WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird, who oversaw the drawdown of U.S. forces in Vietnam and helped end the draft:

“Secretary Laird was a true patriot who was widely admired for his intellect and integrity. As Secretary of Defense, he led the Pentagon through a tumultuous time.  As a member of Congress, he worked on a bipartisan basis with colleagues like former U.S. Representative John Fogarty (D-RI) to help establish the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.  And as a sailor during World War II he earned the Purple Heart.  We are so grateful for his lifetime of service and many contributions to defending our nation.

“I was proud to receive my diploma and commission personally from Secretary Laird when I graduated from West Point.  After I was elected to Congress, we stayed in touch and spoke about national security issues.  I was always glad to have the benefit of his views.”