DOVER, Del. — Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on the passing of Colin Powell, the 65th Secretary of State and a retired four-star general in the U.S. Army.

“I had the honor to know Secretary Powell over many years, and I deeply grieve his passing.  America needs more leaders like him at this moment, people willing to put nation over party and to call us together.  I always admired his strategic insight, his principled service, and his humor and warmth. From the first time I met him at the America’s Promise Summit in 1997, to a wonderful dinner conversation earlier this year, I learned many lessons from his advice and example. Colin was truly a class act, who loved our nation deeply and who worked diligently in service to our country in key diplomatic, national security and public service roles over several decades.  His loss will be felt by all who served with and learned from him. My prayers are with Alma and their family.”

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