Senator Murray’s Statement on the passing of Senator Mark Hatfield

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on the passing of former Senator Mark Hatfield.

“I am deeply saddened at the loss of my friend and former colleague, Senator Mark Hatfield. He was a passionate and effective fighter for Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, and he will be greatly missed by all who have had the privilege of knowing him.

“When I was first elected, Senator Hatfield and Senator Byrd invited me to lunch to help me get acclimated to the Senate and the Appropriations Committee. They talked to me about the great traditions of civility, and about the need for members to put politics aside to work together for the good of our country. I vividly remember the bipartisan hearing we held in Portland on the Columbia River Crossing, and I learned first-hand from Senator Hatfield that public servants are most effective when they put their states and their constituents above their party and politics. 

“Senator Hatfield not only talked about serving his country, he lived it. For five decades he dedicated himself to public service, and his state and our region will reap the benefits of his life’s work for generations to come.”