Senator Byrd Becomes Longest Tenured Member of Congress

Senator Robert Byrd's political career began in 1952 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and he was promoted as a member of the Senate in 1958. According to The Associated Press, the Democratic Senator from West Virginia officially became the longest tenured lawmaker in the history of the United States on Wednesday. Senator Byrd has cast over 18,000 votes throughout his illustrious political career and although his deteriorating physical health has prevented him from attending proceedings on the Senate floor throughout much of 2009, he sports a thoroughly impressive 98 percent attendance record during his 57 year career.

Senator Byrd released a statement to commemorate the occasion that reads, "I look forward to serving you for the next 56 years and 320 days. I know that [my late wife, Erma] is looking down from the heavens smiling at me and saying congratulations, my dear Robert ... but don't let it go to your head." According to The Associated Press, the record had been held previously by Democratic Senator from Arizona, Carl Hayden.

Senator Carl Hayden's political career began in 1912 and he served terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate for 57 years. Democratic Senator Robert Byrd from West Virginia will celebrate his 92nd birthday on Friday November 20th.