WASHINGTON, D.C.--The U.S. Senate Commission on Art announces the unveiling of a new painting of U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) at a ceremony in the historic Old Senate Chamber of the U.S. Capitol (view the event). The portrait, painted by Tennessee artist Michael Shane Neal, is part of the U.S. Senate Leadership Portrait Collection, which honors Senate leaders.
Senator Byrd has served in the Senate since 1959, longer than any other member. On June 21, 2007, he became the first senator to cast 18,000 roll call votes, with an extraordinary lifetime attendance record of nearly 99 percent.
Senator Byrd has held more elected Senate leadership posts than any other member. These include secretary of the Senate Democratic Conference, Democratic whip, majority leader, minority leader, president pro tempore, and chairman of the Committee on Appropriations.
