If not, Biden should force changes in the Senate’s filibuster rules to allow simple majority passage of legislative priorities, Reid said. Influential in retirement, Reid said that Biden won election, he should give his new presidency just three weeks to try to work with Republicans. Bush a “loser”), criticize the fossil fuel industry (“coal makes us sick”) or declare the war in Iraq “lost.” He titled his 2008 autobiography “The Good Fight.”
He was unafraid to take on presidents (he called George W. The few words Reid did say were often flinty and fiery. By evening, the casket was removed for departure.īiden, Obama and others paid tribute during a funeral service last weekend in Las Vegas recalling Reid’s feisty wit, disinterest in Washington’s social scene and fearless approach to governing. Later, Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan stopped by, as did some Cabinet and administration officials.Īfterward, Biden paid a brief visit to the Senate, where Reid’s family was gathered. Vice President Kamala Harris did not speak during the ceremony, but paused at the casket in tribute, as did the Republican leaders in Congress, Sen. He was only the 15th senator have to had the honor his casket rested on the catafalque used for Abraham Lincoln. The service was largely closed to the public under COVID-19 protocols, though former colleagues, staff and others streamed in to visit, most wearing masks. “Few have dedicated their lives to the work of the people quite like Harry did.” “Few have shaped the workings of this building like our dear friend from Nevada,” he said. Schumer said Reid never forgot the struggles of families and places like the one he came from and believed government had a moral obligation to ensure Americans had opportunities to improve their lives. “Even though Harry talked softly, what he said carried the force of thunder,” Schumer said. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., spoke of having to explain Reid’s abrupt style to new senators. He led the Senate during one of its more consequential legislative sessions, securing the economic recovery bill during the Great Recession and President Barack Obama’s landmark health care law. Reid served longer in Congress than anyone from his state and was the Senate majority leader alongside two presidents. She called Reid “a legendary leader of great integrity.” “To see him lead and legislate was to see a master at work,” said Pelosi, who worked side by side with him when they were the top two Democrats in Congress.
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