In Speech On Senate Floor, Durbin Honors The Late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today honored the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) who passed away on December 28. During his speech, Durbin highlighted Senator Reid’s leadership in passing the Affordable Care Act, as well as Dodd-Frank Wall Street reforms, and his strong and unwavering support of Dreamers.
“[Harry] was a man of extraordinary humility. He was the first to admit he wasn’t much of an orator and he would also say that his good looks didn’t win him a public office. But he had a real genius of listening to people and hearing more than speaking. He listened to the voices in our caucus, across the aisle, and across America, and he managed often to find a way forward. He was a modest man. He didn’t care who got the credit as long as the work was done,” Durbin said. “The only thing that Harry Reid loved as much as this Senate and the promise of America was his family… I want to extend my sympathy to them on behalf of myself and my wife Loretta, as well as to the talented staff members who served Harry Reid for so many years and many who are still here in the Senate.”
Durbin concluded, “He [Reid] fought for justice and fairness and he always fought for the underdog. He was searching for those young people like himself who grew up in a hard-rock mining town under the toughest of circumstances and did their best. He wanted to give them the same fighting chance he had in life. Harry fought the good fight. He finished the race. America is better for it and I will miss my friend.”
Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
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