Biden Pays Tribute to Feinstein at Gen. Milley Ceremony: ‘A Historic Figure, Trail Blazer, And Great Friend’

President Joe Biden paid tribute to Senator Dianne Feinstein at a farewell tribute to Gen. Mark Milley Friday in Washington.

“I want today a brief word about Senator Dianne Feinstein who passed away this morning. She was a historic figure, trail blazer for women, and great friend. Dianne made her mark…for the environment, gun safety, protecting civil liberties. The country’s going to miss her dearly, and so will Jill and I.”

The president said he would have “more to say about her later today.”

Earlier, the White House released a statement from the president that began, “Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend.”

In San Francisco, she showed enormous poise and courage in the wake of tragedy, and became a powerful voice for American values. Serving in the Senate together for more than 15 years, I had a front row seat to what Dianne was able to accomplish. It’s why I recruited her to serve on the Judiciary Committee when I was Chairman – I knew what she was made of, and I wanted her on our team. There’s no better example of her skillful legislating and sheer force of will than when she turned passion into purpose, and led the fight to ban assault weapons. Dianne made her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties. She’s made history in so many ways, and our country will benefit from her legacy for generations.

Often the only woman in the room, Dianne was a role model for so many Americans – a job she took seriously by mentoring countless public servants, many of whom now serve in my Administration. She had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors. Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, but she was also a kind and loyal friend, and that’s what Jill and I will miss the most.

As we mourn with her daughter Katherine and the Feinstein family, her team in the Senate, and the people of California, we take comfort that Dianne is reunited again with her beloved Richard. May God Bless Dianne Feinstein.

Feinstein died Friday at her California home. She was 90.