PAYING RESPECT TO A LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE Politicians react to the death of Prominent Democrat Elijah Cummings
Chairman of the House Reform and Oversight Committee, Elijah Cummings, the 7th District of Maryland:
"When we're are dancing with the angels, the question will be asked, what did we do to make sure we kept our democracy in tact?" Fiery words from Cummings in the 2019 Michel Cohen hearing
STAEMENT FROM THE WIFE OF ELIJAH COMMINGS MAYA ROCKEYMOORE CUMMINGS, Chairwoman of the Maryland Democratic Party.
"Congressman Cummings was an honorable man who proudly served his district and the nation with dignity, integrity, compassion and humility,” Cummings said in a statement released Thursday. “He worked until his last breath because he believed our democracy was the highest and best expression of our collective humanity and that our nation’s diversity was our promise, not our problem. It’s been an honor to walk by his side on this incredible journey. I loved him deeply and will miss him dearly."
He was a man who wore his passion on his sleeve.
A beloved Congressman and son of Baltimore, Cummings died at 2:45 a.m. on Thursday. Washington and the nation rose the to sad news of his passing away. In a statement his office said he died from long-standing health challenges. Suffering from heart problems, in 2017 he had a corrective aortic valve surgery. He had recently had a medical procedure and according to the Baltimore Sun, he got an infection following the procedure and did not recover.
"He had unmatched wisdom. Committe member, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said he would do the right thing in every situation. . .he had a big B.S. detector and would call it out when he saw it. . ."
April Ryan appeared on CNN this morning in tears, sharing about her relationship with Cummings who she said was like a "big brother" to her. She said his wife told her he "worked until his last breath" and would want everyone to get politically engaged.
Among many notable political efforts, Cummings introduced the bill to put the face of abolitionist Harriet Tubman on the face of the 20 dollar Bill and led the committee that was key in pursuing the impeachment of Pres. Donald Trump. He fought hard to get the cost of pharmaceutical drugs lowered for Blacks. Active in his community he led a march calling for peace after the death of Freddie Gray, a black man who was killed by Baltimore police. He did the eulogy at Gray's funeral. Rep. Cummings has enormous pride in his home town and always remained connected to church and community.
The son of a sharecropper, Cummings knew hardship and racism first hand. He faced hate when he integrated a Baltimore pool. Working in local, state and federal politics for over 30 years, Cummings was a man of deep faith who served as the moral center in the House of Representatives.
Many others, including Pres. Trump praised his life in public service:
Pres. Donald J. Trump: My warmest condolences to the family and many friends of Congressman Elijah Cummings. I got to see first hand the strength, passion and wisdom of this highly respected political leader. His work and voice on so many fronts will be very hard, if not impossible, to replace!
Terri Hill, Maryland State Delegate for District 12A covering Howard and Baltimore counties: I am shocked and frankly, devastated by the news of Congressman Elijah Cummings’ passing. He was a giant of a man, a civil rights leader, history maker and humanitarian. But, more importantly, he was my mentor, cheerleader and friend. My condolences go out to Maya, his children and family. Congressman, you ran well and finished your race. You are loved and will be terribly missed.
Michael Steele, former RNC chairman and Maryland lieutenant governor: My heart is saddened at the loss of a colleague and friend. Elijah cared deeply about public service and the importance of “representing your people”. Rest In Peace good and faithful servant.
Rep. Joe Kennedy III, from Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District: Elijah Cummings refused to be told what he could become or where his dreams might end. He refused to accept injustice in his community or inequality in his country. His towering presence will be missed but his legacy will live on with us all.