Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on the Passing of Chairman Elijah Cummings
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) issued the following statement on the passing of House Oversight Committee Chairman Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-7):
"My heart is heavy upon learning of the passing of my friend and colleague, Chairman Elijah Cummings. Indeed a giant has fallen.
"Elijah was a great man, a magnificent leader, and a kind and gentle human being that led with both his head and his heart. He was a strong advocate for the people he served in Maryland and tireless defender of democracy and civil rights.
"He will be remembered as a man who pulled no punches, was authentic to his core, and a champion for our democracy. There are so many things that I could say about his work, but he summed it up best earlier this year when he said, “When we’re dancing with the angels, the question we’ll be asked: In 2019, what did we do to make sure we kept our democracy intact? Did we stand on the sidelines and say nothing?”
"Elijah never stood on the sidelines, and he can proudly say he spoke out and took action to defend our nation and its people. The greatest tribute to his work will be for all of us to continue to hold up the light he shined in what can sometimes be a dark world.
"My condolences and prayers are with his wife Maya, his entire family, and the people of Baltimore, who he loved and served with passion. I will miss his wise counsel, his words of encouragement, his support, and his leadership. May his legacy live on, and may he Rest In Peace and Power."
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