Biden Honors Sen. Dianne Feinstein As A ‘True Trailblazer’

President Joe Biden on Friday honored Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving woman in Senate history, after she passed away Thursday night at 90 years-old, calling the California Democrat a “true trailblazer.”

“Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend,” Biden said in a statement.

Biden said she became a powerful voice for American values after showing “enormous poise and courage in the wake of tragedy” in San Francisco. Biden also detailed his time with Feinstein in the Senate, where he said they served together for more than 15 years. “I had a front row seat to what Dianne was able to accomplish," Biden said.

“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,” Biden said. “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.”

Biden added that Feinstein had an impact on younger female leaders and opened doors for them.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Biden sent condolences to Feinstein’s daughter, Katherine, and the rest of the senator’s family, as well as her team and the people of California.

“We take comfort that Dianne is reunited again with her beloved Richard,” Biden concluded in his statement. “May God Bless Dianne Feinstein.”