Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced on the Senate Floor the passing of Former Senate Republican Majority Leader Howard Baker:

“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of one of the Senate’s most towering figures: Senator Howard Baker.

“The Senate sends its sincere condolences to the family of Senator Baker.

“In particular, we wish to pass along our deep sympathies to his wife, Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker. Many of us served alongside Nancy here in the Senate. We know this must be a most difficult moment for her.

“Senator Baker was a true path-breaker. He served as Tennessee’s first popularly elected Republican Senator since Reconstruction. He served as America’s first Republican Majority Leader since the time of Eisenhower. And he served his nation with distinction as a member of the U.S. Navy, as Chief of Staff to President Reagan, and as our country’s Ambassador to Japan.

“Senator Baker truly earned his nickname: the Great Conciliator. I know he will be remembered with fondness by members of both political parties.

“So again, let me express the Senate’s sympathies to the Baker family. He will be missed – by the Senate, and by his country.”