Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said Wednesday he’ll renew his push to rename one of the Capitol office buildings for John McCain, after President Trump’s recent criticism of the late senator.
I look forward to soon re-introducing my legislation re-naming the Senate Russell Building after American hero, Senator John McCain.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 20, 2019
It’s not clear Mr. Schumer ever actually introduced that legislation last year, though he did publicly say he intended to do so after McCain passed away in August.
Mr. Schumer said at the time he was going to partner with then-Sen. Jeff Flake, Arizona Republican, on legislation to rename the Russell Senate Office Building after their deceased colleague.
Democrats have been eager to oust the current controversial namesake, former Georgia Sen. Richard Russell, a Democrat who opposed the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
The effort to rename the building didn’t gain traction last year.
Mr. Schumer renewed his proposal Wednesday after several days of harsh comments from Mr. Trump toward his former political nemesis, McCain.
“I was never a fan of John McCain and I never will be,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Tuesday.
Over the weekend, the president accused the late Arizona senator of disseminating the infamous Christopher Steele Dossier to the FBI in order to undermine his bid for the White House.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell didn’t address the president’s comments or Mr. Schumer’s offer on Wednesday, but took to Twitter to remember the late senator.
Today and every day I miss my good friend John McCain. It was a blessing to serve alongside a rare patriot and genuine American hero in the Senate. His memory continues to remind me every day that our nation is sustained by the sacrifices of heroes.
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) March 20, 2019
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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