Jack Reed is an American politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Rhode Island. He is a member of the Democratic Party and has held this position since 1997. Reed previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 1997. Born on November 12, 1949, Reed graduated from Princeton University and earned a law degree from Georgetown University. Before entering politics, he served in the U.S. Army and was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Reed is known for his work on defense, education, and economic issues.