Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the legislation and commend Congresswoman Sewell and Congresswoman Roby for their leadership in bringing this to the floor and giving us the opportunity to speak about the heroes amongst us. In some of the darkest hours of our Nation's history, as we all know, there are stories of great courage. By preserving these stories, which this legislation enables us to do, we ensure that those who come after us will know that the cause of equality is both our Nation's heritage and our hope. Unsurpassed in courage in our midst is our colleague, the conscience of the Congress, Congressman John Lewis. On March 7, 1965, as many of us all know, Congressman John Lewis was the leader of 600 peaceful, orderly Americans crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge. He was met by State troopers, tear gas, bullwhips, and nightsticks. Though he faced great prejudice and discrimination, he was not embittered; he was emboldened to dedicate his life to the cause of justice and equality. It is a great privilege for each of us to serve with John Lewis in Congress, an honor to call him colleague. I want to speak about his leadership in taking so many Members of Congress and their families and friends across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in recent years. I had the privilege to join him in the year 2001.…”