Hawaii U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye was honored on the Senate floor this morning for being the second longest-serving senator in U.S. history.

Inouye passed former U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond’s longevity on Friday. Inouye has served in the Senate for more than 47 years since Jan. 3, 1963.

“I would like to thank the thousands of constituents who have demonstrated their faith and confidence in me,” Inouye said. “It is a privilege to serve you in Washington and I hope I have not failed you. This is a very special day for me and my family and friends who helped make it possible. When I took the oath of office in 1963, I pledged to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States. I spend every day trying to live up to that oath.”

Fellow Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka said, “Hawaii may be the youngest state in this great country, but as Sen. Inouye’s milestone demonstrates, our contributions continue to shape the United States of America.”

West Virginia Sen. Robert Byrd is the longest serving U.S. senator. He was elected in 1958 and has been in the Senate for more than 51 years.