U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in reaction to the death of Queen Elizabeth II:

“I send my deepest condolences to the people of the United Kingdom on the occasion of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Britain’s longest ruling monarch, the Queen embodied the essence of British leadership for over seven decades and leaves a proud legacy of service to her people and of steadfast friendship and respect for the United States. The U.S. Congress was honored to host Her Majesty as she joined the American people in celebrating the bicentennial, and again for her Address to a Joint Session of Congress in 1991. Her meaningful engagement with American leaders from President Truman to President Biden and her commitment to our countries’ Special Relationship greatly contributed to the enduring friendship between our nations.

“Today we join in mourning Her Majesty with millions around the world who loved, admired and respected her, and pray her loved ones find comfort in reflecting on her extraordinary life and knowing The Queen is now reunited with her loving husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. May she rest in peace.”