Sen. Byrd Has Died

West Virginia Sen. Robert Byrd, the longest-serving member of Congress, has died, the senator's office said. He was 92.

CNN.com

President Obama's statement (e-mailed from the White House press office):

I was saddened to hear this morning that the people of West Virginia have lost a true champion, the United States Senate has lost a venerable institution, and America has lost a voice of principle and reason with the passing of Robert C. Byrd.

Senator Byrd’s story was uniquely American. He was born into wrenching poverty, but educated himself to become an authoritative scholar, respected leader, and unparalleled champion of our Constitution. He scaled the summit of power, but his mind never strayed from the people of his beloved West Virginia. He had the courage to stand firm in his principles, but also the courage to change over time.

He was as much a part of the Senate as the marble busts that line its chamber and its corridors. His profound passion for that body and its role and responsibilities was as evident behind closed doors as it was in the stemwinders he peppered with history. He held the deepest respect of members of both parties, and he was generous with his time and advice, something I appreciated greatly as a young senator.

We take solace in the fact that he is reunited with his wife of nearly 69 years, Erma; and our thoughts and prayers are with their daughters, their grandchildren and great grandchildren, and all the people of West Virginia who loved Robert C. Byrd.

Statement from Senator Bob Casey:

“Senator Robert Byrd has not only been an institution in the Senate over the last fifty years, he also made it his charge to protect its integrity and document its history.

“Senator Byrd always put the interests of his constituents and his state of West Virginia first.

“Terese and I will keep Senator Byrd and his family in our prayers.”

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