John Cornyn: “this past summer the people of Alaska lost one of its favorite sons, and many of us in the U.S. Senate lost one of our…”

“this past summer the people of Alaska lost one of its favorite sons, and many of us in the U.S. Senate lost one of our mentors and friends. His name was Senator Ted Stevens. By the time I took my seat in this Chamber, Senator Stevens had already held his for more than three decades. He chaired numerous committees, served as President pro tempore, and was widely regarded as one of the most gifted parliamentarians on our side of the aisle. His forty years of service is the longest tenure of any Republican in the history of the United States Senate. Senator Stevens championed landmark legislation that has transformed Alaska, America, and the world. He helped settle land claims of Native Americans, guard fisheries and protect natural wonders of his home State. He helped guide the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Act into law, which has dramatically improved our Nation's energy security. He helped strengthen our Armed Forces to defend America's interests and values. He helped reform the United States Olympic Committee, and has given generations of American athletes the chance to succeed at the highest levels of international competition.”