Washington, D.C. — Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement mourning the passing of Progressive Caucus Member Elijah Cummings:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague and friend, Chairman Elijah Cummings. Chairman Cummings was a beacon of justice, integrity, and compassion within the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congress as a whole.
“Throughout his decades-long career in public service, Chairman Cummings worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents, and in doing so became an unrivaled voice for disenfranchised and underserved families both in his native Baltimore and throughout the country.
“As Chairman of the Committee for Oversight and Reform, Congressman Cummings challenged the powerful and corrupt and uplifted forgotten and marginalized communities. He led the charge to lower prescription drug prices, empower low-income youth, address the opioid epidemic, and safeguard our democracy. And he was an early and unwavering champion of progressive issues including Medicare For All, protecting the rights of immigrants, and fighting racial injustice. Chairman Cummings was an inspiration to us all and he leaves a long and proud legacy.
“Our thoughts are with Chairman Cummings’ family, loved ones, and his beloved hometown of Baltimore. His passing is a loss for the Congress, the nation, and the world. He will be deeply missed.”
###
