Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, disagrees with the apparent insistence of ailing Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., that the nation's chief executive not attend his funeral when his time on Earth is up.
It was reported over the weekend McCain, who is suffering from brain cancer and might not return to the Senate, has requested President Donald Trump not attend his funeral and Vice President Mike Pence represent the White House instead.
Hatch, the senior member of the Senate, told Politico on Monday he would like to see McCain change his mind.
"Well, he's the president of the United States and he's a very good man, but it's up to [McCain]," Hatch said. "I think John should have his own wishes fulfilled with regard to who attends the funeral."
When asked specifically if he feels McCain should reverse course, Hatch replied, "I would."
The 84-year-old Hatch is retiring at the end of this year. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential candidate, is running to replace him.
Hatch noted McCain, 81, might not return to the Senate chamber because of his illness.
"That's what I've been told," he said to Politico.
McCain and Trump have feuded ever since then-candidate Trump made derogatory remarks in 2015 about the former Navy airman because of his time spent as a POW during the Vietnam War.
"I like people who weren't captured," Trump said.
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