Alliance for Justice Mourns Passing of Senator Harry Reid

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 29, 2021- Alliance for Justice President Rakim H.D. Brooks issued the following statement on the passing of former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: 

“Today we mourn the passing of Senator Harry Reid, and I’m joined by our entire staff and our extended Alliance for Justice family in sending condolences to the senator’s family during this difficult time. As a man who rose from humble beginnings to become one of most influential political figures in the nation, Senator Harry Reid was a true champion of justice and leaves behind a historic legacy as Senate Majority Leader.

“Senator Reid attended law school at night while working as a police officer for the Capitol Police and never forgot those roots. He dedicated his entire life and career to fighting for the interests of working families, and he was a vital champion of a fair and impartial judiciary. Recognizing the importance of a justice system committed to equal justice for all, Senator Reid was instrumental in ensuring that President Obama’s judicial nominees were confirmed, including fearlessly facing down unprecedented obstructionism from Senate Republicans.  

“When Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans used the filibuster to prevent President Obama from filling executive branch positions and judicial vacancies, including to the powerful D.C. Circuit, then-Majority Leader Reid correctly changed the rules to allow majority votes on those confirmations. That prescient change ensured that democracy could prevail — that the duly elected president and Senate could work together to ensure the proper operation of our government and its justice system.  

“Senator Reid was also instrumental in the confirmation of Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, who have both been consistent champions of reproductive rights, civil rights, voting rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and economic justice from their seats on the U.S. Supreme Court.

“We are forever grateful for everything Senator Reid has done for our nation, including shepherding the confirmation of judges and justices whose rulings have positively impacted the lives of millions of Americans. We hope that other senators will make it their mission to follow his example and uphold his incredible legacy.”