Reed and Inhofe Pay Tribute to Former SASC Chairman Carl Levin

Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued statements on the passing of former U.S. Senator Carl M. Levin (D-MI).

Senator Reed paid tribute to Senator Levin with the following:

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and colleague, Carl Levin.  Beyond his legacy as an extraordinary and far-sighted leader in the Senate, he was a profoundly compassionate and selfless man.

“One of the greatest privileges of my life was to serve with and be mentored by Carl.  From his career championing civil rights in Detroit to his three-and-a-half decades of leadership in the Senate, he tackled every challenge with character and integrity.  As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he committed himself to strengthening national security for the benefit of the American people—leading without fanfare and fostering a spirit of bipartisanship that continues to inspire us all.

“I was fortunate to travel with Carl many times to U.S. outposts and ships around the world, and I witnessed firsthand his concern for those who served.  He understood service and sacrifice, and his tireless advocacy for the troops has left a lasting legacy within our military.

“Carl’s loss is immeasurable, but I am grateful for his lifetime of contributions to the people of Michigan and our nation.”

Senator Inhofe also paid tribute to Senator Levin:

"Senator Carl Levin led by example, whether he was fighting for the well-being of our troops, bolstering our national security or upholding the ideals of our nation and the Senate. I had the honor of serving as his Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee from 2013 to 2014. He was a rare Democrat who was totally independent and had no issue disagreeing with his party when he felt strongly. He was so strong on defense that I wondered why the Democrat leadership left him in that position – but he was so popular he would have been impossible to get rid of.  I remain grateful for his friendship, his partnership and his leadership, which continued the longstanding bipartisan tradition of the committee. Kay and I are praying for his wife of 60 years, Barbara, their three daughters and the entire Levin family as we mourn this profound loss.”