Sen. Byrd to step down as committee chair

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Robert Byrd, the longest-serving senator in U.S. history, voluntarily gave up his chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee Friday.

Byrd, D-W. Va., who is about to celebrate his 91st birthday, is also the oldest current senator. Majority Leader Harry Reid had reportedly wanted Byrd out of the important post.

In a statement, Byrd said that Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, will replace him when the new Congress convenes in January, The Hill reported.

"A new day has dawned in Washington, and that is a good thing," Byrd said. "For my part, I believe that it is time for a new day at the top of the Senate Appropriations Committee. I will step away from the chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee effective January 6, 2009."

Byrd, who was in his first Senate term when President-elect Barack Obama was born, has been hospitalized three times this year. His current term ends in January 1913.