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As the longest serving [[Republican]] in the Senate, Stevens served as President pro tempore of the United States Senate from January 3, 2003, to January 3, 2007. Stevens chaired the Senate [[Appropriations Committee]] from 1997 to 2005, except for the 18 months when [[Democrat]]s controlled the chamber. The chairmanship gave Stevens considerable influence among fellow Senators, who relied on him for home-state project funds.

As the longest serving [[Republican]] in the Senate, Stevens served as President pro tempore of the United States Senate from January 3, 2003, to January 3, 2007. Stevens chaired the Senate [[Appropriations Committee]] from 1997 to 2005, except for the 18 months when [[Democrat]]s controlled the chamber. The chairmanship gave Stevens considerable influence among fellow Senators, who relied on him for home-state project funds.

Stevens has had a six-decade career of public service, beginning with his service in [[World War II]]. In the 1950s, he held senior positions in the [[Eisenhower]] Interior and Justice departments. He has served continuously in the Senate since 1968.

Stevens has a six-decade career of public service, beginning with his service in [[World War II]]. In the 1950s, he held senior positions in the [[Eisenhower]] Interior and Justice departments. He has served continuously in the Senate since 1968.

==Early years==

==Early years==