Congressman-elect Denny Heck has released the following statement regarding the passing of U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii):
I was deeply saddened to learn yesterday of the passing of Daniel Inouye. Though a Hawaii Senator, his work had a deep impact on Washington State.
Senator Inouye played a critical role in the historic 1988 Puyallup Land Claims Settlement. The settlement drastically improved the quality of life for members of the Puyallup Tribe and spurred significant economic development at the Port of Tacoma and in the cities of Tacoma and Fife. Congressman Norm Dicks has stated in the past that the settlement could not have occurred without the work of Senator Inouye. The settlement laid the groundwork for the revitalization that has taken place in Tacoma and other parts of Pierce County over the past three decades. Our state owes Senator Inouye a debt of gratitude for his work.
Senator Inouye was also a true American hero. He lost his arm charging Italian machine gun nests in World War II and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. He was the first Japanese-American to serve in the United States House of Representatives and the first to serve in the United States Senate.
Senator Inouye’s country will miss him dearly. My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.
