Congressional members around New England are reacting to the death of their colleague, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, of Georgia, a civil rights icon who died Friday at age 80. Here are some of their written statements:
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CONNECTICUT
Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Connecticut:
“John Lewis’s moral center never wavered in its intense fidelity to justice, decency and kindness. He was a powerful orator whose speeches on the floor of the US House and in public will long be remembered, but ultimately his power came from his deep faith in humanity’s ability to evolve to a higher and better state.”
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Connecticut:
“The impact John Lewis has had on our country cannot be overstated. In his over three decades in Congress, John Lewis carried with him the ideas laid forth by Martin Luther King Jr. – ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’ John worked toward achieving that justice every single day as a member of the House of Representatives, and the United States of America is better off for it.
Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut:
“John Lewis never stopped fighting. From his time leading the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and working with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the rest of the ‘Big Six’, to his time in Congress, he fought day in and day out for a more just and equal country. He was the living embodiment of the teaching of Dr. King and led nonviolent, peaceful protests for human rights and racial equality. We will never be able to thank him for all that he has done to move our country forward.”
MASSACHUSETTS
Rep. Bill Keating, D-Massachusetts:
“I can’t put into words how genuine, honest, and authentic John was. Each and every time that we spoke, I walked away uplifted, literally smiling, knowing all of us have the power to make things better. It was a gift to me, to a generation of Americans, and to generations to come.”
Sen. Edward Markey, D-Massachusetts:
“He was a man of integrity, intelligence, and clarity of purpose, and his spirit flowed through every single protester on America’s streets chanting Black Lives Matters and making good trouble. They are all John Lewis’s children, and his legacy will be found in the lasting change we must create in the weeks, months, and years ahead.”
Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Massachusetts:
“John often spoke of a struggle that lasts beyond a single day, week, month or year. He called it the struggle of a lifetime – but it was never his fight alone. He called on all of us to rise to the occasion and do what is right, even when it is not easy.”
Rep. Richard Neal, D-Massachusetts:
“John Lewis spent his entire life working to make America a better and more just place. He challenged broken systems with his good trouble and lifted our nation’s spirits time and time again through courage and unyielding optimism. He showed us how love, kindness, and forgiveness are what truly make a person strong and great.”
Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Massachusetts:
“His lifelong commitment to the fight for civil rights challenged our country to open its eyes and strive to be better. His sacrifices paved the way for progress that generations before him could have never imagined. And his leadership inspired generations after him to sustain the movement for equality.”
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MAINE
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine:
“With the passing of Congressman John Lewis, America has lost a civil rights icon who changed history at great personal sacrifice.”
Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine:
“This is a great loss to the US Congress and to our country. I feel so fortunate to have served with him and to have learned so much from him. From hearing his speeches at close range to the 25-hour sit-in on the House floor to try to force a vote on gun legislation, he was always teaching and inspiring us. “
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NEW HAMPSHIRE
Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire:
“While our country has lost the man known as the ‘conscience of the Congress,’ we must not lose his courageous commitment to fighting for equality, freedom, and justice for all.”
Rep. Anne Kuster, D-New Hampshire:
“America is a better place because of John Lewis and his fearless dedication to freedom and justice, no matter the cost.”
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RHODE ISLAND
Rep. David Cicilline, D-Rhode Island:
“Whether he was leading us on another march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, sitting in against gun violence on the floor of the U.S. House, or joining Black Lives Matter protesters outside the White House just a few weeks ago, John Lewis always was the Conscience of the Congress. Our country will miss this modern-day saint, this giant of our times.”
Rep. Jim Langevin, D-Rhode Island:
“He has forever left a mark on our nation as a man of and for the people who was not afraid to ‘get into good trouble, necessary trouble,’ to realize transformational change.”
Sen. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island:
“We can still hear his rich, dynamic voice encouraging us onward with fierce hope to continue the struggle for true justice and equality. His service to others was truly a calling and he leaves a legacy of faith, determination, bravery, activism, achievement, and optimism.”
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VERMONT
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont:
“John Lewis was an American hero among us, a lodestar who drew us closer to our ideals. He was a dear friend and mentor to me on civil rights and so much else.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont:
“John Lewis inspired millions to fight for justice. His courage helped transform this country. He won’t ever be forgotten by those who believe America can change when the people stand together and demand it. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”
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