- Distributed by The Associated Press



West Virginians reacted with sadness to Sen. Robert C. Byrd's announcement he is stepping down as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Jan. 6, 2009. Byrd, as chairman, has steered millions of federal dollars into West Virginia for projects that have helped this state in every way.

Byrd's announcement comes as a concession to his health, which as everyone knows, is not as robust as it once was. The senator's physical setbacks during the past year have caused concern, but did not keep the 91-year-old senator from his Senate duties, including chairmanship of appropriations.

Before the Nov. 4 General Election, a Washington, D.C.-based Website reported that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., planned to move Byrd out of his chairmanship. Byrd reacted angrily, and Reid, who was roundly criticized, later said he would not change Byrd's role.

However, the election results that saw Democrat Barack Obama become president-elect and Democrat rack up gains in both the Senate and House of Representatives, caused Byrd to rethink the issue. On Nov. 7, he announced he would step down from the chairmanship, but hoped to continue on the committee as chairman of the Homeland Security subcommittee. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, will assume the committee's chairmanship.

According to reports, Byrd has brought more than $1 billion into the state. This money is visible in nearly every county in West Virginia. It has gone into roads, bridges, building, parks and other projects that have made life better for every West Virginian. And, there is no doubt Byrd's love and commitment to West Virginia and its people is reciprocal. He is the most beloved West Virginian in the history of the state and his name will stand long after he has departed this life.

''To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven,'' Byrd said in published reports, quoting Ecclesiastes. ''I thank the people of West Virginia for continuing to put their faith in me ... .''

The people of West Virginia also thank Sen. Robert C. Byrd for continuing to put his faith in this state and its people.