Nick Lampson: “Mr. Speaker and other House Member colleagues, I rise to honor the memory of my friend and colleague, Walter Capps. We…”

“Mr. Speaker and other House Member colleagues, I rise to honor the memory of my friend and colleague, Walter Capps. We freshmen Members on the Democratic side learned to look to Walter Capps as a leader among us. He led with humility, with fundamental goodness, and boundless wisdom. It is an overwhelming thing to arrive here in Washington, DC, and realize that we now have to stand in the shoes of generations of leaders who have steered this country through the course of its history. It was reassuring to have among us a man who seemed to understand our role as part of a scheme that went beyond the day-to-day operations of the government. As a scholar of religious studies, Walter Capps' presence in this House reminded all of us that our work must reflect our beliefs and our faith. Mr. Speaker, Walter Capps ran for Congress because he believed he had something to offer to this country. He had already had a successful career and certainly had a beautiful family. He did not need this. But he felt obligated to offer his gift, himself, because he loved his country. In the short time that he served, Walter Capps made a difference. He touched the lives of each of the Members of the House of Representatives, and he touched the lives of the citizens across America. And tonight our deepest sympathies go with Lois and his beautiful children. Indeed, 'God bless you.'”