October 17, 2019

Castro Statement on Passing of Chairman Elijah Cummings

WASHINGTON—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, released the following statement today after the passing of Chairman Elijah Cummings:

“This morning, the nation woke up to a stunning loss. Chairman Cummings was an American hero, a beacon of hope, a profound storyteller; decent and fierce in his convictions and always fighting for the forgotten. He was the moral center of this institution. He was an inspiration to me and to so many he served with; as a friend, a colleague, a political giant – but most importantly, as an example of what public service can and must be. My prayers are with his family, his many friends, his principled staff, and the city of Baltimore. All of Congress and the nation feels this loss so deeply.

“There are chapters in American history that speak to the best of who we are. Elijah’s entire life – his long and esteemed career, his fight for civil liberties and justice, his mission to safeguard our democracy at all costs – is one of those great chapters.

“His powerful legacy, his moral clarity, and his voice will continue to guide us all. May he Rest in Peace.”

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