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Who Is Robert Byrd

Who Is Robert Byrd

Robert Byrd was repeatedly elected to represent the state of West Virginia in the United States Senate. Senator Robert Byrd was a Democratic Senator, who began serving on the Senate in 1959. Prior to being elected to serve in the U.S. Senate, Senator Byrd served on the U.S. House of Representatives. However, once he was elected to act as a state Senator, he flourished and became an increasingly powerful and influential figure within the Senate.
Senator Byrd died in 2010, after serving on the Senate for 51 years. He served the longest period of any Senator, or any member of Congress, in the history of the United States. During his time as a United States Senator, Senator Byrd possessed many important office positions.
He acted as the Senate Majority Whip, the Senate Majority Leader, the Senate Minority Leader, and he acted as the Senate’s President pro tempore. In addition, Senator Byrd was appointed to be the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations. In this position, he had extensive influence over the funds spent by the federal government. 
Overtime, Senator Robert Byrd changed his opinion on certain issues. For example, he originally opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and he filibustered the bill. However, he later supported the civil rights movements and associated legislation. While Senator Byrd approved American participation in the Vietnam War, he criticized and opposed the invasion of Iraq. Though Senator Byrd was a member of the Democratic Party, he maintained many conservative views and ideals, including the opposition of gay marriage and pro-choice movements.