Statement of US Labor Secretary Perez about Sen. Reid's retirement

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez issued the following statement on today's announcement by Senator Harry Reid of his intention to retire:

"From his roots in a mining community, to the boxing ring, to his work as an officer with the Capitol Police, to the top position in the United States Senate, few public servants in America embody the values of hard work, humility and sacrifice better than Senator Harry Reid.

"Over a career that has spanned nearly half a century, Sen. Reid has been an unwavering, authoritative voice on behalf of middle-class working families. The state of Nevada has been fortunate to have a leader of such grit and integrity fighting for its interests. Whether it's education, health care, renewable energy, immigration or any number of issues, the entire nation has benefitted from his body of work in the Senate, where he has been both a man of principle and a pragmatic consensus-builder.

"I have been grateful for Sen. Reid's partnership and his support for the Labor Department's mission. I wish him the very best in this next chapter of his life."