WV senator Byrd dies, Bond praises longtime colleague
The longest-serving member of the U.S. Senate has died in Washington DC. Sen. Robert Byrd, D-WVa., was 92.
In a news release this morning, Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., praised Byrd's dedication to his constituents in West Virginia and the lessons he shared with other senators.
"From humble beginnings, Senator Byrd became the longest serving member of the Senate," Bond said. "Throughout his many years of service, there has been no greater student, teacher, and protector of the Senate institution.”
Byrd was elected to the Senate in 1959. Bond, who is retiring this year after four terms in the Senate, was first elected to that chamber in 1986.