[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 22, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ANOTHER RECORD FOR ROBERT C. BYRD

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, so far, January has been quite a month for 
our highly esteemed colleague, the senior Senator from West Virginia. 
On January 8, Senator Robert C. Byrd observed the 50th anniversary of 
the day he entered public service as a member of the West Virginia 
House of Delegates.
  To commemorate this significant event, Senator Byrd returned to the 
West Virginia State capitol on January 11 to join hundreds of grateful 
West Virginians and other friends in the unveiling of a bronze statue.
  This likeness of Senator Byrd, prominently placed in the capitol's 
rotunda, will serve to remind future generations of his service to his 
State and to his country.
  Just 2 days after the Charleston, WV, ceremony, Robert Byrd achieved 
another major distinction. On January 13, 1997, he became the fourth 
longest serving U.S. Senator in the history of our republic, with a 
service record of 38 years and 10 days.
  Think of it, Mr. President. Of the 1,843 past and present senators, 
only three have served longer than Robert C. Byrd. In another 3 years, 
Senator Byrd will exceed the 41-year service record of my immediate 
predecessor from Mississippi, John C. Stennis.
  After that, Senator Byrd's only challengers will be the current 
record holder, Carl Hayden of Arizona--41 years and 10 months, and the 
current second longest serving member, our highly regarded colleague 
from South Carolina, Strom Thurmond.
  I shall have more to say about Senator Thurmond in May of this year, 
when he breaks Senator Hayden's record.
  Each of us in this body, from the most junior to the most seasoned, 
would do well to pay close attention to Robert C. Byrd--a man of great 
historical knowledge. When Robert C. Byrd speaks about the role of the 
Senate in American Government, he deserves our most careful attention.
  On behalf of all Senators, I commend Senator Byrd for his long 
service to our country.
  (Applause, Senators rising.)

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