[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 130 (Thursday, July 23, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H3697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Massachusetts (Mrs. Trahan) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, walking the halls of the United States 
Capitol this week has felt different, like a piece of what makes this 
institution great is missing, because he is. It has been a somber 
reminder that this body and our country will never be the same without 
our guiding light, our moral compass, Congressman John Lewis.
  I have never known someone to be more devoted to our Nation than John 
Lewis. He demonstrated that devotion by setting standards high and 
requiring her continuous improvement; calling out when our policies or 
practices didn't live up to the words written in our Constitution; and 
never giving up on the pursuit of freedom and equality for everyone in 
our country.
  He committed his life to the fight for civil rights and, along the 
way, he persuaded a Nation, through steadfast, peaceful protests.
  Yes, John Lewis is a hero. He is also the closest example I will 
likely ever know of a saint. But more than that, he was a friend.
  To those of us who are new to Congress, John Lewis welcomed us. He 
made time for each of us; got to know us and, somehow, made you feel 
like the only person in his presence. He wanted you to know that he 
truly heard your words and that they mattered.
  Part of what makes this job the honor of a lifetime is serving 
alongside giants like Congressman Lewis. Like so many in this Chamber, 
I stood in absolute awe of him. He embodied decency, perseverance, 
justice, courage, and compassion, traits that he used to great effect 
in changing hearts and minds by meeting hate with love, and cruelty 
with kindness.
  I will forever remember and cherish the opportunity to join John 
Lewis in Selma, Alabama, this past March with my husband, my mom, and 
two daughters. The time he spent with Grace and Caroline, describing to 
them what ``good trouble'' was; walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge 
one last time, and reminding us what happened there 55 years ago.
  He said: ``On this bridge, some of us gave a little blood to redeem 
the soul of America. Our country is a better country; we are a better 
people. But we have still a distance to travel to go before we get 
there.''
  Thank you, John, for never giving up, for never giving in, for 
keeping the faith, and for always keeping your eyes on the prize.
  We know the work we have left to do, and you gave us the tools and 
the courage to continue your legacy.
  Rest in peace, Congressman Lewis.

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