Senators push legislation to rename Federal Building in Minneapolis after late Sen. Wellstone

(ABC 6 News) – Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith along with Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley introduced bipartisan legislation on Tuesday to rename the Federal Building in Minneapolis in honor of late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone.

Tuesday marked the 20th anniversary of Wellstone’s death. In 2002, Wellstone died in a plane crash in Eveleth, Minnesota along with his wife Sheila, his daughter Marcia, his staff members Tom Lapic, Mary McEvoy, and Will McLaughlin, and pilots Richard Conry and Michael Guess.

The senators say they are pushing for the name of the Federal Building to be changed to the Paul D. Wellstone Federal Building.

“During his time as an educator, an activist, and a United States senator, Paul Wellstone touched the lives of people throughout Minnesota and across the country. That’s because he stood up for people, persistently fighting against injustices, small and large,” said Klobuchar. “From his passionate advocacy for better care and services for those suffering from mental illness to his leadership on civil rights and campaign finance reform, Paul showed how getting involved in public service can make a real difference in improving people’s lives. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will rename the Federal Building in Minneapolis in Paul’s honor. It’s particularly fitting that this building is where people gather when they prepare to embark on an adventure or need help with housing or the labor issues that were so near and dear to Paul’s heart. I can’t think of a better tribute to Paul’s unparalleled legacy of service to our state.”

“It was an honor to work with and get to know Senator Wellstone. From neighboring states, we often teamed up on agriculture and other issues to find common ground and get things done for Iowans and Minnesotans. Although we had very different political philosophies, we shared a common passion for serving our constituents the best we could. That’s why I was glad to support this effort to honor his service,” said Grassley.

The Federal Building currently houses offices for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the National Labor Relations Board and the U.S. Department of State Passport Agency.