[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 144 (Tuesday, August 28, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S5961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING JOHN McCAIN

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, it was quite something to listen 
yesterday to Members' heartfelt tributes to the memory of our friend 
Senator McCain. He meant so much to so many of us, both inside this 
Chamber and out.
  As I noted yesterday, the Senate is eager to work on concrete ways to 
continue this momentum and provide a lasting tribute to this American 
hero long after this week's observances are complete. Following Senator 
Kennedy's death in 2009, for example, we named the Kennedy Caucus Room 
to honor his and his brothers' public service. Some have suggested we 
take a similar step so that the Armed Services Committee, on which our 
friend played such a critical role, would meet in a committee room 
named for Senator McCain.
  Back in 2000, the Senate approved recommendations to add two 
additional portraits to the Capitol Senate Reception Room right off the 
Senate floor. Only seven Senators in the entire history of this 
institution are honored with portraits there.
  I actually had the opportunity to serve in the bipartisan group that 
successfully recommended that Senators Arthur Vandenberg and Robert 
Wagner should appear there alongside Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, John 
Calhoun, Robert La Follette, Sr., and Robert Taft, who were selected by 
a special committee back in 1957. That committee, interestingly enough, 
was appointed by Lyndon Johnson and chaired by John F. Kennedy. I have 
also heard in recent days that perhaps Senator McCain's portrait should 
join that distinguished group. So it is a further tribute to our 
colleague that there is no shortage of good ideas.
  In order to make sure we realize these intentions, I would like to 
put together an official group who can collaborate and bring together 
ideas from current Members, former colleagues, and friends. It will be 
bipartisan, as only befits John's legacy. Come to think of it, we 
should probably call it not a committee but a gang. So I am glad we are 
able to form this gang to ensure that a suitable, lasting tribute 
becomes a reality. I will have more details regarding this group to 
share in the coming days after our friend is laid to rest.

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