WASHINGTON, March 27 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement today on the announcement by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) that he will retire at the end of his current term in office:

“Harry Reid grew up in extreme poverty in Nevada and he never forgot where he came from. Throughout his career he has been a fighter for the low- and moderate-income people of our country and his efforts have improved the lives of millions of Americans. All of us, but especially people in Nevada, will lose a great champion when he retires. For now, I look forward to Harry’s strong and determined leadership during the next two years.”