WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bill introduced in July to rename the Chisholm Post Office in memory of former Rep. Jim Oberstar passed through the senate Thursday, according to a release.

Oberstar, who was born in Chisholm, passed away May 3 after representing the people of Northern Minnesota for 36 years.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar introduced the legislation in the Senate. Eighth District Rep. Rick Nolan will carry the bill in the house, where it’s now headed and awaiting final approval.

“Born in Chisholm, Jim never forgot his roots,” said Klobuchar, in a release. “He took the fighting spirit of the people of Northern Minnesota to Washington, and he used it to support critical transportation projects in our state and strengthen the jobs and safety of miners on the Iron Range. This action brings us one step closer to ensuring his hometown post office stands as a tribute to all he did to make his district and our nation a better place.”

U.S. Sen. Al Franken echoed her sentiments,

“The people of Chisholm lost a true hometown giant when Jim Oberstar passed away,” he said. “Jim served the Eighth District virtually his entire adult life, and Minnesota and the entire country are better off for his service. This bill will make sure that the post office in Chisholm is a testament to Jim’s life and to his great work on behalf of all Minnesotans.”

Nolan concurred,

“Growing up in Chisholm gave Jim those wonderful hometown values he displayed through all his public service,” he said. “For 36 years, Jim brought those Chisholm values — hard work, good neighborliness, honesty, and integrity — to Congress as he represented our great region. How appropriate for us to be naming one of the community’s most important buildings, its post office, after Jim.”

Lawmakers have also introduced a bill to rename U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters and portions of Highways 35 and 61 after the former chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Members of the Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority (CHAA) also mentioned naming the new Range Regional Airport (RRA) terminal after Oberstar at a meeting earlier this year. There have been no further developments.