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Historical · U.S. Senate · Missouri

James Reed

Former U.S. Senator from Missouri · 1911–1929 · Democratic · Class 1

James Reed represented Missouri in the United States Senate (1911–1929) for the Democratic party. The page below collects sourced biographical facts, term history, committee roles, and provenance for Reed.

Bioguide ID: R000118

Key facts

Full name
James Reed
State
Missouri
Party
Democratic
Senate class
Class I
Senate service
1911–1929
First Senate term
1911
Status
Left office
Current term ends
Born
1861
Bioguide ID
R000118
Committee assignments
Dataset version
20260602

Biographical narrative

860 words · sourced from the Wikipedia REST extract

James Reed was a prominent American politician who served as a United States Senator from Missouri. A member of the Democratic Party, Reed's Senate career spanned nearly two decades, during which he was involved in various legislative initiatives and political movements. His tenure in the Senate began in 1911 and concluded in 1929, marking a significant period in American history characterized by social change and economic challenges.

Early life and career

James Reed was born on November 9, 1861. His early life and formative years laid the groundwork for his future political career. Growing up in a time of significant transformation in the United States, Reed was influenced by the social and economic dynamics of the era. He pursued higher education, which equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in law and politics.

Before entering the Senate, Reed gained experience in public service and law. He practiced law, which provided him with insights into the legal system and the workings of government. His legal background would later inform his legislative priorities and decisions while in office. Reed's initial foray into politics began at the state level, where he developed a reputation as a capable and dedicated public servant. This experience ultimately paved the way for his election to the United States Senate.

Reed's political career was marked by his alignment with the Democratic Party, which was undergoing significant changes during the early 20th century. His election to the Senate in 1911 came during a time when the party was seeking to address the needs and concerns of a rapidly changing society. As a senator, Reed would navigate the complexities of national politics, including issues related to economic reform, social justice, and foreign policy.

Senate tenure

James Reed's tenure in the United States Senate began in 1911, and he served until March 3, 1929. Over the course of his three terms, Reed was involved in numerous legislative efforts that reflected the priorities of his constituents and the nation at large. His time in the Senate coincided with significant historical events, including World War I and the onset of the Great Depression, which influenced the political landscape and the issues that were brought to the forefront of national discourse.

During his time in the Senate, Reed was known for his active participation in debates and discussions on a wide range of topics. His legislative work was characterized by a commitment to addressing the needs of the American public, particularly in areas related to economic policy and social welfare. Reed's ability to engage with complex issues and advocate for change was a hallmark of his time in office.

Reed's re-elections and continued service in the Senate reflected his ability to connect with voters and respond to their concerns. His political career was marked by a dedication to public service and a desire to contribute positively to the legislative process. Throughout his tenure, Reed worked alongside other senators and engaged in bipartisan efforts to address pressing national issues.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his Senate career, James Reed focused on a variety of legislative priorities that were pertinent to the era. His work often centered on economic reform, labor rights, and social issues, reflecting the broader concerns of the American populace during a time of significant change. Reed's legislative agenda was shaped by the challenges faced by the country, including the aftermath of World War I and the economic difficulties that would later culminate in the Great Depression.

Reed's involvement in various committees allowed him to influence key areas of policy. His participation in these committees provided him with the opportunity to advocate for legislation that aligned with his vision for a more equitable society. He was known for his commitment to labor rights, which was particularly relevant during a period marked by labor movements and demands for better working conditions.

In addition to labor issues, Reed's legislative focus included social welfare programs aimed at supporting the most vulnerable members of society. His advocacy for these initiatives demonstrated his understanding of the interconnectedness of economic stability and social justice. Reed's work in the Senate was characterized by a desire to create policies that would benefit the broader community and address systemic inequalities.

Reed's contributions to the Senate were also shaped by the political dynamics of the time. He navigated the complexities of partisan politics, working to build coalitions and garner support for his legislative initiatives. His ability to engage with colleagues from both sides of the aisle was essential in advancing his policy goals and addressing the pressing issues of the day.

In conclusion, James Reed's legacy as a U.S. Senator from Missouri is marked by his dedication to public service and his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the nation during a transformative period in American history. His tenure in the Senate was characterized by active participation in legislative processes, a focus on economic and social issues, and a willingness to engage in bipartisan efforts to create meaningful change. Reed's contributions to the Senate and his impact on American politics continue to be recognized as part of the broader narrative of the country's legislative history.

Notable legislation

Sponsored and co-sponsored legislation for James Reed is pending operator curation. The biographical narrative above carries the same provenance trail until per-bill rows are written.

Sources

  1. [1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_A._Reed_(politician)wikipedia · retrieved 2026-06-02

Notable quotes

Sourced quotes for James Reed are pending operator curation. Narrative-scope provenance remains attached below.

Sources

  1. [1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_A._Reed_(politician)wikipedia · retrieved 2026-06-02

Key positions

Curated policy positions for James Reed are pending operator review. The biographical narrative above carries the same provenance trail until per-topic positions are written.

Sources

  1. [1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_A._Reed_(politician)wikipedia · retrieved 2026-06-02

Terms served

  1. 19111917U.S. Senate · Term 1 · Democratic · Class I
  2. 19171923U.S. Senate · Term 2 · Democratic · Class I
  3. 19231929U.S. Senate · Term 3 · Democratic · Class I

Sources & provenance

Every attributable claim above carries a per-section [N] marker that resolves to the corresponding URL below. Each entry records the upstream provider, the canonical URL, and the timestamp at which the source was retrieved by the ingest pipeline.

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