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Press Release

Attorney General Jeff Sessions Statement on the Passing of Senator John McCain

For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs

Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued the following statement on the passing of Senator John McCain:

"For John McCain, his country was his life. He was tireless in its service. Courage, determination, and relentless drive made him a great leader.

"To me, having served with him in the Senate for 20 years, his support for President Bush's surge in Iraq at a time when things had been going badly and public support had eroded, was one of the most dramatic, important, patriotic, and selfless actions I had the honor to witness in that body. His presidential aspirations were entirely set aside. He totally deployed his considerable strength and energy to what he believed was best for his country—and in service to those then fighting valiantly for the mission the nation had given them. It was a very contentious debate. His personal dedication and leadership moved a very uncertain decision to a  favorable outcome.

"His ferocious tenacity for his country was unmatched. America has lost one of its greatest patriots."

Updated August 27, 2018