Senator Collins’ Statement on Passing of Former Senator Slade Gorton

Bangor, ME—U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued this statement on the passing of former Senator Slade Gorton (R-WA):

“Slade Gorton had an impact on our country in so many ways, whether it was serving as a valued mentor to more junior Senators, being the architect of very important legislation, or serving as a member of the 9/11 Commission. 

“What I admired most about Slade was his intellectually rigorous, challenging, and creative approach to public policy.  During our Senate service together, we worked on a host of issues such as improving education and expanding access to children's health care.  His work on the 9/11 Commission produced a series of recommendations that were enacted into law as part of intelligence reforms I co-authored, and they have helped to protect our nation from future threats.

“Slade was a strong advocate for children's health. Not only was he an early supporter of the Children's Health Insurance Program, but he also worked for years to increase federal research dollars toward autism.  Slade was a brilliant legislator and a wonderful friend, and he will be deeply missed.”