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Sen. Byrd Leaves Powerful Post

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 8, 2008

WASHINGTON - Sen. Robert Byrd, the longest-serving senator in history, is stepping down from his cherished post as chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

Byrd, 90, has become increasingly frail in recent years, and the move didn't come as a surprise.

The West Virginia Democrat is a Senate icon and a legend in his own state, where he has been single-handedly responsible for directing huge sums of federal money for roads, universities, and economic development. It was a perk of his powerful perch as chairman or top minority member of the panel for the past two decades.

Before that, he was Senate Democratic leader for 12 years.

Byrd said Friday he decided voluntarily, noting it's time for new leadership on the committee, one of the most important in Congress for its control over federal agencies' budgets.

"A new day has dawned in Washington, and that is a good thing. For my part, I believe that it is time for a new day at the top of the Senate Appropriations Committee," Byrd said.

Byrd will be replaced by Hawaii Democrat Daniel Inouye.

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