Inouye succeeds Byrd as third in line for presidential succession

The passing of U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd means the President pro-tempore post goes to U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii instead.  That means Inouye is thrid in line behind for presidential succession behind Vice President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Byrd of West Virginia, was the longest serving member of the U.S. Senate.  He was 92 years old.

Sen. Inouye responded to the news today saying, “My heart is heavy with sadness following the passing of a dear friend, Robert C. Byrd, Senator from West Virginia.  We have been friends for nearly 50 years and I am overcome with memories.  Nearly 48 years ago Senator Byrd was one of the first to greet me in the chamber of the United States Senate.  Since that first moment of friendship we have worked together on many projects.  And since those early days, I have called him, my leader,” said Inouye. 

“He was my mentor.  Over the years he provided me countless opportunities and tasked me with positions of critical national oversight while guiding my actions with the temperance he learned as the longest serving Senator in history,” Inouye said.

Inouye called Byrd a, “Senator’s Senator,” saying, “His many accomplishments were historic and he fought tirelessly to improve the lives of working families in West Virginia.  We shared the belief that we must provide for the people who trust us to represent their communities in Washington.  He will forever have my gratitude and respect and I will miss him dearly,” said Inouye.