Sen. Robert C. Byrd

WASHINGTON -- A font of federal resources to West Virginia and one of the most powerful majority leaders in history of the Senate, Robert C. Byrd today became the longest serving member of Congress in history.

He began in the House of Representatives in January 1953, when Harry Truman was president and the country's No. 1 song was "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."

Mr. Byrd, who turns 92 on Friday, was honored by his colleagues with a resolution as he made a rare appearance on the Senate floor. In recent years health problems have kept Mr. Byrd away from the institution where he is serving a record ninth term.

He arrived shortly before 5 p.m. in a wheelchair guided by an aide. The Democrat was feted by colleagues from both sides of the aisle, who marked his longevity in surpassing Carl Hayden, D-Ariz., who served in the House from 1912-27 and in the Senate from 1927-69.

Mr. Byrd also gave a brief speech, chronicling his impoverished youth as the foster son of a coal miner in southern West Virginia and his rise to the top of America's legislative ladder.

And he wasn't shy about discussing his failings over his 56-year span in Congress.

"I have had the privilege not only to witness but also to participate in the great panorama of history," Mr. Byrd said.

"From the apex of the Cold War to the collapse -- the collapse! -- of the Soviet Union. From my opposition to the 1964 Civil Rights Act to my part in securing the funds for building the memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. From my support to the war in Vietnam to my opposition to President George W. Bush's war in Iraq."

He struggled through the speech when talking about his wife Erma, who died in 2006.

"My only regret," Mr. Byrd said, pausing as he choked up, "is that my dear wife Erma is not here to enjoy this moment with me. But I know -- yes I do -- that she's smiling down from above and reminding me not to get a big head."

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