Tom Lantos
The Public Record
Tom Lantos was a prominent American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from California's 12th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, Lantos was known for his strong advocacy on human rights issues and played a significant role in foreign policy matters during his tenure. He was the only Holocaust survivor to have served in Congress, which deeply influenced his commitment to human rights and humanitarian causes. Lantos served in Congress from 1981 until his retirement in 2008, when he chose not to seek re-election due to health issues. His legacy includes efforts to address global human rights abuses and to promote democracy around the world.
★ Featured Quote
December 6, 2021
The veneer of civilization is paper thin. We are its guardians, and we can never rest.
— Tom Lantos
Most widely reported
by number of sources- we have no additional requests for time, and I yield back the balance of our time.5 sources2005govinfo.gov
- before yielding back my time, let me just say that while in this election season there is a cacophony of voices which might give the impression of deep divisions, in fact the American people are united in their determination not only to wage a war on terrorism, but to win that war on global terrorism wherever it appears.3 sources2004govinfo.gov
- Before yielding back our time, I just would like to make an observation. It speaks to the strength of this body and this Nation that in the midst of a war we take time to pass important environmental legislation, as we are about to do; that we have taken time to recognize the historic continuity of the friendship between two democracies, Australia and the United States; and that we have had the creativity and courage to move with respect to Pakistan as it aligned itself with the United States in the fight against terrorism. This is a fine day for Congress and for the American people, and it is a message to our enemies that we shall prevail.2 sources2001govinfo.gov
- I am proud to join my good friend on the Republican side, Mr. Bereuter, to express to the distinguished Speaker of the Canadian Parliament Democratic support and appreciation of the generations-long friendship and solidarity the Canadian people have shown to us. There is no nation on the face of this planet which is a more dependable and a more solid and a more persistent ally and friend of the United States than is Canada. Through many wars we have stood together, and we have prevailed as we shall in this war on global terrorism. War inevitably entails losses. No losses are more tragic and more heart rending than the ones we call losses related to 'friendly fire.' This means we kill our own by mistake, by error, through a tragedy. That is what happened, in Afghanestan, to four Canadian soldiers, and the American people are as one in expressing our heartfelt condolences to the families of these four heroes and to all of the Canadian people. We want to assure Speaker Milliken that Canada and the United States will stand together forever on behalf of defending freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, the right of civilized societies to live in peace and security. We appreciate the friendship of our Canadian friends, and we want to assure them of our solidarity and respect.2 sources2002govinfo.gov
- before yielding time, I want to recognize my associate, Peter Yeo, who drafted and did the major work on this important legislation. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3\1/2\ minutes to my good friend and colleague from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)2 sources2005govinfo.gov
- we have no objections on our side to our body's consideration of this measure, and I yield back the balance of our time.2 sources2006govinfo.gov
Jun 3, 2019
Wu'er Kaixi is here to remind us that the struggle for democracy in China is not over.
Apr 25, 2018
While technologically and financially you are giants, morally you are pygmies.
Dec 17, 2007
I rise today to join this commemoration of the extraordinary life of Henry Hyde, the late, able chairman of the House International Relations Committee. The United States House of Representatives lost an institutional legend this year, and…
Oct 10, 2007
When the Turkish government says there was no genocide of Armenians, we have to set them straight.
Oct 10, 2007
When the Turkish government said there was no genocide of Armenians. We have to set them straight.
Oct 9, 2007
Jo Ann Davis was respected and admired across the total political spectrum... she was also one of the great Atlantises in this body. She was passionately committed to rebuilding the alliance between Europe and the United States, and she…
Oct 2, 2007
I pointed out to him that gestures are not enough, that with the enormous leverage China has over Burma, China must take serious, substantive measures to compel the Government of Burma to give back the freedom to its own people and her…
Oct 2, 2007
I would like to say a word comparing our Speaker to the subject of this resolution, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. These are two extraordinary women of deep courage and commitment, but there is one profound difference in their political lives: when…