WASHINGTON -- Ted Kennedy (D-MA) collapsed today during an inaugural luncheon in Washington. At the time, there were conflicting reports of a medical episode with Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV).

Sen. Robert Byrd, overcome with emotion, apparently had to be taken from the hall as well, according to CBS News. Byrd was conscious when he was taken from the room. The two have been close friends for a very, very long time.

Politico is reporting that a few minutes after Sen. Robert Byrd was removed in his wheelchair under the supervision of medical personnel. Byrd had been having trouble eating, according to a witness.

According Mark Farrell, Spokesman for Byrd, the senator made the decision to leave the luncheon once Senator Kennedy was being taken from the room by medical personnel. Sen. Byrd returned to his own office in the Senate Hart building and is doing fine, though remains very concerned about his close friend Ted Kennedy