The Senate Intelligence Committee saved a seat for the late Sen. John McCain John Sidney McCainCindy McCain endorses Biden: He's only candidate 'who stands up for our values' Biden says Cindy McCain will endorse him Biden's six best bets in 2016 Trump states MORE (R-Ariz.) at a hearing Wednesday morning focused on foreign influence operations on social media.

Chairman Richard Burr Richard Mauze BurrRep. Mark Walker says he's been contacted about Liberty University vacancy Overnight Defense: Trump rejects major cut to military health care | Senate report says Trump campaign's Russia contacts posed 'grave' threat Senate report describes closer ties between 2016 Trump campaign, Russia MORE (R-N.C.) also began his opening remarks by honoring McCain, describing him as a senator who was “without equal” in the Senate.

“There can be no denying that the place is a little smaller without him,” Burr said. “Arizona’s loss is our loss, and our loss is America’s loss.”

McCain, who died on Aug. 25 after being diagnosed with brain cancer last year, was laid to rest at the U.S. Naval Academy on Sunday. U.S. officials and others also honored McCain’s legacy during a week of ceremonies in Arizona and Washington last week.

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The Intelligence Committee’s hearing Wednesday is part of the panel’s broader inquiry into Russian interference in the election.

As chairman of the Armed Services Committee, McCain was an ex-officio member of the Intelligence Committee and at times participated in hearings, including the public appearance of former FBI Director James Comey James Brien ComeyDemocrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate Book: FBI sex crimes investigator helped trigger October 2016 public probe of Clinton emails Trump jabs at FBI director over testimony on Russia, antifa MORE last year.

"A seat saved for Senator McCain at today's Senate Intel hearing," Sen. Mark Warner Mark Robert WarnerIntelligence chief says Congress will get some in-person election security briefings Overnight Defense: Trump hosts Israel, UAE, Bahrain for historic signing l Air Force reveals it secretly built and flew new fighter jet l Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' House approves bill to secure internet-connected federal devices against cyber threats MORE (D-Va.), the top Democrat on the committee, noted in a tweet Wednesday morning.