People Who Served in Congress
Sketches of famous and not-so-famous Senators and Representatives

Robert C. Byrd (D-WV).  In the halls of Congress, Robert C. Byrd is best known for his fierce defense of the Constitution and the institution of the Senate.  The Almanac of American Politics says that Byrd "may come closer to the kind of senator the Founding Fathers had in mind than any other."  Senators from both parties have paid tribute to Byrd’s devotion to the Constitution.  He endeavors to make sure that the wisdom of the Constitution’s Framers is not forgotten and that the people’s liberties are protected.

In the history of the Republic, Byrd has served longer than all but one Member of Congress. In June 2006, Byrd became the longest serving Senator in the history of the Republic and, in November 2006, he was elected to an unprecedented ninth consecutive term in the Senate.  During his tenure, his colleagues have elected him to more leadership positions than any other Senator in history.  Throughout his career, Byrd has cast nearly 17,800 roll call votes -- an amazing 98.7 percent attendance record in his nearly five decades of service in the Senate.

Sources:

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress:  http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=B001210  

Senator Byrd’s official Website:  http://byrd.senate.gov/

Congress Definied
Words and phrases that describe congressional processes

Members’ Allowances.  Official expenses for which members are either paid in advance or reimbursed by their chambers.  Among them are the costs for office space and office furnishings, equipment, and supplies in congressional buildings and in their home states or districts; postage-free mailings; travel to and from home states or districts, as well as some travel elsewhere on official business; telephone and other telecommunications services; and staff salaries.  All allowances are authorized by law, but each house determines for itself the details and regulations governing many of them.  Some allowances are subject to dollar limits, others are not.

Source:

Congressional Quarterly, American Congressional Dictionary, 3rd ed. (Washington DC;  CQ Press, 2001):  148.