Jay Rockefeller: “Paul Wellstone was a committed and effective Senator who will be deeply missed by millions of often ignored Americans…”

“Paul Wellstone was a committed and effective Senator who will be deeply missed by millions of often ignored Americans, people who relied on him not only to fight their battles, but to win important victories on their behalf. I worked closely with Senator Wellstone for many years, in a number of areas important to both of us. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I know that he was a tireless fighter for the men and women who had served in America's armed forces, especially for ill and aging veterans, those least able to fight for themselves, yet most in need of our help. He fought for children, for their education and health care. And he worked to fashion a welfare system that encouraged work and protected children, without becoming punitive or unreasonable. He also worked on behalf of the unskilled and unemployed, for a living minimum wage, for job training, and for education benefits to promote workers' 21st century skills. And I knew I could always count on his support for West Virginia's steelworkers and all workers threatened by unfair practices in an increasingly complex economy.”