Eleanor Holmes Norton: “I thank my good friend for yielding. At times like these, my good friend who chaired the Oversight and Reform Committee…”

“I thank my good friend for yielding. At times like these, my good friend who chaired the Oversight and Reform Committee, on which I also serve, was compelled to be a strong leader, but that is who Elijah was anyway. Elijah Cummings was known for calling out his Republican colleagues on countless issues, from the Census to the treatment of children coming across the border. Yet, Chairman Cummings always took a principled stand whenever he saw the strong against the weak. Elijah Cummings' strong sense of principle was reinforced by his commanding presence, booming voice, and convincing sense of rectitude. Yet, the presence of the passing of Chairman Cummings drew widespread sympathy and comment from the very Republicans in this House he most opposed. It is Republicans who give the best witness to Chairman Cummings' resolute fairness. Even as he held the gavel, he always let his adversaries have their say. Afterward, of course, he took them all to the cleaners. Tragically, we have lost Elijah Cummings when this House perhaps most needed his principled leadership. Our Committee on Oversight and Reform, which he chaired, is one of the committees deeply involved in the impeachment inquiry. Almost every day, Republicans and Democrats are sitting in to hear testimony and ask questions of witnesses during this investigation stage of the impeachment inquiry.…”