05.30.19

Shelby Statement on Passing of Senator Thad Cochran, Former Appropriations Chairman

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today made the following statement regarding the passing of Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), his former colleague and longtime friend:

 

“Today we lost a great legislator, Senator Thad Cochran, the last true southern gentleman and a loyal patriot.  Thad was a colleague of mine for over three decades in the Senate, and I am honored to say he was also a close personal friend.  I will always fondly remember the years we spent working together.  He served our nation with the utmost dignity and respect.  Not only was he one of the leading pioneers of the Republican Party within his state, but he was a true hero to the people of Mississippi.  Thad’s impact on Mississippi and the entire nation will forever reflect his legacy of dedication and strong leadership.  Annette and I extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Kay, and his family during this tragic time.”

 

Senator Cochran, the former chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee, represented Mississippi in Congress for more than 45 years.  He retired in April 2018 due to health concerns.