Jim McClure Honored on Floor of the U.S. Senate

Washington, D.C. - Idaho icon and former U.S. Senator Jim McClure was honored today in the Senate Chamber where he spent 18 years working for Idahoans. During a speech on the Senate floor, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo noted McClure's exemplary record of public service to Idaho and the nation, McClure's trailblazing work across the political aisle and the mentor that McClure was for Crapo. Crapo offered this statement in honor of McClure, his wife Louise and the McClure family.

STATEMENT HONORING JAMES A. McCLURE

Mr. CRAPO: Mr./Madam President, I rise today to honor the distinguished life of Senator James A. McClure, a mentor and dear friend. I join Jim's wife, Louise, his family and his many friends in mourning his passing and honoring his great legacy. His sound guidance, strong advocacy for Idaho and personal encouragement will be missed but not forgotten.

Throughout his decades of public service, Jim McClure set a standard for public servants that will endure for generations. Jim dedicated much of his life to honorable service to our nation. At the age of 18, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. He then returned to Idaho, attended law school at the University of Idaho, worked as a prosecuting attorney for Payette County and served in the Idaho State Senate. With six years in the U.S. House of Representatives and 18 years in the U.S. Senate, his exemplary service in the U.S. Congress spanned 24 years. His unfailing goodwill, respect for others and essential western conservatism he maintained throughout his life and service are still the best model for how to engage in today's public policy debates.

Senator McClure's legacy as a Congressman and Senator is broad, and in many issues, such as energy and natural resource management, his service to Idaho is historic. Jim utilized his service as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to advocate for Idaho issues and ideals. He also helped guide the Senate through his chairmanship of the Senate Republican Conference from 1981 to 1985. Jim worked diligently to achieve solutions to Idaho and national challenges. He also had a forward-thinking focus on fiscal discipline and energy independence, which are critical public policy issues today.

Jim was a friend and role model for me and I'm sure for many others in Idaho and nationwide. His dedication, kind treatment of others and skillful, proactive and principled approach will endure. He will be sorely missed, but his lifetime of accomplishments will be with the people of Idaho forever. I offer my sympathy and love to Louise, the entire McClure family and Jim's many friends and associates.