Sen. Byrd sets the gold standard for what it means to be an outstanding public official, and next week he will reach a historic national milestone for length of service."

Byrd has attracted significant attention throughout his time in Washington for his controversial background, his efforts to further West Virginia's economic development and his record-setting career longevity. Between 1995 and 2006, Byrd sent more than $1 billion West Virginia's way, and most of the $215 million in federal funds given to the state during fiscal 2008 was a result of his work, according to the Charleston Gazette. The Gazette also reports that he was the first candidate to win all 55 counties in one West Virginia election- an accomplishment that he has since repeated twice.

The senator's controversial history includes former ties to the Klu Klux Klan, and at one point he strongly advocated segregationist policies, as Politico reports. Over time, however, Byrd's positions have become increasingly moderate on racial issues, and he has emerged as something of a hero for liberals. In 2008, he endorsed Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton in the Democratic presidential nomination fight.

Most recently, however, Byrd's failing health has become a source of concern for Democrats who need his vote to help pass their proposed health care bill. The Hill reports that the senator, who has lately been in and out of hospitals, has missed more than 130 roll call votes so far this year.

Since Senate Republicans have indicated that they plan to vote against the proposed legislation as a group, Democrats will need to band together in order to reach the 60 votes necessary for the measure to pass.

Byrd, however, does not seem worried.

"I have strived to provide the people of West Virginia the best representation possible each of the 20,774 days which I have served in the Congress of the United States," he said in an official statement to USA Today. "The only way for me to close on this historic day is to say that I look forward to serving you for the next 56 years and 320 days!"

On Friday, Byrd will turn 92.

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by beauboy1 November 23, 2009 2:29 AM EST: I doubt anyone will ever come close to Senator Byrd's record of longevity. when he started his career no one ever mentioned "term limits." Sometimes in the not too distant future, term limits will probably be a part elected governance. That will no doubt be a good thing, but for now, the feel good thing to do, is to wish Sen. Byrd our best, and a happy 92nd BD.; Reply to this comment


by beauboy1 November 18, 2009 3:29 AM EST: Leave him alone! He has had a wonderful career in the Congress and Senate. He lived through a controvercial pass as a young man, but repented, and made the most of a second chance. let's all wish Senator Robert Byrd A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY. HE HAS EARNED IT, DON'T YOU THINK?; Reply to this comment


by bpai99 November 18, 2009 1:55 AM EST: Byrd will go down in history on par with Carl Hayden (whose Congressional longevity record will be exceeded tomorrow by Byrd), whom I've never heard of before I read this article.; Reply to this comment


by stn_sage November 17, 2009 8:07 PM EST: WOW! He's had a nice, long run! But, he's still got some distance to go!
And, he'll continue on...to the consternation of those who'd like to see him retire!

His determination is probably fueled by part will, part spirit, and part pure occasional good West Virginian 'sipp'in whiskey'! Plus, it helps to
be a little bit mean, too...and not 'give in' to the Grim Reaper!

It will be a LONG TIME...if ever...before someone else surpasses THAT record! Personally, I doubt anyone ever will! ;); Reply to this comment


by jessue November 17, 2009 6:42 PM EST: I'm sorry to say but this gentleman needs to step aside and smell the roses. Enough is enough ! He has served his constituents and country well. His health is failing him and I would rather he walk away graciously than go out in a pine box !; Reply to this comment


by lightningF November 17, 2009 6:01 PM EST: The poster boy for Term limits, Too old to know what an Ipod is,Byrd should have been retired long ago,he is a disgrace from West Virginia.; Reply to this comment