Hoyer Statement on the Passing of Former Senator Kit Bond

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the passing of former U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond:

"I join in mourning the loss of my friend, former Missouri Senator Kit Bond, who passed away yesterday. I was fortunate to serve with him in the Congress for 24 years. In that time, Kit proved to be not just a senator for Missouri, but a senator for America.

"Kit was a skilled legislator with great intellect, unwavering energy, and a quick wit. He was never afraid to work across the aisle or to buck his own party if it helped him deliver results for Missourians and the American people. I saw that firsthand when he and I cooperated on the Help America Vote Act in 2002 to make our elections more secure, accessible, and accurate. I was also pleased to work closely with him on a bipartisan measure to modernize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) back in 2008 when he was Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. No matter the issue at hand, members on both sides of the aisle knew they could trust Kit to honor his word and do whatever he thought was right for the country.

"In a Congress where polarization is the norm and bipartisanship the exception, we could use more leaders like Kit Bond. My prayers are with his wife Linda, his son Sam, and the rest of his loved ones. I share their loss, as does America."