Senate Report Card: Robert Byrd D-WV

Senator Robert Byrd is the senior United States Senator from the state of West Virginia, and a senior member of the Democratic Party. He assumed his office in 1959, making him currently the longest serving senator, as well as the oldest member of the senate. He serves as President pro tempore of the Senate, placing him third in line to the presidency.

Senator Byrd is the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, which he has served on since his appointment by then Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson in 1958. He also serves on the Armed Services, Budget and Rules and Administration Committees.

Controversially, Byrd was once a member of the Ku Klux Klan. He filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He opposed the Voting Rights Act, but eventually voted for the Civil Rights Act of 1968. He voted against Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas (the only African Americans as of yet, to be nominated) to the Supreme Court. Byrd also opposed nomination of Condoleeza Rice as Secretary of State. Many use these instances as evidence of Byrd's racism and poor race relations.

He is widely seen as an independent and passionate thinker. Although he believed the impeachment proceedings of President Bill Clinton were serious and should be considered, he ultimately voted to dismiss the charges. He was the only Democrat to vote in favor of censuring President Clinton.

Byrd opposed efforts to allow gays to serve in the military. He is also against gay marriage, however, he voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in favor of allowing states to decide the issue.

He voted in favor of both of President Bush's Supreme Court nominees: John Roberts and Samuel Alito.

Byrd has cosponsored a bill that prohibits destruction or desecration of the American flag by anyone trying to incite violence or causing a breach of the peace. It also holds that anyone who steals, damages, or destroys a flag on federal property, whether a flag owned by the federal government or a private group or individual, can be imprisoned for up to two years, or can be fined up to $250,000, or both.

Senator Byrd voted against the creation of the Homeland Security Department. He voted against the Iraq war legislation and when appearing on Larry King Live said the following: "Today I weep for my country. I have watched the events of recent months with a heavy, heavy heart. No more is the image of America one of strong, yet benevolent peacekeeper. The image of America has changed. Around the globe, our friends mistrust us, our word is disputed, our intentions are questioned. Instead of reasoning with those with whom we disagree, we demand obedience or threaten recrimination."

Of the more than 18,000 votes he has cast as a Senator, Byrd says on his website that he is proudest of his vote against the Iraq war resolution. Byrd has also voted for funding the Iraq war with a timetable for troop withdrawal

Senator Robert Byrd won reelection in 2006.