Colleagues react to Pell’s death

NBC 10 News
Published: January 1, 2009

Claiborne Pell, a six-term Democratic senator from Rhode Island, died Thursday at age 90. Here is some reaction to his death:

“Senator Pell was a remarkable statesman and legislator who worked tirelessly to promote peace and expand opportunity through education. He was a formidable political force in the U.S. Senate and millions of working families across the country have benefited from Pell grants.“ - Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I.

“Any student who has ever received federal aid has Senator Pell to thank for his or her education. The Pell Grants he created revolutionized our education system for generations of Americans who might not otherwise be able to pursue higher education.“ - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-R.I.

“Claiborne Pell was a man of extraordinary integrity, grace and decency. Chairman Pell was a mentor to me and one of our nation’s most important voices in foreign policy for over 30 years.“ - Vice President-elect Joe Biden.

“Senator Pell was a remarkable statesman and legislator who worked tirelessly to promote peace and expand opportunity through education. He was a formidable political force in the U.S. Senate and millions of working families across the country have benefited from Pell grants.“ - Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairman Bill Lynch.

“Claiborne Pell was a mentor, example and friend; a uniquely beloved Rhode Island politician; and a champion for artists and scholars and all Americans who see higher education lighting a path to a brighter future.“ - Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.

“Public service was stamped in Claiborne Pell’s DNA. He was a quiet giant and a gentleman to the core, a dignified man who always did what he thought was right.Claiborne Pell will be recorded in history as a leader whose moral compass pointed him to do great things.“ - Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.