Merkley backs renaming Senate office building for McCain

Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., on Monday expressed his support for a proposal to rename the Russell Senate Office Building for Senator John McCain.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said shortly after McCain’s death that he will introduce a resolution to rename the Senate’s Russell office building after the late senator.

Merkley said Monday, “Senator Russell fought his entire career to preserve the institution of segregation. It’s past time to remove his name from this position of honor.

“Whether or not you agree with John McCain on every issue or any issue, nobody can dispute that he embodied the deepest commitment to our country and to public service. At a time when we all could use reminders of the importance of joining together to tackle our common challenges and the importance of dignity and honor in our political discourse, I think John’s name on the building would be a fitting remembrance.”