Lawmakers react to Elijah Cummings’ death

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle express their grief over the passing of Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings.

Cummings died Thursday morning from complications to longstanding health problems. He was 68.

Cumming served Maryland’s 7th district in the House of Representatives for more than 20-years. He was the Chairman of the House Oversight Committee.

The congressman was a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party’s platforms, yet many say they’ll remember him for his ability to reach across party lines.

Congressman Paul Gosar , a Republican who represents Yuma County remembered Cummings this way in a statement released Thursday:

” Born a sharecroppers son, Elijah Cummings rose to become Chairman of one of the most powerful Committees on Capitol Hill – he lived the American dream. As a member of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, we worked on a number of issues together. Though fierce divisions formed across most of our political system, Chairman Cummings conducted himself with grace and his long list of bipartisan friendships is a testament to his character. I will miss Elijah Cummings. Maude and I will be keeping his family in our prayers. ”

Representative Raul Grijalva , also of Arizona, expressed his grief on Twitter, tweeting:

” Our nation loses a powerful voice & presence with the passing of my colleague @ RepCummings , whose decency & passion for fairness will remain a standard for all of us to uphold. I send my sincere condolences to his family, staff, and those he proudly represented in Congress. ”

Cummings was also in Representative Juan Vargas’s thoughts. The congressman, who represents Imperial County, tweeted:

” I am deeply saddened at the passing of my dear friend Rep. # ElijahCummings , a civil rights leader and dedicated public servant who dedicated his work to bettering our country. My sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, and staff. His legacy will not be forgotten. ”

Arizona and California’s senators also had words of praise for the congressman.

Senator Diane Feinstein tweeted:

” Our country has suffered a great loss. Elijah Cummings was here for two decades and he fought tirelessly for the people he represented. He was a man of conscience and we’ll miss his courage, his fairness, his talent. ”

Senator Kamala Harris was among the first presidential candidates to react to Cummings’ passing. Harris tweeted:

” We lost a giant today. Congressman Elijah Cummings as a fearless leader, a protector of democracy, and a fighter for the people of Maryland. Our world is dimmer without him in it. ”

Senator Kyrsten Sinema also took to twitter to express her sadness. Sinema tweeted:

” Congressman Cummings was a kind, just man whose voice in Congress and in our country will be sorely missed. He fought for justice and democracy every day of his life – may his memory be a blessing and an inspiration to all of us. Rest in power, Elijah. ”

Plans for Cummings’ funeral will be announced Friday. It’s expected to be held at the Baltimore church the congressman attended for 40-years. Organizers expect the church to be overflowing.