Senator Jack Francis Reed is an American politician and lawyer. He has been serving as a senior U.S. Senator from Rhode Island since 1996. He was formerly a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 1997. He is also the dean of the state’s congressional delegation.
Reed was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on November 12, 1949. Reed graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point in 1971.
After his Bachelor’s degree, Reed served and earned the Ranger Tab in the military service. He also served as a paratrooper. While in the military, Reed received a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard in 1973.
After Harvard, he returned to West Point to teach Economics and International Relations from 1977 to 1979. He also worked as an associate professor in the Department of Social Sciences. Reed left active service with the rank of captain in 1979 but remained in the Army Reserve till 1991, when he retired as a Major.
After leaving active duty, Reed enrolled at Harvard Law School and earned a J.D. in 1982. He subsequently started private practice at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan in Washington. He finally returned to Rhode Island. There, he specialized in banking and securities law for a private law firm till 1990.
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Senator Jack Reed Career
Reed started his political career shortly after moving back to Rhode Island. He won an election to the state senate in 1984. He served three terms till 1990. In 1990, Reed left the state senate for the U.S. House of Representatives. He won the general election with 59% of the votes and served three terms again till 1997.
In 1996, longstanding incumbent Senator Claiborne Pell announced his retirement from the Senate. Reed announced his candidacy and won the Democratic primary. He also defeated Republican nominee Nancy Mayer with 63% of the votes. He was re-elected in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020.
Senator Jack Reed Accomplishments
Reed was a key figure in supporting bills and reforms to ensure the safety and improvement of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. He drafted the coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The Act successfully creates a $150 billion Relief Fund during the pandemic. He also helps secure $1.25 billion for his state to fight the pandemic.
Reeds fostered the usage of federal funding to improve the economy. He directed the funds towards job creation and economic support for businesses. He also worked towards infrastructural development in the state.
Reed supported projects to enhance the quality of water. He also authored bills and laws to improve access to quality healthcare. He introduced Acts to advance research in health issues. He also worked to improve cancer surveillance.
As part of his bid to improve the state’s infrastructure, Reed led the effort to strengthen the transportation network. He expanded runways and increased port capacity to foster economic linkage and development.
Reed’s administration also fostered protecting consumers and cut taxes. He has also made efforts to improve both the state and national security and defense. He is also a key figure in formulating trade and foreign policies.
Senator Jack Reed Criticisms
Senator Jack Reed got under fire after a controversial decision he made about the military system. The bill aimed at reforming the military justice system faced approval challenges. As the Armed Services Committee Chairman, Jack Reed resisted the bill, even though he was a veteran.
Senator Jack Reed Net Worth
According to Incomepedia, Senator Jack Reed net worth is estimated at about $200,000.
Final Thoughts
Senator Reed has worked hard to ensure the accountability, reliability, and effectiveness of government. He has made legislative achievements towards serving his people and helping them with their problems.
But, he got under fire for blocking a bill to reform the military justice system.
References
- https://prospect.org/politics/senate-democrat-blocks-military-sexual-assault-bill/
- https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/17/washington/17reed.html
- https://www.provlib.org/ppl-to-present-senator-jack-reed-with-enlightenment-award-at-annual-gala/
- https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/05/jack-reed-rename-military-bases-348962
Related Content:
- Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed Bio | Contact | Quotes
- Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse Bio | Contact | Quotes
- Rhode Island Facts and Weird Laws
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