Funeral plans for Sen. John McCain, (R-AZ) are taking shape, beginning with public viewings in Phoenix and Washington this week, before a private burial at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD on Sunday. The 81-year-old died this weekend of a brain tumor. McCain was at the center of telecom policy, having been chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees the FCC, in 1997-2001, and 2003-2005.
The Wireless Industry Association called McCain a longtime supporter and friend of the wireless industry over the weekend. “His leadership on wireless issues fostered increased competition and innovation. He will be greatly missed,” stated the association in a tweet.
NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith called McCain, “a force of nature, whether defending his country in war or fighting for democratic values at home and abroad. I count myself lucky to have served in the U.S. Senate with this war hero, political icon, and American patriot,” he said in a statement. “The history books will be kind to John McCain because our country is so much better for his straight talk, common sense, maverick ways and passionate service. Rest well, my friend.”
“Not only was Sen. McCain an American hero, he was a forceful champion of technology and innovation, said Consumer Technology Association (CTA) President/CEO Gary Shapiro in a statement. “Under his chairmanship, the Commerce Committee drove the rollout of HDTV, initiated the auction of unused television broadcast spectrum and successfully fought to keep the internet free of all federal taxes.” He added, “Sen. McCain was principled, honorable and put country before self-interest. We could use more people like him in our public life.”
August 28, 2018
