Leader McConnell Remembers Senator Fritz Hollings
‘So today, the Senate mourns not just a friend and former colleague, but a true example of what it means to live a life of service. We mourn with Fritz’s family and the people of South Carolina. And we join them in celebrating a life so fully lived.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the passing of Senator Fritz Hollings (D-SC):
“First, the Senate mourns a part of our institution’s history who passed away over the weekend. Until Saturday, Senator Fritz Hollings of South Carolina was the oldest living former Senator. He is also the longest-tenured junior Senator in history, since 36 of his 38 years in this body came alongside Senator Thurmond. But there was nothing ‘junior’ about Fritz’s career, his impact, or his larger-than-life personality.
“By the time I arrived in the Senate, Fritz had already built a reputation as a war veteran, state legislator, governor, senator, and as a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. He had raised a family between his hometown of Charleston and the state Capitol in Columbia. At every turn, a squared-away southern gentleman. In every case, someone who would call things exactly how he saw them. Fritz spoke his mind with cutting wit and undeniable sincerity on causes that captured his attention.
“And as a result of his passion and skill, his name will be forever linked with a long list of important achievements here in the Senate. He called attention to a growing federal budget deficit. Advocated for the needs of our nation’s men and women in uniform. And confronted the tragic poverty in America’s own backyard, especially child hunger. So today, the Senate mourns not just a friend and former colleague, but a true example of what it means to live a life of service. We mourn with Fritz’s family and the people of South Carolina. And we join them in celebrating a life so fully lived.”
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