[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 140 (Wednesday, August 22, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S5828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING CHRISTOPHER COUSINS

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, in 2010, Bangor Daily News journalist 
Christopher Cousins wrote a touching essay on a fishing trip he had 
taken with his young son to the Maine lake where he and his father had 
fished throughout his childhood. It was his first trip back since his 
father's death 3 years earlier.
  That remarkable essay exploring the special bond between father and 
child and the powerful link between fond memories of the past and hopes 
for the future took on added poignancy on August 15 when Chris passed 
away at age 42. At this difficult time, I offer my deepest condolences 
to his wife, Jen, and his sons, Caleb and Jacob.
  As a husband and father, Chris was devoted to his family. As a 
consummate journalist who worked for several Maine newspapers, he was 
devoted to the best ideals of his profession. His work covered a wide 
range of subjects, but it consistently demonstrated a commitment to the 
truth and to providing his readers with the information that is the 
lifeblood of democracy.
  Chris joined the Bangor Daily News in 2009, covering local news in 
southern Penobscot and Somerset Counties with a keen understanding of 
the issues that concern the people of Maine. In 2010, he covered the 
Maine Gubernatorial race with extraordinary energy and insight.
  In 2013, Chris became State house bureau chief for his newspaper. 
Always tenacious and unfailingly fair, he earned the respect of 
politicians on both sides of the aisle and throughout the halls of 
government. His work ethic, skill as a writer, and belief in 
accountability led to a better understanding of the complex and often 
contentious issues that confront our State.
  Chris's passing is a great loss to the people of Maine, his many 
friends, and his colleagues at the Bangor Daily News. It is a 
heartbreaking loss to his wonderful family, and I hope they will find 
comfort in knowing that his contributions and accomplishments truly 
made a difference to people throughout Maine.
  Mr. KING. Mr. President, today we remember the life of Christopher 
``Chris'' Cousins, who passed away suddenly last week at the age of 42. 
Chris was a political reporter for the Bangor Daily News and recently 
named by the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting as one of the 
most respected journalists in Maine. Chris was well-liked by all who 
met him, and he leaves behind his wife, Jen; two sons, Caleb and Lucas; 
his mother; sister Jen Cousins; and many other family members and 
friends. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues, his readers, his 
friends, and all who knew him and his work.
  Chris was a consummate professional who embodied the best ideals of 
journalism. He was devoted to the truth, tenaciously pursued the 
stories most important to the people of Maine, and had a passion for 
the communities he served. Chris's death leaves a hole in Maine 
journalism that will not be easily filled.
  Chris began his journalism career at the Advertiser Democrat in 
Norway, ME, then joined the Times Record in the early 2000s as a 
reporter and city editor. He left the Times Record to join the State 
House News Service before moving to the Bangor Daily News in 2009, 
where he began covering southern Penobscot and Somerset Counties. Chris 
quickly moved on to politics, covering the 2010 Maine Governor race, 
and by 2013, he was appointed State house bureau chief.
  Those who worked with Chris remember him for his storytelling 
abilities, his laugh, and exceptional abilities as a journalist. Chris 
had a huge heart and also fought for the truth from government leaders 
at the State house, holding them accountable without being caustic. 
Maine is a better place because of Chris and his relentless pursuit of 
the truth on behalf of Maine people.
  For me, Chris's political coverage shined when he covered people. 
Chris was an incredible storyteller, and he was such a great journalist 
because he got to know the people involved. No assignment was ever too 
much for him, and his standard response was, ``I am not afraid.'' That 
fearlessness resulted in clear stories that his editors loved, 
heartfelt narratives that his readers could relate to, and more 
passionate articles from his coworkers.
  Chris exemplified what so many aspire to be: respected by their 
peers, a loving husband and father, and a great friend. We have much to 
be thankful for in Maine because of Chris's dedication and service to 
the State and our Nation, and he will be deeply missed by so many.

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