Shaheen Statement on Death of Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on the death of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright:

“My heart is heavy as I join all Americans in mourning the loss of Madeleine Albright. Her triumph and success as a diplomat, public servant and fervent defender of democracy enshrined her legacy in U.S. history long ago. We have lost a giant and I have lost a dear friend,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m honored to have had the opportunity to not only engage with Secretary Albright in my capacity as a lawmaker, but to have enjoyed her company personally. We were linked through our common bonds as women working in national security structures, which before her were almost entirely off limits to women.

“Madeleine Albright shattered the glass ceiling at the State Department when she was sworn in as the first female Secretary of State. In the years since, we have seen women follow in her footsteps and stand on her shoulders as public servants, diplomats, and yes – U.S. Senators. As the only woman on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I leaned on her for advice and guidance over the years – words of wisdom that I’ll always treasure.

“Secretary Albright was a little girl who came to the United States as a refugee fleeing Hitler’s terror who rose to become the face of U.S. diplomacy and foreign policy. Her life epitomizes the American Dream and she never let anyone lose sight of that. Her empathy and understanding guided her leadership of the State Department and our country is better for it. My thoughts are with her family, friends and all those in mourning.”

###