Vision

Robert C. Byrd has been called a conservative when it comes to preserving all that is time-tested and good in the American system.  But, he was labeled a progressive in favor of change when change was needed.

When he became chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he said he welcomed the challenge afforded him because it gave him the opportunity to become West Virginia's leading industry.  He certainly did that - bringing billions of federal dollars into the state.  Many of the projects for which he secured funding have preserved the past.  Others, however, show that he stayed abreast of current technologies and their impact on economic development.

The Senator recognized that, if West Virginia wanted to move from coal to a high-tech economy, the state needed to build an infrastructure - better water and sewage facilities and roads.  He worked in congress to secure funding for these projects and many more.  He was also instrumental in bringing high-tech industries to West Virginia.  He secured funding for high-tech educational opportunities for young people, especially in the areas of biometrics and health care.

Senator Byrd said he became a senator in order to serve all West Virginians.  Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada), in describing Robert Byrd, has said, "It has been a great example for all of us to never lose sight of the fact that you are elected by the people from your State and the people from your State should have priority."  Senator Byrd made it a priority early in his career to determine what issues West Virginians believed were important.  As a result, he focused much of his time and energy in Congress on issues to improve the quality of life, education, health care, transportation and employment.  Retired Senator Sam Nunn (D-Georgia) has said of Senator Byrd, "It has been said that great men are like eagles.  You find them one at a time, soaring alone, using their skill and their strength to reach new horizons.  Such a man is Robert Byrd."