Former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker has died at the age of 88. Baker, a Republican, was elected to the Senate in 1966 and served in that role for 18 years.
Baker was awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, for whom Baker became chief of staff during his second term.
Baker was remembered Thursday by members of the House and Senate on Twitter.
“Howard Baker was Tennessee’s favorite son, one of America’s finest leaders & for Honey & me an indispensable friend" http://t.co/JnOpingcvA
— Sen. Lamar Alexander (@SenAlexander) June 26, 2014
America has a lost a great statesman. http://t.co/d8apK4Yfw0 pic.twitter.com/sKkpgG9TY3
— John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) June 26, 2014
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Sen. Howard Baker, who devoted his life to serving his country. (1/2)
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) June 26, 2014
My thoughts & prayers are with his family at this sad time. (2/2)
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) June 26, 2014
Saddened by the passing of Sen. Howard Baker—a true statesman and champion for Tennessee. Dave & I send our prayers to his family.
— Diane Black (@RepDianeBlack) June 26, 2014
When I think of the ultimate statesman, the very first person who comes to my mind is Howard Baker. -BC http://t.co/xPOFBObJfL
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) June 26, 2014
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Thank you to Howard Baker for your service to our state and country. Amy and I are sending our thoughts and prayers to the Baker family.
— Scott DesJarlais (@DesJarlaisTN04) June 26, 2014
Saddened by the passing of Senator Howard Baker. He was an institution, legend, and a true Tennessee statesman. http://t.co/97nyD5Rorn
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) June 26, 2014
Senator Baker was a great American, devoted to public service and to the great state of Tennessee. Statement: http://t.co/Hx3G8zeA39
— Dr. Phil Roe (@DrPhilRoe) June 26, 2014
Today America lost one its greatest public servants and most respected statesmen, Howard Baker, Jr. #RIP #Tennessee pic.twitter.com/CtLu7SRyEU
— Stephen Fincher (@RepFincherTN08) June 26, 2014
America has lost an important Republican leader in Senator Baker. A true gentleman and statesman.http://t.co/YBXRSJphAz #HowardBaker
— Pete Olson (@PeteOlson) June 26, 2014
Senator Baker was an impressive leader when it came to reaching across the aisle and bridging the political divide to get things done.
— Rob Portman (@senrobportman) June 26, 2014
He will be truly missed, and Jane and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Nancy and the rest of the Baker family.
— Rob Portman (@senrobportman) June 26, 2014
A little #tbt with @bfrist @LamarAlexander @SenBobCorker in honor of Senator Howard Baker. pic.twitter.com/XQU09Bz7Kd
— Josh Thomas (@Joshthomastn) June 26, 2014
Sad to learn of passing of great Tennessean, fmr Senate Majority Ldr Howard Baker. He was a role model public servant http://t.co/1NnUbvy9eF
— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) June 26, 2014
Howard Baker's passing reminds me of my years on Senate staff. He worked across the aisle for sake of our country. I remember him fondly.
— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) June 26, 2014
Sen. Pres. Pro Tempore Patrick Leahy, On The Death Of Howard Baker: “Senator Baker was one of the best leaders the Senate has ever had…
— Sen. Patrick Leahy (@SenatorLeahy) June 26, 2014
(SenLeahy, cont., on Howard Baker:) We have lost a true statesman. I’ve valued my friendship with him, and all that he taught me. …
— Sen. Patrick Leahy (@SenatorLeahy) June 26, 2014
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