Byrd was first elected to the Senate in 1958, and in 2006 was re-elected for a record ninth six-year term. Last November he stepped down as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, but he remains the Senate's president pro tempore, a largely symbolic post reserved for the longest-serving member of the Senate. That puts him third in line of presidential succession after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
He was hospitalized May 15 for an infection. His stint in the hospital was extended when he developed a more severe infection, but he was recently released.
Byrd voted to extend production of F-22 fighter planes, but was on the losing end of the 58-40 vote.
His slower pace has not affected his ability, as a former Senate majority leader and chairman of the Appropriations Committee, to direct millions of dollars to West Virginia for roads, buildings and economic development projects.
Byrd has become frail in recent years, especially after the 2006 death of Erma, his wife of 69 years. He infrequently speaks on the floor.
Byrd left the building shortly after the vote to return to his home in the Washington suburbs, said spokesman Jesse Jacobs.
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