[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 16545-16546]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO HARRY REID

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, today I wish to pray tribute to a selfless 
public servant, a committed leader, and a dear friend: Senator Harry 
Reid.
  Growing up in the small town of Searchlight, NV, Senator Reid was no 
stranger to hardship. His father suffered from severe depression and 
his mother worked long hours as a laundress to help support their 
struggling family. The Reids lived in a tiny tin shack with no toilet 
or telephone. They had limited access to schools, healthcare, and the 
basic comforts of modern life.
  From his hardscrabble youth, Harry developed a fighting spirit that 
would later define his career in public service. That spirit was 
cultivated by his high school boxing coach, Mike O'Callaghan, who would 
later become Nevada's 23rd Governor. More than a coach, O'Callaghan was 
a mentor. He taught Senator Reid his first lessons in civics and raised 
Harry's vision of what he could accomplish, encouraging him to pursue 
higher education and a life in politics.
  Senator Reid graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science 
from Utah State University and would later earn a law degree from 
George Washington University. While still a law student, Senator Reid 
worked nights as a U.S. Capitol Police officer to pay his way through 
school. Shortly after finishing his law degree, he returned to Nevada 
where he began climbing the ladder of State politics. Senator Reid 
served as a city attorney, a State assemblyman, a Lieutenant Governor, 
a gaming commissioner, and a Congressman before being elected to the 
Senate in 1986.

[[Page 16546]]

  Here in the Senate, Harry distinguished himself as a no-nonsense 
legislator whose unmatched work ethic and fiery commitment to principle 
stood out among his peers. As a young boxer, Harry was renowned for 
being tough and tenacious in the ring; as a rising Senator, he was 
equally steadfast and determined.
  Having spearheaded the passage of several high-profile pieces of 
legislation, Harry quickly won the respect of his colleagues and earned 
a spot on the Democratic leadership team. He served for many years as 
the Senate Democratic leader. But regardless of the ranks he has 
achieved, Harry's first and foremost commitment has always been to the 
people of Nevada.
  Despite his years in Washington, Harry never actually left 
Searchlight; he simply carries it with him wherever he goes. He holds 
close to his heart the painful memory of growing up in a dusty mining 
town with little hope and limited opportunity. He embraces the harsh 
experiences of a childhood spent living in poverty and draws upon them 
to fuel his work in the Senate today. In his decades-long effort to 
empower society's most vulnerable, he has never forgotten where he came 
from or whom he fights for. He has never forgotten Searchlight.
  Perhaps this is why he eschews the trappings of public office and 
frequently skips the galas, gaudy dinners, and other extravagant 
affairs that are part and parcel of the Washington social scene. 
Perhaps this is why he avoids television interviews and rarely ever 
spends more than 10 minutes at a political fundraiser--because, at the 
end of the day, no matter the titles he receives or the awards he is 
given, he will always be that little boy from Searchlight.
  Senator Reid is among the most grounded of legislators. I have always 
had the deepest admiration for his humility, kindness, and compassion. 
Although he and I have often disagreed on the issues, we have always 
agreed on the values that make life worth living: namely, God, family, 
and service to country. Over many decades in the Senate, he has served 
our Nation exceptionally well. Although he will be missed in this 
Chamber, he has earned well-deserved golden years in his beloved home 
State of Nevada. I wish Harry, his wonderful wife, Landra, and all the 
Reid family the very best.

                          ____________________