Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton on the Passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein
Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Senator Dianne Feinstein, a pioneering public servant who worked tirelessly on behalf of California and all of America throughout her long career.
As Mayor of San Francisco, she helped heal the wounds left by the assassination of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone, overcame the darkest days of the HIV/AIDS crisis, and saved the iconic cable car system.
After her election to the Senate in 1992, she established herself as one of the chamber’s most effective champions of civil rights and civil liberties, environmental protection, and strong national security.
She was a fearless fighter who never backed down from what she believed in, but knew that principled compromise is often necessary to get things done for the good of the country and her constituents.
I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to work closely with her, particularly to pass the Assault Weapons Ban, which she authored, and on environmental preservation, including the cleanup of Lake Tahoe. And Hillary was proud to serve alongside her in the Senate.
Dianne’s legacy will endure with all the people living better, safer, healthier lives because of her, and in everyone who was inspired by her trailblazing life and career. Our thoughts and prayers are with Katherine, Eileen, and all the people who loved her.