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Sen Robert Byrd was admitted to an area hospital last week and is now considered "seriously ill" accordingly to a statement issued by the senators office.

Sen. Byrd, a democrat from West Virginia, is considered to be the longest-serving member of congress, taking the record from Democrat Carl Hayden of Arizona who served the country from 1912-1969.

Byrd was admitted for what was considered heat exhaustion, however "…other conditions have developed which has resulted in his condition being described as serious", in a statement released by his office. He was hospitalized for several weeks in 2009 but able to attend key votes, however based on his current condition, this may not be possible this time. This comes at a time in which Democrats hope to finalize and pass their "financial regulation" bill before the long break after Independence Day. Mass. Republican Scott Brown, who was one of four republicans who originally voted for the bill, stated earlier he may change his vote as the new reconciled version adds a $19 billion bank tax. If Brown votes no and Byrd is unable to vote, this may leave the vote merely one vote shy of passage.

Sen Byrd, once a leader in the KKK, is the senate pro-tem which means he is 4th in line for the presidency behind Speaker Pelosi, Clinton, and Biden.

Tags: Carl Hayden, Financial Reform, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, KKK, Robert Byrd, Scott Brown