WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement regarding the death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, 93, the first woman to ever serve on the Supreme Court:

“Justice O’Connor was a trailblazer and dedicated public servant.  She served the nation with honor, distinction, and steadfast devotion to the Constitution.  She was a thoughtful and pragmatic jurist who vigorously upheld the values of judicial independence.  She earned her place in history and continues to serve as an inspiration for so many.”