Richard J. Durbin

07/27/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/27/2021 17:28

Durbin Honors Former Senator Mike Enzi On The Senate Floor

07.27.21

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today paid tribute to former U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) on the Senate floor who passed away suddenly after suffering serious injuries in a bicycle accident. During his speech, Durbin discussed his efforts with Enzi to give small businesses and Main Street America more of a fighting chance in the age of Amazon and eventual passage of their bipartisan Marketplace Fairness Act in the Senate in 2013.

'I'm saddened today to learn of the death of our former colleague, Mike Enzi. Mike Enzi was my friend. We were elected to the Senate the same year… Mike Enzi's sudden passing has left many of us stunned. It was less than eight months ago when Mike walked up to me on the [Senate] floor and bid me farewell as he entered his retirement,' Durbin said. 'He was a staunch conservative Wyoming Republican. I'm a proud Democrat. But over the years, we found grounds for friendship.'

Durbin concluded, 'Mike Enzi and his wife, Diana, were an amazing partnership too-for over 50 years, three children, and many grandchildren. Loretta and I send our condolences to Diana. Mike was a wonderful friend and colleague in the United States Senate, and he will be missed.'

Video of Durbin's floor speech is available here.

Audio of Durbin's floor speech is available here.

Footage of Durbin's floor speech is available here for TV Stations.

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