Sam Gejdenson: “Mr. Speaker, I think that for all of us, what is clear here is that this was no ordinary world leader. World leaders who…”

“Mr. Speaker, I think that for all of us, what is clear here is that this was no ordinary world leader. World leaders who pass on are often mourned in their countries and there is often some reference abroad. But in the case of King Hussein, his personal courage and commitment to his people and the peace process has I think touched people across the globe. I join my colleagues in offering condolences to his wife, Her Majesty Queen Noor al-Hashem; and our congratulations and pledge of support to His Majesty King Abdullah, the second ibn al-Hashem. We have a commitment in the Middle East as a country, and our interests and the interest of peace have been furthered by King Hussein's great courage, a young man who saw his grandfather assassinated as he stood next to him. In a Middle East coming out of colonial borders that continued to change and turmoil that left thousands in crisis and often in death, King Hussein continued a steady march, defending his country, trying to make his countrymen's lives better, and always trying to take the boldest steps for peace.”