Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. honors Rep. Elijah Cummings during Committee Hearing

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. dedicated a moment of silence to Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD-07) today before his hearing to discuss bioterrorism preparedness for the Committee on Homeland Security’s subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery.  Congressman Cummings, a revered politician and chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, died Oct. 17 from complications after a medical procedure.

Congressman Payne, Jr. issued the following statement regarding Rep. Cumming’s passing.

“We lost a great man and a true champion of civil rights.  Rep. Elijah Cummings was an inspirational leader who brought dignity, class and conviction to his work to make life better for Americans nationwide.

He was a hero and icon to a generation of African-Americans, both for his dedication to the people of Baltimore and his entire district as well as his leadership in the Congressional Black Caucus.

As Chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, he had the ability to rise above partisan politics and create bipartisan solutions to the country’s issues in a way that earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues on both sides of the aisle.  I want to offer heartfelt condolences to his wife, Maya, his children, his extended family, and all his friends during this time of loss.  I will miss him dearly.”
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