Sen. Dick Lugar

(Washington, DC) – Dick Lugar reached a milestone Wednesday in when the 112th Congress began with swearing in ceremonies for newly-elected senators.

Indiana's senior U.S. Senator is now the longest-serving member of Congress in the state’s history.

Lugar served his 12,421st day in Congress Wednesday. He surpassed the record previously held by late Congressman Ray Madden.

Former Ninth District Congressman Lee Hamilton moves down to third on the list with 12,419 days served.

Lugar has cast most than 12,500 votes while being present for 98.2 percent of votes he could have made. He is second in all-time Senate voting.