[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 158 (Thursday, September 29, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S5530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO C.B. EMBRY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, my good friend C.B. Embry has worn many 
hats during his long career in public life: as an elected official for 
more than 50 years in positions including mayor, county judge-
executive, State representative, and State senator; as the proprietor 
of several businesses in and around Ohio County; as a journalist, 
published author, and teacher; as a volunteer, political organizer, 
church leader, and family man. C.B. recently submitted his resignation 
from the Kentucky State Senate, marking the end of his long career in 
government. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring C.B. and 
thanking him for his lifelong service to Kentucky.
  C.B. found a passion for public service at a young age, entering 
journalism and teaching right after graduating from Western Kentucky 
University. His love for his home State and his hometown propelled him 
into elected office quickly, and, in 1970, he became the youngest ever 
mayor of Beaver Dam in Ohio County. His strong leadership and steadfast 
conservative credentials soon attracted national attention, and, in 
1975, he was named the Outstanding Young Republican in the Nation by 
future President George H. W. Bush.
  He and I entered into Republican politics at similar times, back when 
much of Kentucky was still blue. As young conservatives, we quickly 
bonded over our shared love of the Commonwealth and our similar work to 
help flip the State into the Republican column. Over the decades, our 
collaboration has only grown, and, because of the work of organizers 
like C.B., Kentuckians across our State have embraced conservative 
values.
  Not long after C.B. entered the public eye, Ohio County residents 
recognized his expansive leadership potential, electing him county 
judge-executive in 1982. In 2002, he was elected to serve as State 
representative and, in 2014, became State senator. In all, he has been 
elected to public office a dozen times, proof of the trust and 
admiration he earned from his neighbors and constituents. He has also 
worked with various Kentucky Governors, Federal agencies, and statewide 
organizations to champion policies that improve Kentuckians' lives.
  In his past 8 years in the State senate, C.B. earned recognition as a 
senior legislator and statesman. His work was expansive in scope, 
covering issues ranging from agriculture and energy policy to police 
safety and military affairs. Perhaps his proudest achievement was 
leading the passage of a so-called ``Right to Try'' bill that allows 
medical patients facing debilitating illnesses to try experimental 
treatments when all other options have been exhausted. State 
governments all around the country have mimicked his work and passed 
similar pieces of legislation.
  More than anything, C.B. has always prioritized his family, 
celebrating his 60th anniversary with his wife Wanda this past August. 
As the father of three, grandfather of four, and great-grandfather of 
two, he has passed on his legacy of public service and integrity to a 
blossoming family. In business, church service, and government 
leadership, his priority has always been to give other Kentuckians the 
opportunity to build the same success he found in every aspect of his 
life and career.
  When C.B. retired from the State senate, he was the oldest serving 
member of the body and received recognition from all his colleagues as 
one of Kentucky's premier senior statesmen. Congratulations and 
gratitude poured in from all over the Commonwealth, thanking C.B. for 
his decades of service to our State. I am proud to add my voice to that 
chorus of Kentuckians and give my deepest appreciation for his lifelong 
work on behalf of all citizens of the Commonwealth.

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