Richard Simon

Recent stories written by Richard Simon

Byrd's 20,774 days set congressional record (11/19/2009)

WASHINGTON – On his 20,774th day on the job, Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., on Wednesday became the U.S. Capitol's longest-serving lawmaker. And the 91-year-old, who was honored with a standing ovation, told his colleagues that "I've loved every precious minute."

House backs law to protect gays (10/9/2009)

WASHINGTON – A long-debated bill to strengthen the federal hate-crime law to cover violence against gay people was approved by the Democratic-controlled House on Thursday, the first major expansion of the law in more than 40 years.

Apology doesn't end 'You lie!' flap (9/11/2009)

WASHINGTON – The congressman who heckled President Barack Obama during a televised address Wednesday night found that although the president accepted his apology Thursday, the furor over his outburst did not let up.

Kennedy dies at 77 (8/26/2009)

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the Massachusetts Democrat and icon of American liberal politics who was the last surviving brother of a legendary political family, died late Tuesday at his home in Hyannis Port, Mass., his family announced. He was 77.