Remembering Madeleine Albright’s Life of Service and Commitment to Democracy

Issue One Founder and CEO Nick Penniman released the following statement regarding the life of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who died today at the age of 84:

“Secretary Madeleine Albright was a trailblazing public servant who embodied the strength and resilience of American diplomacy and democracy. The daughter of Czechoslovakian exiles who fled their home following the invasion of Hitler’s Nazis in 1939, Albright understood all too well the importance and fragility of democracy around the globe.

“As the first woman U.S. secretary of state, Albright dedicated her life to the promotion of human rights and the ideals of self-governance. She remained a vital voice as a member of Issue One’s bipartisan National Council on Election Integrity during the 2020 election, working to restore public faith in our institutions and democratic norms. We extend our condolences to her family during this difficult time, and take solace in knowing her legacy and leadership will never be forgotten.”

ReFormers Caucus Co-chairs and National Council on Election Integrity members Ambassador Tim Roemer (D-IN) and Congressman Zach Wamp (R-TN) also shared their thoughts on Secretary Albright’s remarkable life:

“Secretary Albright was a patriot and trailblazer who put her country first,” Rep. Wamp said. “Her personal story was extraordinary and her service exemplary. As a former member of House Appropriations, I can tell you that she made sure lawmakers had the information they needed to make smart decisions about State Department funding including the important work of supporting democracy internationally. After Congress, her continued service for democracy included Issue One and the National Council on Election Integrity. Her life was distinguished and a blessing to our nation.”

“Secretary Albright was a giant in international affairs and an excellent representative of our great country,” said Amb. Roemer. “She briefed members of Congress on developments around the globe in a brilliant way. It was a master class in international relations. Later, her service on the National Council on Election Integrity further illustrated her devotion to American democracy. Albright profoundly influenced generations of foreign policy advisors, and she will be greatly missed.”