[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 173 (Thursday, October 31, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S6328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING KAY HAGAN

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I would like to say a few words in 
memory of my good friend and former colleague Kay Hagan, who passed 
away this week.
  One of the hardest aspects of this work in the Senate is the loss of 
a colleague. So my thoughts are with Senator Hagan's family and friends 
in this difficult time.
  I recall well her 6 years here with both deep respect and friendship.
  In the time we served in this body together, I was able to get to 
know Kay very well, and I can honestly say I am lucky to call her a 
friend. She was always kind and a positive face and worked hard for her 
constituents and the Nation.
  Kay was a dedicated public servant who served North Carolinians for 
16 years. She got her start in politics in the 1970s when she interned 
right here in the Senate. As an elevator operator during her 
internship, she brushed shoulders with some of the biggest names of the 
day. Kay later described the experience as ``infectious,'' and it 
inspired her own political ambitions.
  In 1998, that political career took her to the North Carolina State 
Senate. It didn't take long for Kay's talents to be noticed. She rose 
through the ranks quickly and became cochair of the budget committee.
  Her trademark pragmatism and focus on problem solving served her well 
in that position. Her hard work earned her a ranking as one of the top 
10 most influential members in the State senate.
  In 2008 Kay won a race that brought her here, to the U.S. Senate, 
where her passion and focus continued to distinguish her. Kay was a 
fierce advocate for her State, using her position on the Armed Service 
Committee to help North Carolina's military families. Whether it was 
asking the tough questions on water contamination at military bases or 
mustering support for veterans' caregivers, Kay was always there for 
our servicemembers.
  Kay was also a breath of fresh air in the Senate. There were only 15 
women serving in the Senate when she came to Washington in January 
2009. When she first arrived, she soon learned that the Senate pool was 
only open to men. She thought that was wrong and got the rules changed. 
She was a firm believer in equality and making the changes you want to 
see in the world.
  No matter how big or small the issue, Kay always tried to help the 
people of North Carolina. Just a few months ago, she made one of her 
last public appearances at a groundbreaking for a new air traffic 
control tower at Piedmont Triad International Airport. When she was 
first elected to the Senate, she toured the old air traffic control 
tower at Piedmont and learned that a project to replace it was stalled 
in Washington. Kay took on the project and fought for funding to 
finally get it moving forward. It is through her work and diligence 
that the tower is being built today.
  From reproductive rights to veterans' healthcare to transportation 
infrastructure, you could always count on Kay to deliver. She will be 
missed by many for her warmth and devotion to public service.
  I send my deepest condolences to her husband, Charles ``Chip'', and 
her three children, Jeanette, Tilden, and Carrie.
  (At the request of Mr. Schumer, the following statement was ordered 
to be printed in the Record.)

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