Byrd's Eye View

Senator Byrd served longer in the United States Senate than anyone else in West Virginia's history. He has the distinction of having held more leadership positions in the U.S. Senate than any other Senator of any party in Senate history.  

He became a member of the Senate Leadership in 1967, when he was selected by his colleagues to be Secretary of the Democratic Conference.  In 1971, he was chosen Senate Democratic Whip.  In 1977, he was elected Democratic Leader by his Democratic colleagues, a position he held for six consecutive terms.  For the 12 years he held the position of Democratic Leader -- from January 1977 through December 1988 -- Senator Byrd served as Senate Majority Leader six years (1977-80, 1987-88) and as Senate Minority Leader six years (1981-86).

On two different occasions, Senator Byrd has served as Chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, on which he has held membership since January 1959.  Also twice, Senator Byrd unanimously was elected President pro tempore of the Senate, a post that placed him third in line of succession to the Presidency.  He was President pro tempore from 1989 through 1994, and again from June 2001 through the end of 2002.

In that time Senator Byrd delivered hundreds of speeches and was a keen observer of Senate history.  Explore the links at the left to learn more about his legacy.