Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-13

HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF SENATOR JAMES E. CARNES

TaxesEnvironmentForeign PolicyCrime & Justice

Context

On 2026-05-13, Representative Michael A. Rulli (R-OH-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF SENATOR JAMES E. CARNES" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF SENATOR JAMES E. CARNES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E438] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF SENATOR JAMES E. CARNES ______ HON. MICHAEL A. RULLI of ohio in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Senator James E. Carnes, 84, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, who passed away on April 25, 2026. Born February 19, 1942, in Wheeling, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Edward A. and Avis E. Carnes. A lifelong Belmont County resident, Carnes graduated from Flushing High School in 1960 and dedicated his career to the Ohio coal industry, rising to President and later President-Emeritus of Cravat Coal Company after 57 years of service. He also owned and operated the Plaza Motel and Carnes Mobile Home and Appliances. He was a prominent figure in Ohio Republican politics for over five decades, serving as Belmont County GOP Chairman, on state and national party committees, and as a delegate to multiple conventions. He later served in the Ohio Senate from 1995 to 2004, representing southeastern Ohio and chairing key committees, including Energy and Finance. Following his Senate service, he was appointed Deputy Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and later served on the Ohio Liquor Control Commission until 2025. Known for his pragmatic leadership and ability to work across party lines, he was widely respected for his service to Ohio. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Senator James E. Carnes. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, a man of faith, and a lifelong public servant. ____________________

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HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF SENATOR JAMES E. CARNES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E438] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF SENATOR JAMES E. CARNES ______ HON. MICHAEL A. RULLI of ohio in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Senator James E. Carnes, 84, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, who passed away on April 25, 2026. Born February 19, 1942, in Wheeling, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Edward A. and Avis E. Carnes. A lifelong Belmont County resident, Carnes graduated from Flushing High School in 1960 and dedicated his career to the Ohio coal industry, rising to President and later President-Emeritus of Cravat Coal Company after 57 years of service. He also owned and operated the Plaza Motel and Carnes Mobile Home and Appliances. He was a prominent figure in Ohio Republican politics for over five decades, serving as Belmont County GOP Chairman, on state and national party committees, and as a delegate to multiple conventions. He later served in the Ohio Senate from 1995 to 2004, representing southeastern Ohio and chairing key committees, including Energy and Finance. Following his Senate service, he was appointed Deputy Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and later served on the Ohio Liquor Control Commission until 2025. Known for his pragmatic leadership and ability to work across party lines, he was widely respected for his service to Ohio. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Senator James E. Carnes. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, a man of faith, and a lifelong public servant. ____________________