By Thomas McKinless

During opening remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Harry Reid took a moment to remember Capitol police Officer Vernon Alston, who died of a heart attack while shoveling snow Saturday during the blizzard that struck the district over the weekend. “Officer Alston served on the force for nearly two decades, working to protect all of us,” McConnell said. “I know his service and dedication will be remembered by all who knew him.”