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1917—, U.S. Senator from West Virginia (1959—), b. North Wilkesboro, N.C., as Cornelius Calvin Sale, Jr. A Democrat, he served (1947—52) in the West Virginia legislature and (1953—59) in the U.S. House of Representatives before entering the Senate. In 1971 he defeated Sen. Edward Kennedy for the position of Senate majority whip and was later Senate majority leader (1977—81, 1987—88) and Senate minority leader (1981—87). From 1989 to 1995 and 2001 to 2003, he chaired the Senate appropriations committee. Byrd is noted for his oratory and his skill in parliamentary maneuvering. He has written several books, including a history of the Senate (1989, based on his addresses) and Losing America (2004).
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