[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 173 (Thursday, October 31, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S6350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING KAY HAGAN

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a woman 
who was more than just our colleague. She was our friend, and I am 
missing my friend today.
  When I think about Senator Kay Hagan, I remember a lot of things. 
First was her deep dedication to public service. From the moment she 
woke up until the sun set behind her beloved Blue Ridge Mountains, Kay 
was focused on serving the people of North Carolina and the State she 
loved so much.
  It was such an honor working with her, especially on behalf of North 
Carolina's farmers, small towns, and rural communities that she loved 
so much. She was passionate about the health of the land and the people 
who live and work on it.
  Second, Kay was a fighter. We all knew that. Growing up between two 
brothers probably contributed to that. I have two brothers myself, and 
I can attest to the fact that it toughens you up.
  We saw that spark every day on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Kay had 
a deep and abiding sense of justice, and she stood up for North 
Carolina families every single day, even when it wasn't easy and even 
when she paid a political price for it.
  She stood up for expanding healthcare and protecting the rights of 
North Carolina women and families. That same fighting spirit kept her 
going through her own grueling health challenges.
  I had the chance to visit with her a couple of years ago when she was 
receiving treatment at a rehabilitation hospital in Georgia. She was 
working so hard to recover her ability to move and to talk, but one 
thing hadn't changed--that spark in her eyes.
  I know I speak for all of us when I say that Kay's grace and 
endurance over the past 3 years were incredibly inspiring.
  Finally, when I think of Kay, I think of kindness. In a city full of 
sharp words and even sharper elbows, Kay was unfailingly optimistic and 
an absolute joy to work with.
  I know that even my Republican colleagues would agree with me and 
join in our sorrow over her loss.
  Kay and I happened to have daughters who were getting married around 
the same time, and as many of you know, mothers of brides love to talk 
about wedding plans and to share photos about the big day, and we 
shared a lot of photos.
  I will never forget the way her face would always light up whenever 
she talked about her family. She was so proud of each and every one of 
them, and they were proud of her too.
  In her final floor speech, Kay shared one of her guiding principles, 
a paraphrase of Luke 12:48: To whom much is given, much is expected.
  This Chamber and this country are better for having known Senator Kay 
Hagan. She lived by that principle. She gave us so much, and she gave 
it with her whole heart.
  Knowing Kay was a gift, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to 
call her my friend. My deepest condolences are with her husband Chip 
and their children and their extended family and many, many friends and 
her beloved State of North Carolina.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
order for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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