Washington (December 8, 2016) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement about the passing of astronaut and Senator John Glenn.

“John Glenn helped lift America’s gaze upwards to the constellation of possibilities – in space, in the halls of Congress, and in public life. From exploring the reaches of space, to working in the Senate for a nuclear weapons-free world, John Glenn was a hero for the entire planet. When I served in the House of Representatives, I was honored to work with him on Department of Energy oversight and nuclear nonproliferation. I am especially proud of having fought side-by-side – me in the House and him in the Senate – to try to stop the sale of nuclear material that contributed to a dangerous nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan. As a co-author of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Act, John Glenn understood that the spread of nuclear weapons was one of the greatest threats facing the world, and he was indefatigable in his efforts to ensure history was on the side of peace, not annihilation. He was an inspiration and a pioneer, and he represented the very best of this nation.”