All rights reserved. "@RepCummings chaired the powerful House Oversight Committee. Our nation has lost a truly great public servant."As news spread that powerful House Democrat Elijah Cummings, D-Md., died early Thursday, tributes from colleagues, admirers and critics poured in, expressing shock and sadness that the 68-year-old champion of Baltimore was gone.Rep.
All rights reserved. Elijah cared deeply about public service and the importance of 'representing your people.'"Former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted Cummings "was a true public servant, his life defined by the love of his community and a fierce commitment to ensuring truth wins over power."He added, "The best way we can honor him is to carry on his tireless work in both Baltimore & Congress.""Elijah is one of the most honest, thoughtful, decent people I ever met in politics," Dean wrote. I will miss him dearly."President Trump tweeted. His work and voice on so many fronts will be very hard, if not impossible, to replace!"Stacey Abrams, who lost the Georgia gubernatorial race in 2016, said, "Our nation has lost a mighty fighter for democracy, accountability, equity and justice with the tragic loss of Congressman Elijah Cummings." She praised him for never forgetting his was a borrowed power, which he wielded in defense of the vulnerable and on behalf of the American people."Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., remembered Cummings fondly on Twitter, writing, "Good people everywhere will miss his rumbling voice, his kind heart, and his deep conviction that every human being has worth."Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., eulogized Cummings as "a fearless leader, a protector of democracy, and a fighter for the people of Maryland. Representative Elijah Cummings died at the age of 68. Very soon, you and I will be dancing with the angels. I said, ‘this can’t happen.’ I said they [Cummings and Saunders, who died in 2015] were the last of the old guard,” Shaneman said.“He was an honorable man who proudly served his district and the nation with dignity, integrity, compassion, and humility,” Mrs. Cummings said.His last act in Congress came on Oct. 8, when he joined three others from a bipartisan group to introduce legislation called “The Family Asthma Act.” The bill seeks to expand federal, state, and local efforts to improve care for individuals with asthma.Cummings obtained his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Howard University, serving as Student Government President and graduating Phi Beta Kappa.He began his career in public service in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he served for 14 years, becoming the first African American in Maryland history to ascend to the position of Speaker Pro Tem.Cummings immediately responded: “Those in the highest levels of government must stop making hateful, incendiary comments that only serve to divide and distract the nation from its real problems, including mass shootings and white supremacy.”In addition to the contributions he made to improve the lives of all Americans, the congressman was a passionate advocate for his beloved Baltimore, where he was born and raised.
Mark Meadows remembered Cummings on Twitter, saying "There was no stronger advocate and no better friend than Elijah Cummings. The nation's 44th president said Cummings work as chairman of the powerful House Oversight Committee and "showed us all not only the importance of checks and balances within our democracy, but also the necessity of good people stewarding it."Quoting Cummings, Reiner said: "When we're dancing with the angels, the question will be asked in 2019, what did we do to make sure we kept our Democracy in tact.
The power and the beauty came from his authenticity, his conviction, the sincereity with which he held his beliefs," adding "We rarely agreed on political matters."House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff called Cummings "the heart and soul of our caucus, a dignified leader with a voice that could move mountains," praising him as "our moral and ethical North Star.""#RIPElijahCummings, my Brother Beloved," tweeted the Rev. He is already missed, but his legacy will be with us forever,."Actress Piper Perabo shared her thoughts: "Very sad to learn of the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings this morning," she wrote. Rep. Cummings, a Democrat and chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, died Oct. 17 after … I would fuss at him about watching his blood pressure. I got to see first hand the strength, passion and wisdom of this highly respected political leader. ©2020 FOX News Network, LLC. He was 68. Thank you for your service to our nation. My heart is broken, as I weep personally and for his family and community." 'She praised Cummings' "unmatched integrity and leadership," saying he leaves "a remarkable legacy."Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., said Cummings "was a friend, a passionate fighter for justice, and a powerful voice of moral conscience in our government who served his country for decades with dignity and integrity. "His moral compass was unfailing throughout his life in and out of politics.