WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) released the statements below on the House passage of their bipartisan legislation to rename the Federal Building in Minneapolis the “Paul D. Wellstone Federal Building,” in honor of the legacy of the late Senator Paul Wellstone (D-MN). The bill passed the Senate unanimously earlier this month and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
“From his passionate advocacy for better mental health care to his leadership on civil rights, Paul Wellstone showed that public service is really about improving people’s lives,” said Klobuchar. “I’m proud that our bipartisan legislation to rename the Federal Building in Minneapolis in Paul’s honor will now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. I can’t think of a better tribute to Paul’s legacy of service than a building where Minnesotans gather and get the assistance they need.”
“Paul Wellstone had a profound impact on my life – and the lives of so many Minnesotans – as a public servant and as a friend,” said Smith. “From his work on mental health and campaign finance reform to his votes against the Iraq War, Senator Wellstone never wavered from his convictions or his commitment to improving the lives of working people. By naming this building after him, we hope to honor his legacy and years of service to Minnesota.”
“It was an honor to work with and get to know Senator Wellstone. From neighboring states, we often teamed up on agriculture and other issues to find common ground and get things done for Iowans and Minnesotans. Although we had very different political philosophies, we shared a common passion for serving our constituents the best we could. That’s why I was glad to support this effort to honor his service,” said Grassley.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Senator Wellstone, his wife Sheila, his daughter Marcia, his staff members Tom Lapic, Mary McEvoy, and Will McLaughlin, and pilots Richard Conry and Michael Guess.
In October, Klobuchar and Smith held a press conference with Senator Wellstone’s son, Dave, at the Federal Building in Minneapolis to announce this bipartisan bill. The Federal Building in Minneapolis currently houses offices for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the National Labor Relations Board, and the U.S. Department of State Passport Agency.
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