Reed honored by American Bar Association

By PBN Staff
Twitter: @ProvBusNews

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jack Reed will receive the American Bar Association’s Congressional Justice Award for his support of student loan forgiveness and veterans’ assistance programs, the national law association announced Thursday.

“Senator Reed’s dedication to our system of justice is a paradigm for members of Congress. We are pleased to recognize his unwavering support for the rule of law,” said ABA President William T. Robinson III.

The senator supported funding for the John R. Justice student-loan repayment program, which offered student loan assistance to lawyers who agree to work as public defenders of prosecutors for at least three years.

“Thanks in part to Reed, Rhode Island received $52,543 for fiscal year 2012 to distribute to eligible attorneys who have the least ability to pay their loans,” said an ABA statement.

Throughout 2012, Reed also supported the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors act, the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and helped pass “the largest veterans’ budget in history,” which included significant investments to treat traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reed is one of six lawmakers honored by the ABA this year. The other recipients of the 2012 Congressional Justice award include Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky.

Honorees will be presented with their awards on the first night of the association’s annual conference - ABA Day 2012 - on April 17.