WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement expressing his support for the proposal to rename the Russell Senate Office Building for Senator John McCain:
“Senator Russell fought his entire career to preserve the institution of segregation. It’s past time to remove his name from this position of honor.
“Whether or not you agree with John McCain on every issue or any issue, nobody can dispute that he embodied the deepest commitment to our country and to public service. At a time when we all could use reminders of the importance of joining together to tackle our common challenges and the importance of dignity and honor in our political discourse, I think John’s name on the building would be a fitting remembrance.”