WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on the passing of Chairman John McCain (R-AZ):

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and colleague, John McCain.  John endured much, contributed much, and is much loved by those who know him and those who know what he stands for.  

“As a young naval aviator, he was shot down, tortured, and mistreated – but his spirit was never broken.  Through a lifetime of service, he bore the scars of war, politics, and cancer, but never gave in to despair.  He was strengthened by trials and ordeals that would have overcome lesser men.  And I think some of his darkest, most difficult experiences gave him an even greater love for our democracy and American values.

“John McCain’s devotion to duty and sheer determination are inspiring.  He took on challenges with a sense of urgency and fearlessness.

“He lived intensely, could be impatient, and short-tempered.  Yet he was always willing to reach out to friend or foe alike.  From campaign finance reform to promoting reconciliation and normalization between the United States and Vietnam, Senator McCain made it his mission to serve others and was unyielding in pursuit of his objectives.

“America lost a true patriot and one of the most unique, hard-charging legislators in modern American history.  I have lost a colleague I am proud to call my friend and Chairman.  I will miss his good-natured jabs at West Point, his fierce independence, and wise counsel.

“Even though we found ourselves on opposite ends of many debates, I always admired Senator McCain for his courage, candor, and commitment to serving the public, not just narrow interests.

 “At a time when divisiveness is too often deployed for short-term political gain, John valued patriotism over partisanship.  He understood the importance of working together – and that by moving forward together we can achieve lasting progress.

 “I had an opportunity to travel to Vietnam with John a few years ago.  We visited the spot where he was shot down outside Hanoi.  Senator McCain recounted how, after the missile sent his plane into the waters of Truc Bach Lake, and with both his arms and leg badly broken, he had to use his teeth to inflate his life vest to keep from drowning.  Ever resourceful, ever determined, John McCain personified perseverance and toughness throughout his life. 

“There is a saying that a truly great warrior fights ‘not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.’  For John McCain that was his family, the people of Arizona, and the United States of America.  He will forever be a proud, beaming father and grandfather.  Thank you to his wife, Cindy, his mother, Roberta, and the entire McCain clan for their generations of dedicated service, for shaping John, sharing him with us, and keeping his spirit alive.

“John once said his lasting ambition in life was to earn the approval of his father and grandfather – both highly-decorated, accomplished Admirals and patriots – and surely his lifetime of distinguished service would make any family proud.”