[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 168 (Wednesday, October 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1338-E1339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PAYING TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 21, 2019

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with affection in memoriam of 
Congressman Elijah E. Cummings of Baltimore, Maryland. He was a man for 
our time.
  Today, I join a grateful nation in honoring the life, as well as, 
mourning the death of an exceptional American, a man of deep faith in 
his creator and fellow human beings. As I learned of Elijah's passing, 
I was deeply saddened by the loss of such a magnanimous human being, a 
devoted patriot, and a man whose heart for others never stopped 
beating. During my tenure in the House of Representatives, I had the 
honor to serve alongside Elijah for over 23 years, but it is the 
greatest privilege of all to call him my friend. All Members who served 
with him know this similar affinity. The word great is often overused, 
but Elijah was truly a great man. He served his district in a way that 
made clear to everyone his unshakable love for the City of Baltimore 
and its people. His love was enduring. His service and passion touched 
those of us serving in any capacity.
  A graduate of Howard University in 1973, Elijah received his 
bachelor's in political science and served as the student government 
president. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, he 
attended the University of Maryland where he studied law, which led to 
two-decades of legal practice in the private sector. Elijah also served 
as the Chief Judge on the Maryland Moot Court, where he aided law 
students in their studies on appellate casework.
  Prior to winning his election to the House of Representatives in 
1996, in 1982, at only 31 years old, Elijah became the youngest 
chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus in the Maryland House of 
Delegates. With not only an impressive 16 years to show for this 
service, he successfully climbed the ranks to become the first African 
American to serve as Speaker pro tem--one of the many groundbreaking 
milestones in his illustrious career. As a trailblazer, Elijah 
advocated for economic and racial justice, and human rights. He was 
constantly working to improve the condition of his community that had 
been devastated by the loss of over 30,000 steel jobs, which brought 
about great despair. Elijah persevered for his people and community 
using every opportunity to revitalize and to improve his hometown.
  Joining the House of Representatives in 1996, Elijah became the 
Representative for the seventh district in Maryland, serving and 
dedicated to Baltimore and its suburbs. He was truly a crusader, as he 
tirelessly fought as an advocate against drug abuse, gun violence, and 
a visionary for home ownership for all and labor unions--issues that so 
deeply impact our nation and his district. Amid racial conflict in his 
home city, Elijah was able to stand above the fray in such a riot-torn 
landscape and bring peace and reason. As a man who lived by example, 
his mantra of standing up for one's beliefs was reflected through his 
years of diligent service and his grace under fire.

[[Page E1339]]

  I can attest, during his medical challenge, which had been 
significant and prolonged, he never yielded. His dutiful work sustained 
the hope of his family and colleagues. History will attest his vision 
will have laid the foundation for a more honorable and respectful 
approach to governance of a free people.
  May I extend my deepest condolences to his family, his devoted wife 
Maya, daughter Jennifer, and the people of greater Baltimore for 
sending a man of such substance and bearing to serve the people of the 
United States.
  Elijah, the proud son of Baltimore, left his community, our nation, 
and this world a better place through his service. And for that, we 
shall remain eternally grateful. May God rest his soul peacefully and 
in full communion with the power of creation.

                          ____________________