Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I rise to salute my former colleague Ted Stevens who will be laid to rest in Arlington today. He earned the right to be…”

“I rise to salute my former colleague Ted Stevens who will be laid to rest in Arlington today. He earned the right to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, having served in World War II. That is one of the things that hasn't been talked about as much regarding Ted Stevens because he was a remarkable Senator and has a remarkable history with his State of Alaska as well as in the Senate. Ted Stevens served here for 40 years. From the very beginning, Ted was Alaska's greatest champion. He helped found his State. He pushed through Alaska statehood and worked tirelessly to serve its unique needs for his entire life and continued to be its greatest advocate. Nine years after he helped establish Alaska's statehood, he was elected to serve in the Senate. He spent the next 40 years building his State from an undeveloped territory, which Alaska was, to one of our Nation's most important energy producers, along with the other things Alaska gives to our great Nation. It is a testament to Ted Stevens' mighty efforts and his love for his native land. Alaska and every other State was helped by Ted Stevens.”