Spokesman says Sen. Robert C. Byrd hospitalized

WASHINGTON — Sen. Robert C. Byrd was hospitalized Monday night at his doctor's urging after suffering from lethargy and sluggishness at the Capitol and, later, at his home, a spokesman for the 90-year-old Democrat said.

Press secretary Jesse L. Jacobs said the West Virginia senator would be in the hospital overnight for observation.

Byrd, who is the longest-serving senator in history, voted during a 5:30 p.m. roll call Monday, then went home. Jacobs said the senator began to feel ill less than an hour later.

He was found to have a fever, and at his doctor's request he was taken to a nearby hospital.

Jacobs added that he didn't know which hospital Byrd was taken to.

Byrd was hospitalized March 5 for tests after a reaction to antibiotics. A week earlier he was hospitalized at Walter Reed Army Medical Center after a fall at home.

Last month, Byrd gave an emotional speech on the Senate floor after hearing the news that Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., had a malignant brain tumor. Kennedy, 76, underwent 3 1/2 hours of risky brain surgery at Duke University Medical Center on Monday, an operation his surgeon pronounced a success.

Byrd has become significantly more frail _ and sometimes prone to emotional outbursts _ since Erma, his wife of almost 69 years, died two years ago. Earlier this year, rumors swirled that fellow Democrats thought Byrd was too feeble to remain at the helm of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Byrd silenced the whispering campaign with a strong performance at a hearing in April.

Comments

[GingerB]

Get well soon, Senator Byrd!

[Waterbug]

My best wishes to Senator Byrd for a speedy recovery.

[HumeSkeptic]

I'll never forget the speech Senator Byrd gave opposing the start of this fraud called Iraq war.

Get well Senator, we need you to speak the truth - for another fifty years, at least.

[ADVOCATE4ZPG]

It was truly a memorable speech: He pleaded with his fellow Senators not to commit to the Iraq war, but a foolish and rash majority were unhearing.­.... Still he warrants the gratitude of the nation whose hand he sought to stay and whose youth he sought to spare.

[RTIII]

Somehow I missed it, but with your review as motivation, I'll seek it out.

[GoCards1978]

That was one of the finest speeches ever uttered on the Senate floor. I pray you feel better soon, Senator Byrd.

[chinaskee]

And I'll never forget the speech he made on the Senate floor during the Clinton impeachment when he said Clinton should be removed from office then turned around and voted with all the other Democrats to acquit him.

[Liberoservative]

God Bless you Senator...

[laylahb]

Hope you're feeling better and will be back in the Senate soon. I for one am looking forward to seeing you cast an historic vote in Denver on August 26th. You have come a very long way in your 90 years, from membership in a "Southern fraternal organization" to your proud endorsement of the first African- American Democratic Presidential nominee. All the best.

[GiannaX]

Godspeed to you, Senator Byrd!

[JLee]

Dammit! Stop getting older, guys! I order you to grow younger and stronger and stay on another few decades!

Failing that, at least stay healthy. You are both in my thoughts, Senators Byrd and Kennedy.

[talkingclock]

Senator Byrd,

Get well soon and a speedy recovery.

[poco767]

This man is a giant, a hero among so many sheep.

[MNmommy]

Thoughts and prayers coming your way Senator.

[SouthPrairie]

Our prayers to you Honorable Senator Byrd.

[shades3]

Get well Senator Byrd. You made the speech that could have prevented the carnage in Iraq, ongoing.
If only they had listened. You spoke to an almost empty chamber and your words touched me, although the fools in charge did not.
Shame on them......­..........­two times.
We need wisdom like yours, especially now.

[glorysong]

Senator Byrd you are in my prayers. Hurry up and get well.

[obamanation31]

Gee I hope he's OK.

[Raymondf]

He's had a long life I pray for him.

[Ariesjill]

He is still among the LIVING. Moreover, it is the QUALITY OF A LIFE THAT MARKS IT, not the length.

[Raymondf]

Speaking of quality how many schools does your state have named for him, W.V. has 80. How many streets, well over 150, how many Highways well over 30, how many office buildings well over 100 it is rediculous. a wood research outfit named for him. Signs going into town of Sophia a town of 1000 saying home of Robert Byrd his W.V. address which he has to have, is a vacant lot where his old home place stood 75 years ago. He has no legal Address in W.V. except the Country Inns and Suites, when He is in town which is on his election day. He comes makes two 15 min appearences and Drives back to Charleston W.V. to catch his plane. I don't care for him since he is the only one left in his family I will pray for him.