Reed Statement on Justice Breyer’s Retirement from Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement on the retirement of Justice Stephen G. Breyer from the U.S. Supreme Court at the end of this term:

“I have long admired Stephen Breyer.  He was one of my advisors at Harvard Law School and I am truly grateful for his wise guidance, encouragement, and counsel.  I have immense respect and admiration for him as a person and a Justice.  I salute Justice Breyer for his decades of honorable and distinguished service to the nation.

“Justice Breyer has been a key voice on the court and has written many thoughtful, even-handed decisions.

“The Supreme Court has lost its way in the wake of President Trump’s appointments and that has eroded some public confidence in the institution.  A single new Supreme Court Justice won’t change that, but it offers a chance for President Biden to choose a fair, impartial jurist who will uphold civil rights and liberties and is committed to equal justice for all.  The next Justice to serve should be someone with Justice Breyer’s integrity, independence, and keen intellect and someone with real-world experience who reflects the depth and breadth of the American people.”