With the passing of Senator Robert Byrd Monday, Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii is now the most senior member of the U.S. Senate with 47 years of service. On Monday, Senator Inouye replaced Senator Byrd as President pro-tempore of the U.S. Senate. The President pro-tempore of the Senate presides over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President (Joe Biden) and is third in line for the Presidency after the Speaker of the House (Nancy Pelosi). Although largely ceremonial, it is interesting to know that an Asian American is in the line of succession for the Presidency.

Senator Daniel Inouye third in line for Presidency