WASHINGTON — Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, mourned the loss of former Senator John Glenn (D-Ohio), who passed away on Thursday at the age of 95. Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, served as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs from 1987 to 1995.
“I join my colleagues and all Americans in mourning the passing of a great American, Senator John Glenn,” said Chairman Johnson. “John Glenn dedicated his life to serving his country—from Korea, to outer space, to the United States Senate. As chairman of the then-Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Glenn tackled many of the same issues we face today in making government more effective and more accountable. His portrait hangs in our committee room, a reminder of his accomplishments, his service, and his dedication to his country.”
“From his service to his country during WWII, to his groundbreaking exploration into space and his leadership as a United States Senator, John Glenn truly loved his country and never stopped utilizing his talents to make it better,” said Ranking Member Carper. “He was a larger-than-life icon who captured our imaginations and inspired a generation, but also a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly on behalf of his fellow Buckeyes. Although I never had the pleasure to serve with John Glenn in the Senate, it was an honor to share his seat as former chairman of this committee. Godspeed, John Glenn.”
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