West Virginia officials issued statements praising Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., for becoming the longest serving Congress member on Wednesday. Here are excerpts from some of the statements:

PRESIDENT OBAMA: "Today, my friend Senator Robert Byrd becomes the longest-serving member of Congress in our nation's history, and I'd like to take this opportunity to applaud him and extend heartfelt thanks for his nearly 57 years of remarkable service. Senator Byrd has always represented the people of West Virginia with pride and passion, fighting to put working families first and make life better for the people of his beloved state. His knowledge and experience in the Senate are unparalleled, and he commands the respect of all those who have had the honor of serving with him. Countless colleagues -- myself included -- have looked to him for advice, guidance and leadership over the years. He is one of the most steadfast defenders of the United States Constitution, and he never lets us forget the guiding values and principles that make our nation great. Michelle and I extend our most heartfelt congratulations to Senator Byrd and his family today, and our entire nation thanks him for his continued service and leadership."

REP. NICK J. RAHALL, D-W.Va.: "His work, in short, has been monumental. His efforts have provided for public services and fundamental structures -- modern highways, safer bridges, veterans centers, clean water systems -- but these fall far short of the greatest and most lasting monument that he has given the people of West Virginia, his devotion and tireless work to make their lives richer.

"I am proud and awed - though not in the least surprised -- to be able to congratulate West Virginia's senior Senator on becoming the longest serving member in the history of the U.S. Congress. And I look forward to many more record-breaking years of Robert C. Byrd serving in the U.S. Senate and setting a wise and fruitful course for the future of West Virginia and the nation."

SEN. JAY ROCKEFELLER, D-W.Va.: Rockefeller made a speech on the Senate floor Wednesday about Byrd's service. Here is part of the speech: "On this momentous day, Nov. 18, 2009, my dear friend and colleague becomes the longest serving member of Congress in the history of this country. And on Friday, he will celebrate a warm and joyous birthday.

"We come together as an institution to recognize that no senator in history has cast more votes or been elected by his colleagues to more leadership positions than Robert Byrd. No one else: a sign of the enormous warmth, tremendous respect and unwavering admiration we all share for Senator Byrd.

"We are grateful for his strength and his rock-solid principle which has come to define West Virginia as surely as our endless hills and beautiful streams."

REP. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, R-W.Va.: "Senator Byrd's lengthy record of service in Congress is something for which every West Virginian can be proud. For nearly 57 years, West Virginians have elected Senator Byrd as their representative in Washington, D.C. -- and that's a responsibility he has never taken lightly.

"I wish him all the best on this historic occasion and look forward to his continued service on behalf of the people of our great state."

WVU PRESIDENT JAMES P. CLEMENTS: "To the people of the Mountain State, West Virginia University represents leadership, knowledge, innovation and pride. It attained that stature partly through the hard work, clear vision and incredible talents and service of Robert C. Byrd."

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