NEWS
Sen. Byrd Becomes Longest-Serving Congress Member
Associated Press
Washington (AP) -- West Virginia Sen. Robert C. Byrd has now been on Capitol Hill longer than any lawmaker in congressional history.
The senate will mark the milestone when it convenes Wednesday morning and acknowledges Sen. Byrd's 56 years and 320 days of service.
It's unclear if Sen. Byrd will be able to attend due to frail health, but he issued a statement saying his only regret is that his late wife, Erma, isn't there with him. Sen. Byrd says she would probably congratulate him and warn him not to let his accomplishment go to his head.
Sen. Byrd's colleagues have elected him to more leadership positions than any senator in history. He has cast more than 18,000 votes and, despite fragile health lately, has a nearly 98 percent attendance record over the course of his career.
Friday is his 92nd birthday.
(Copyright 2009 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
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