WASHINGTON DC (May 9, 2019) — I rise today to pay tribute to a revered and distinguished member of the press corps. Robert Pear, a longtime reporter for the New York Times, who spent four decades in the corridors of the US Capitol.
I often say journalists are the watchdogs of democracy, policing their beats to inform the public and hold wrongdoers and the government accountable. They serve as the eyes and ears for the American people, reporting on issues that impact the daily lives and livelihoods of our neighbors. From crime to education, health-care, and foreign-policy, journalists serve as guardians of the First Amendment.
On Tuesday, the health-care beat lost a legendary reporter. The death of Robert Pear will be mourned for many years to come. As the dean of national health-care reporters, Mr Pear established a reputation for hard-nosed reporting. For decades, he carried out a noble mission to inform the public with integrity and fairness. He leaves behind a legacy of unmatched institutional knowledge.
As a policymaker and history buff, I read as much news as I can possibly get my hands on. On weekends, I catch up on my reading when traveling to and from Iowa. For every year I've served in the US Senate, Mr Pear's byline has appeared in the New York Times. I'm told it appeared more than 6,700 times. It's a byline I made sure not to miss. His work put meat on the bones of public policy. Substantive and crisp, his exceptional reporting delivered a thorough analysis of complex issues, and without a doubt, influenced the policy conversation on health-care.
His prolific pen sharpened the minds of readers, including staff and lawmakers who wrote legislation here on Capitol Hill; and the lobbyists who worked to penetrate and influence the debate. His work carried weight with those who implemented health-care policy from the executive branch, including the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the NIH, and the FDA.
His absence on the health-care beat here on Capitol Hill will be missed profoundly. His understanding of the mechanics of health policy were without equal. He was able to wade through the weeds of archaic federal-spending formulas for Medicare and Medicaid and decipher their impact on the delivery of care in rural and urban America. Mr Pear deftly communicated how proposed changes would affect patient-care, from the point of service to the pharmacy counter and their pocketbook. Policymakers, providers, patients, and the taxpayer have been well-served by this giant of journalism. Unlike many of his peers, Mr Pear shunned the spotlight for old-fashioned shoe-leather reporting.
Unassuming and understated, Mr Pear let his published work speak for itself. I'm sure Ranking Member [Ron] Wyden would agree. Before holding a press conference to unveil a bill dealing with health-care, you had to be sure to have all your ducks in a row. No lawmaker wanted to be a sitting duck with Robert Pear in the front row of a press gaggle.
I will miss his byline. Today, I extend my condolences to his family, friends and peers. And I salute his lifelong contribution and exemplary service on behalf of the American people.
