Washington  - Robert Byrd, the West Virginia senator, is set to become the longest serving member of the US Congress in history on Wednesday.

Byrd, who will celebrate his 92nd birthday on Friday, began his legislative career in the House of Representatives on January 3, 1953, before moving to the Senate in 1959.

The Senate was expected to commemorate the milestone with a resolution honouring Byrd on Wednesday. Byrd passes former Arizona senator Carl Hayden, who was in Congress from 1912-69.

In a statement to his West Virginia constituents, Byrd said: "The only way for me to close on this historic day is to say that I look forward to serving you for the next 56 years and 320 days!" (dpa)