Harry Reid (left), Joe Biden.Photo: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call
PresidentJoe Bidenand First Lady Dr.Jill Bidenwill attend a funeral for Sen.Harry Reidin Las Vegas on Saturday, the White House announced on Tuesday.
Reid, whodied Dec. 28 at 82of complications from pancreatic cancer, represented Nevada in the Senate for 30 years, rising to become one of the most prominent — and powerful — Democrats in the country. His career, which included serving as the Senate majority leader from 2007 until 2015, overlapped with Biden’s vice presidency as well as Biden’s time as a senator from Delaware.
Another president,Barack Obama, is also expected to attend and is reportedly set to deliver a eulogy during the morning service at the Smith Center in downtown Las Vegas. The event will be open to family, colleagues and invited guests but will also stream live,the Associated Press reports.
“I wouldn’t have been president had it not been for your encouragement and support, and I wouldn’t have gotten most of what I got done without your skill and determination,“Obama wrote to Reidin a letter before he died.
Reid was instrumental in passing key pieces of legislation during Obama’s presidency, including the Affordable Care Act, the Dodd-Frank Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, part of the recovery from the 2008 recession.
Ethan Miller/Getty
“Senator Harry Reid was a titan of public service, who for more than four decades fought relentlessly for working families like his own,” House Speaker and fellow Democrat Nancy Pelosi said inannouncing the invite-only ceremonyin the Capitol Rotunda. “It is my solemn honor as House Speaker to pay tribute to a legendary leader, a great American and my dear friend, Senator Harry Reid.”
The current Majority Leader, Sen. Chuck Schumer, also praised Reid in the announcement on Sunday.
“Harry Reid will be remembered as a great American, father, husband, Senate leader and one of history’s most devoted fighters for the people of Nevada and the poor and middle class throughout the country,” Schumer said. “Few dedicated their life and career to working for and delivering for working families like Harry Reid, and it will be an honor to pay tribute to him in the Capitol next week.”
source: people.com
