08.10.10

Cantwell Statement on Ted Stevens

SEATTLE, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement regarding former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens’ death in an Alaska plane crash last night:
 
“I am very saddened to hear of the news of former Senator Ted Stevens’ passing in a plane crash in Alaska.  My heart and prayers go out to his family and loved ones and to the families of all the victims of this tragic accident.
 
“Senator Stevens will long be remembered as an icon of the Senate, the Northwest, and Alaska.  And he was a major force during his 40 years in the U.S. Senate. From fishery management measures, to ensuring funding for a strong national defense, Stevens left his legislative mark.  I had the honor of working with him on transportation security, ferry-related issues, and a number of environmental and coastal issues, including reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, oil spill prevention measures including increasing the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, and improving our nation’s tsunami warning systems.  
 
“I admired Stevens for his long career in public service, which goes back to his service during World War II as an Army Air Corps pilot in the China-Burma theater, when dangerous flights were a daily occurrence.  
 
“I extend my condolences to his family, all the former Stevens staffers and his larger political family.  Today’s tragic news of Ted Stevens’ death is devastating to us all.  My heart is with the Stevens’ family and his loved ones during this time.
 
“My thoughts and prayers also go out to the families of the others on board the plane, to those who have lost a loved one, and to those being treated for injuries.”
 
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