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SJ32 • 2026

Celebrating the life of Kevin John McDonald.

Celebrating the life of Kevin John McDonald.

Education
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Ebbin
Last action
2026-01-27
Official status
Passed
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not provide detailed information on Kevin's personal life or specific achievements, only a general recognition of his contributions and death.

Celebrating the Life of Kevin John McDonald

This legislation honors Kevin John McDonald, who worked at the United States Capitol and Events DC, by recognizing his contributions and expressing sadness over his passing.

What This Bill Does

  • Recognizes Kevin John McDonald's death on September 26, 2025.
  • Highlights Kevin's education and early career in Washington D.C., including working for Senator Frank Lautenberg and later as a political strategist for Senator Patrick Leahy.
  • Commends Kevin's role at Events DC after his retirement from the Capitol.
  • Pays tribute to Kevin's love for travel, service to others, and faith community.
  • Directs the Clerk of the Senate to present a copy of this resolution to Kevin's family.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Kevin John McDonald’s family
  • The Alexandria community

Terms To Know

Clerk of the Senate
An official who manages records and documents for the Senate.
Events DC
A government agency that organizes conventions, sports events, and entertainment in Washington D.C.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not provide financial support or benefits.
  • It is a symbolic gesture to honor Kevin John McDonald's memory.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-27 Senate

    Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ32ER)

  2. 2026-01-26 House

    Agreed to by House

  3. 2026-01-23 House

    Received

  4. 2026-01-23 House

    Laid on Speaker's table

  5. 2026-01-22 Senate

    Agreed to by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

  6. 2026-01-15 Senate

    Presented 26105430D

  7. 2026-01-15 Senate

    Laid on Clerk's Desk

Official Summary Text

Celebrating the life of Kevin John McDonald.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
Celebrating the life of Kevin John McDonald.
Agreed to by the Senate, January 22, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 26, 2026
WHEREAS, Kevin John McDonald, an esteemed staff member at the United States Capitol and Events DC and a beloved member of the Alexandria community, died on September 26, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Kevin McDonald graduated from Holyoke High School in Holyoke, Massachusetts, before earning a bachelor's degree in political science from the College of the Holy Cross in 1983; and
WHEREAS, Kevin McDonald settled in Washington, D.C., and worked briefly as an intern in the office of United States Congressman Silvio O. Conte from Massachusetts before becoming the assistant scheduler for United States Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey in 1984; and
WHEREAS, after acquiring significant experience and expertise, Kevin McDonald was selected to serve as the senior scheduler for Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont; and
WHEREAS, in this role, Kevin McDonald garnered the trust and respect of Senator Leahy and his staff, and he ultimately was promoted to serve as the senator's political strategist, a position that took on particular significance when Senator Leahy became president pro tempore of the United States Senate; and
WHEREAS, Kevin McDonald retired from the United States Capitol in January 2023 and served as the first-ever senior director of scheduling and protocol for Events DC, the official convention, sports, and entertainment authority for the District of Columbia, before fully retiring; and
WHEREAS, affectionately referred to by his friends as “America's Guest,” Kevin McDonald was an avid traveler whose adventures touched every corner of the globe; and
WHEREAS, Kevin McDonald made it a priority throughout his life to serve those in need and to bring family, friends, and loved ones together whenever possible; he was the life of every gathering; and
WHEREAS, Kevin McDonald was guided by his faith and enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Arlington; and
WHEREAS, Kevin McDonald will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his brother, Thomas, and his family; his friend and partner, Brian Kim; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Kevin John McDonald, a treasured member of the Alexandria community whose light brightened countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Kevin John McDonald as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.