Political Quotes

“Madam President, we woke up this morning to learn with profound sadness that our friend and colleague Congressman Elijah Cummings, the son of sharecroppers who became the chair of the House Oversight Committee, passed away last night at the age of 68. It was the first thing I saw when I read the paper this morning, and it hit me like a punch in the stomach. In his 23 years in Congress, Elijah amassed a legacy that will live on long after his sudden passing. He served the people of his Maryland district with selflessness, passion, and grace. Since it only happened this morning, I can't do justice to the legacy of Elijah Cummings, but I would like to share a few reflections, and I know that my dear friend Senator Cardin was close like this--like brothers--with Elijah Cummings, and they had worked together on so many things for Maryland and the country. I know he is here sharing our deep sadness. Now, truly, Elijah Cummings was not just a great Congressman. He was a great man. He had a presence--a commanding presence--when he entered the room, and he could be strong when he had to be, and he had to be strong quite often. But he also was always kind and decent and caring and honorable. It is a rare combination, that inner strength and that decency and that kindness. Elijah had it. If we had lived in happier times, maybe the public would have seen this kind side more often, but Elijah was never one to shrink from the moment. I talked to him frequently.…”