Robert C. Byrd

In the Senate, I serve on a number of committees and subcommittees. Through these positions, I work to improve the quality of life not only for West Virginians, but also for people living throughout the nation.

Committee on Appropriations

I was appointed to the Appropriations Committee by then-Majority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson when I first came to the Senate in 1959. I serve as the senior member on the Senate Appropriations Committee and am Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.

Committee on Armed Services

This committee has as its mission the comprehensive study and review of all programs and initiatives that pertain to the nation's defense. We often hear from the top military officers and strategists on the current challenges and conditions of America's Armed Forces.

Committee on Rules and Administration

The Rules Committee acts as an oversight committee of the Senate itself. We work on issues pertaining to elections, candidate qualifications, and services offered by the Senate and related organizations.

Committee on the Budget

The Budget Committee each year establishes the parameters for federal spending. The Committee also examines the close relationship between the nation's fiscal policy and economic strength.

Senate Leadership

As a member of the Senate leadership, I serve as President pro tempore of the Senate.

The Constitution provides for a President pro tempore to preside over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President.

Article I, Section 3 of the United States Constitution declares that:

"The Senate shall choose their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States."

Except for the years from 1886 to 1947, the President pro tempore has been included in the list of succession if the offices of President and Vice President become vacant. In the Presidential Succession Act of 1792, the President pro tempore was next in line after the Vice President. In 1886 a new law removed the President pro tempore from the line of succession, substituting cabinet officers. In 1947 a law changed the order of succession to place the Speaker of the House in line after the Vice President, followed by the President pro tempore, and then the Secretary of State and other Cabinet officers in order of their departments' creation. This is the system in effect today.

Before 1890, the Senate elected a President pro tempore only for the period when the Vice President would be absent. Since 1890, the President pro tempore holds office continuously until the election of another President pro tempore.

The President pro tempore designates other senators to preside in his absence, generally new members of the majority party.

Other Leadership positions

In addition to the President pro tempore position, during my tenure in the Senate, I have had the honorable distinction of having held more leadership positions in the U.S. Senate than any other Senator in history:

$ President pro tempore				January 2007 - present;
				June 2001-2002; 1989-1994
$ President pro tempore emeritus				2003-2006
$ Senate Majority Leader				1987-1988; 1977-1980
$ Senate Minority Leader				1981-1986
$ Chairman, Senate Democratic Conference				1977-1988
$ Chairman, Senate Democratic Policy Committee				1977-1988
$ Chairman, Senate Democratic Steering Committee				1977-1988
$ Senate Majority Whip				1971-1976
$ Secretary, Senate Democratic Conference				1967-1970