Robert Byrd Released After Month-Long Hospital Stay

WASHINGTON — Sen. Robert Byrd's office says he's been released from the hospital and is at his Washington-area home recuperating from a more-than monthlong illness.

The 91-year-old West Virginia Democrat, who is the longest-serving senator, is continuing physical therapy as he recovers from a staph infection he contracted while hospitalized for another infection.

Aides released scant details during his hospitalization, declining even to say where he received treatment.

Byrd says he's looking forward to celebrating the nation's birthday with his family.

(This version CORRECTS to reflect Byrd is at his Washington-area home not West Virginia.)

Comments

[llisa]

Senator Byrd,

You have served your country well. Now it is time to enjoy the retirement you have earned. Please step down (along with Senator Kennedy) so we can have the full 60 senators we need to get Obama's agenda passed.

in this way, you serve your country one more time.

Thank you, sir.

[Cunningham]

Hear! Hear!

[windup]

Altho I appreciate Senator Byrd's stance during the Iraq war and his concerns about too much executive power, he has yet to take a position on the health care issue. I would hope he would support a single-payer option that would provide everyone with the kind of care he just had.

[DestinationsUnknown]

Godspeed to you Honorable Senator Byrd!

Thank you for standing like you did pre Iraq war authorization on the Senate Floor.

All anti war posters should check that out- c-span

Thank you Sen Byrd and thank you for your honesty regarding the ealry days of your youth.

Redemption is what America is all about.

Thank you for that Fish and Wildlife Conservation Park in West Virginia.

Thank you Senator.

[Taciturn]

It's frightening how many people contract severe staph infection in American hospitals. There's a lot more than providing health insurance for all that has to be addressed in "the greatest health care system in the world."

[6bd]

Byrd...sorry

[CRA1]

Month long hospital stay! Wow, must have great insurance as most would kick you out after 24hrs. Oops I meant to state most would kick you out due to a pre-condition! Senator should thank the american people for helping to pay for his insurance, lucky old man!

[enoughalready13]

My sentiments exactly ...

I also think we need term limits and age limits for the Senate and House. I have a grandfather who is 94 who is my hero in life, but even he would agree that beyond a certain age, it's time to let the younger generation take the reins.

[6bd]

Godspeed to you Honorable Senator Bird!

[RoseL]

WOW!!! What a great insurance plan he must have that kept a 91 year old man in the hospital for one month. Did he have to call everyday to get approval? Were the social workers who were assigned to him inundated with disapprovals and then had to beg the insurance company to let him stay? Did they have to fudge a little on his condition just to get extra days for him?
If not, then clearly he has a plan that the rest of us envy and would love to have! How much does it cost? Oh, I forgot, he's a senator, so it probably costs him nothing, but we pay....big time!
Get well soon, and may you always have such a wonderful insurance plan....

[classicalgeek]

$35.00 a month.

[uvymopka]

Under the Obama health plan this guy would have to wait 6 months before he would qualify for treatment of a infection he contracted while hospitalized for another infection. He should start setting a example for the rest of us.

[chocolatecity]

Yeah. That must be why Canada has a longer life expectancy than the U.S. All of that rationing and denying old people treatment. That makes sense.

[taddles]

Sincere wishes for your speedy and full recovery Senator Byrd.

[Emerald1943]

I've always enjoyed listening to some of Senator Byrd's speeches on the floor of the Senate. He is quite unique, and always speaks his mind!

Get well soon, Senator! We need to hear more from you!

[Chernynkaya]

I'm glad he has the kind of gold-plated health care that keeps a 91 year old in the hospital for a month. It will be worth it if he then votes "Aye" when that kind of health care for the rest of us comes up for a vote.

[Taz2]

I hope his healthy and I wish him well but "It's Time For Term Limits People" C'mon We need Term Limits!!

[classicalgeek]

We do not need term limits. Then we would lose people who actually care about public service like Sen. Bernie Sanders. We can't afford to lose him.

[StopSexismNow]

Get well soon Senator Byrd!

[expired]

Ok, hp what's with the B I N G advertisements? Lately, you've been swinging right.

[ranchero42]

Define "LATELY".

[dwright]

$$$$$