WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday will honor former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens with a resolution introduced by his fellow Alaska Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
Although the Senate is on recess until Sept. 13, it will briefly reconvene to fix a technical problem in a border security bill. Senate leaders from both parties agreed to fix the problem with a unanimous consent vote, so only a handful of senators are actually expected to be in the chamber. Murkowski is working with former Stevens staffers to craft the resolution.
The Senate also agreed to take up the resolution honoring Stevens, who died in a Monday evening plane crash in Alaska. Murkowski is expected to remain in Alaska.
"It is a fitting tribute that the Senate will convene to recognize the life and accomplishments of Sen. Stevens, an Alaska legend and patriot who served our state and nation with the highest distinction," Murkowski said in a statement. "From the fight for statehood to the end of his distinguished career in the United States Senate, Ted Stevens shaped the history of Alaska and leaves an enormous legacy that will stand for all time."
Murkowski's office said in a press release that once the Senate returns in September, "floor time will be set aside for members to recognize, reminisce about and honor Stevens and his legacy."