Robert C. Byrd

A Representative and a Senator from West Virginia. Born in North Wilkesboro, Wilkes County, N. C. , November 20, 1917. Attended West Virginia public schools. Student at Beckley College, Concord College, Morris Harvey College, and Marshall College, all in West Virginia, and George Washington University Law School, Washington, D. C. Graduated, American University Law School 1963. Received Bachelor's degree in political science from Marshall University 1994. Member of the West Virginia house of delegates 1947-1950. Member of the West Virginia senate 1951-1952, resigning when elected to Congress. Elected as a Democrat to the Eighty-third, Eighty-fourth, and Eighty-fifth Congresses (January 3, 1953-January 3, 1959). Elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate in 1958 for the term commencing January 3, 1959, and served from January 3, 1959, until his death. Reelected in 1964, 1970, 1976, 1982, 1988, 1994, 2000, and again in 2006 for the term ending January 3, 2013. Secretary, Senate Democratic Conference 1967-1971. Democratic whip 1971-1977. Majority Leader and Democratic caucus chairman 1977-1980, 1987-1988. Minority Leader and Democratic caucus chairman 1981-1986. Chair, Democratic Policy Committee 1977-1989. President pro tempore (1989-1995, June 6, 2001-January 3, 2003, 2007-June 28, 2010). Chair, Committee on Appropriations (One Hundred First through One Hundred Third Congresses. One Hundred Seventh Congress [January 3-20, 2001. June 6, 2001-January 3, 2003]. One Hundred Tenth Congress). Died June 28, 2010. Lay in repose in the Senate Chamber July 1, 2010. Interment in Columbia Gardens Cemetery, Arlington, Va.