Congressman Steven Horsford on the Passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings

Washington, DC — On Thursday, October 17, 2019, Congressman Elijah Cummings of Maryland passed away. Congressman Steven Horsford made the following statement on this great loss for the House of Representatives:

"Today, Congress lost a fierce leader, a tireless champion of the people, and my friend, Congressman Elijah Cummings. The son of a sharecropper, Congressman Cummings embodied the hope and perseverance of our country — and strove to defend our institutions and the integrity of this great American experiment at every turn.

Congressman Cummings came from humble beginnings and persevered despite the odds stacked against him. He enshrined the principles that in this country, it does not matter your circumstances – you can succeed and make a difference.

He served the people of Maryland and his country with grace and the utmost devotion for 23 years and set an example for generations of leaders to come. Congressman Cummings advocated for the people of his state and district with passion and ferocity that is unrivaled.

As the Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Congressman Cummings refused to back down from the challenge of overturning every stone of the President's possible wrongdoing with the utmost integrity and regard for what the Oval Office represents. I was honored to serve on this committee during my first term in Congress and witness his leadership and expertise first-hand.

I will miss him and mourn his presence as a dignified example of leadership and advocacy. Sonya and I send our prayers and condolences to Maya and the entire Cummings family.

Rest in power."