Mike Thompson: “Great women and great men have served in Congress, walking these Halls and casting votes on this very floor. One of the…”

“Great women and great men have served in Congress, walking these Halls and casting votes on this very floor. One of the greatest was our friend, John Lewis. A civil rights icon, responsible at a young age for lasting progress and remarkable courage in the face of violence and injustice. He was the conscience of our Congress. The room quieted and people listened when he spoke. It was a true honor to serve with him in the House and, for me, on the Ways and Means Committee. It was surreal to walk with him over the Pettus Bridge in Selma on the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. And constituents thank me to this day for inviting him to my district. Our great country is better because of John Lewis, and we should all work to be just a little more like John Lewis. John, we miss you. Rest in peace, my friend. ____________________”