Washington (October 17, 2019) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement on the passing of House of Representatives Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings.

“No one understood the power and the responsibility of Congress to uncover the truth and deliver justice for the American people like Chairman Elijah Cummings. His entire career – one born of fearlessness and fueled by a quest for equality – is a testament to how one man speaking truth to power can hold even the most powerful forces accountable. By leading oversight from his Congressional committee, he embraced the duty we all have to fight for our democracy every day. By fighting for the poor and vulnerable in his district, he sought to end poverty and discrimination everywhere. I served alongside Elijah for more than three decades, and we fought together for a cure for Alzheimer’s, for protections for consumers, for human rights and to end torture practices. Elijah Cummings knew that freedom does not come easily; that rights aren’t simply given, they must be taken.

“At this moment in our history, with our very democracy at stake, his integrity, his passion, and his leadership will be deeply missed. Elijah Cummings believed in the promise of America and its people, and I know Congress will move forward in its investigations for the truth with him at the front and center of its efforts. I grieve with the entire Cummings family. They are in my heart and will forever be in our prayers.”

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