[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4980-S4981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         REMEMBERING ED ALLISON

 Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Madam President, today I rise to honor the 
life and legacy of Edward Earl Allison, who passed away in Reno, NV, on 
August 23, 2026. Ed's long career in government and journalism carried 
him from his hometown of Carson City to the halls of Congress in 
Washington, DC, and back to his beloved Nevada. Along the way, Ed 
inspired countless Nevadans to pursue public service and will be 
remembered as a great friend to many.
  Born on January 9, 1940, in Denver, CO, Ed and his family soon moved 
to the small mining town of Kimberly, NV, before eventually settling in 
Carson City. Ed, alongside his brothers George and Pat, attended Carson 
City High School before enrolling at the University of Nevada, Reno. At 
UNR, Ed pursued a degree in journalism, while also playing for the 
school's basketball team.
  After receiving his degree, Ed returned to Carson City to begin his 
career as a journalist. While working at the Nevada Appeal as a 
managing editor, Ed demonstrated his willingness to go against the 
grain. His focus on ensuring that all viewpoints were fairly 
represented at the paper often put him at odds with his publisher. This 
dispute eventually escalated to the point where Ed resigned from the 
paper after they refused to publish his endorsement of Republican 
gubernatorial candidate and fellow Carson native Paul Laxalt. It was 
also this moment that launched Ed's foray into State and national 
politics.
  Following a stint as Gov. Paul Laxalt's press secretary, Ed continued 
to pursue his interest in politics, forming

[[Page S4981]]

a consulting firm specializing in political campaigns. During this 
period, Ed demonstrated his political talent, which eventually led to 
his appointment as Senator Paul Laxalt's chief of staff in 1981. Upon 
his arrival in Washington, DC, Ed took on an exceptionally challenging 
role, serving as both the Senator's chief of staff and his press 
secretary. Yet, despite it all, Ed carried out his role with enormous 
skill, tenacity, and dedication.
  During his time on Capitol Hill, Ed never forgot where he came from. 
He strongly prioritized hiring Nevadans, for both full-time positions 
and internships. Additionally, Senator Laxalt's close relationship with 
President Ronald Reagan gave Ed the opportunity to ensure that Nevadans 
were also hired in the administration. Ed was dedicated to ensuring 
that Nevadans have a seat at the table when big decisions are being 
made, and his efforts became a springboard for many of Nevada's future 
leaders in government and business.
  By the time Ed concluded his time on Capitol Hill, he had become a 
respected figure in Washington with friends on both sides of the aisle. 
Ed received a number of Presidential appointments. In 1985, President 
Reagan appointed him to the Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations, 
gathering private sector input on trade policy. In 1988, he was 
appointed to the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation, where he 
was responsible for beautifying the avenue's stretch between the U.S. 
Capitol and the White House.
  Following a successful 12 years in Washington, Ed and his wife JoAnn 
returned to Reno. Back in Nevada, he put his extensive political talent 
to work, lobbying the State legislature on behalf of clients such as 
UNR, UNLV, the Harry Reid Environmental Center, and many more. He also 
continued his support for UNR, regularly attending games at Mackay 
Stadium and speaking at journalism classes, where he inspired countless 
students to pursue national media. In recognition of his contributions 
to the university, he was made a lifetime member of the UNR Foundation 
Board of Trustees, and he received a Professional Achievement Award 
from the school in 2012.
  Ed passed away on August 23, 2026, with his family and loved ones by 
his side. He is survived by his daughter Shelly, son Branan, four 
grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ed was preceded in 
death by his beloved wife of 42 years JoAnn, who passed away in March 
of 2006. In later years, he found joy and companionship with my mother 
Joanna Cortez.
  Throughout my time knowing Ed, he was always dedicated to putting 
Nevada first and holding conversations with everyone, no matter their 
political party or background. I know he will be missed by his family, 
loved ones, and everyone who has had the honor of knowing him.

                          ____________________