Reid is extensively considered essentially the most highly effective and influential politician from Nevada, remodeling the Republican state right into a Democratic stronghold that has been blue in each presidential election since 2004.
“With out Harry, there could be no Reasonably priced Care Act,” Obama mentioned, acknowledging Reid’s household grew up with out medical insurance.
“When Harry put every thing he had into passing the ACA, he did not do it to furnish his personal legacy,” he mentioned. “He did it for the folks again house, and households like his who wanted somebody looking for them. No one else was.”
The previous president additionally remembered Reid as a fighter, each in his political profession and as an novice boxer.
“Hardship had cast a metal in Harry,” Obama mentioned. “He inherited a preventing spirit that defined his success within the boxing ring, regardless of being considerably undersized.”
The 2 celebration leaders made a “a darn good workforce,” Obama mentioned. “I couldn’t have requested for a greater, more true buddy,” he added.
Biden spoke to Reid’s loyalty, devotion and dedication as a public service, as he served with Reid throughout his time within the Senate and labored with him as vp.
Biden mentioned the 2 have been “real associates,” regardless of their variations in background and faith.
“Harry would at all times have your again … Harry had mine, and he knew I had his,” Biden mentioned.
Biden mentioned that Reid “led the Democratic caucus not simply by talking however by listening,” and touted his sense of obligation fairly than a need to be the focus.
“He was proof that there is nothing peculiar about America,” Biden mentioned. “He is proof that peculiar Individuals could be something given half an opportunity.”
“Let there be little doubt,” Biden added. “Harry Reid shall be thought-about one of many best Senate majority leaders in United States historical past.”
Schumer referred to as Reid his buddy and mentor within the Senate, saying the previous majority chief was “one in all a form,” and spoke to his generosity and friendship.
“He was robust as nails, a fighter to his core, but in addition one of the compassionate people you might ever think about.”
In her remarks, Pelosi mentioned Reid was a “towering titan of public service” and praised him for his dedication to his constituents.
“He did every thing he might to verify Nevadans’ voices have been heard,” she mentioned.
Pelosi mentioned Reid shall be remembered for his kindness towards his colleagues, employees and anybody he met within the Capitol.
“For his nice legislative achievements, his most enduring public legacy shall be that he was beloved. a phrase not usually used to explain political candidates … as a result of he handled everybody with dignity and respect,” Pelosi mentioned.
Republican Sens. Roy Blunt of Missouri and Richard Shelby of Alabama have been additionally in attendance. Vice President Kamala Harris was there, too.
Reid’s roots sprung from the small city of Searchlight in southern Nevada. He finally left the state to check at Southern Utah College, Utah State College, after which went to George Washington College to check legislation. He labored as a Capitol police officer whereas in legislation college, earlier than returning to Nevada to hitch the state meeting.
Reid was elected to the Home of Representatives in 1982, and gained his Senate seat in 1986. He served for 30 years, changing into the longest-serving senator from Nevada by the point he retired in 2017. Reid is survived by his spouse of 62 years, Landra, their 5 kids and plenty of grandchildren.
Lana Reid Barringer, eldest daughter of Harry and Landra, spoke about her father’s generosity and dedication not simply to the nation, but in addition to his household.
“He was at all times there for our household, and he made time for something that was vital to us,” she mentioned.
Most of the audio system remembered Reid’s behavior of abruptly hanging up telephone calls. Reid’s son, Leif, mentioned this was true, however that the chief at all times took calls from his household.
“As busy as he was on the Senate, talking with a head of state, no matter it was — my dad at all times took our calls,” he mentioned. “And he by no means made us really feel like he was busy, did not have the time to offer us a second to assist us.”
President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints M. Russell Ballard additionally spoke on the service.
Ballard mentioned that Reid embodied the Bible verse Matthew 25:40 — “Actually I let you know, no matter you probably did for one of many least of those brothers and sisters of mine, you probably did for me.”
“Harry cared for the least of those — those that have been much less lucky, hungry, sick, and those that have had quite a few challenges,” Ballard mentioned.
Brandon Flowers of Las Vegas rock band The Killers carried out “Be Nonetheless” and “House Means Nevada.” The Killers performed at lots of Reid’s marketing campaign occasions and Reid’s son, Leif, mentioned The Killers have been “the final musical request he ever made.”
Singer-songwriter Carole King additionally carried out her track “Within the Identify of Love.”
Reid died Dec. 28 on the age of 82 after a battle with pancreatic most cancers.
Following the funeral, Reid’s physique shall be transported to Washington, D.C., the place he’ll lie in state on the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 12. Pelosi referred to as the honour “a correct tribute for a historic, patriotic American.”
