'Favorite Son Of Maryland', 'Mighty Fighter': Cummings Mourned

BALTIMORE, MD — U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, the powerful Maryland Democrat who chaired one of the House committees conducting an impeachment investigation into President Donald Trump, died Thursday. He was 68.

Cummings died from complications related to longstanding health issues, his office said in a statement. As Washington awoke to the news of Cummings' death, lawmakers mourned the respected politician and civil rights advocate.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she was personally devastated by his death. Below is the Speaker's full statement on Cummings' passing:

"The people of Baltimore, the U.S. Congress and America have lost a voice of unsurpassed moral clarity and truth: our beloved Chairman Elijah Cummings. I am personally devastated by his passing.

"In the House, Elijah was our North Star. He was a leader of towering character and integrity, whose stirring voice and steadfast values pushed the Congress and country to rise always to a higher purpose. His principled leadership as Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform was the perfect testament to his commitment to restoring honesty and honor to government, and leaves a powerful legacy for years to come.

"As a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he was always fighting for his district and for the state of Maryland. He was a powerful voice for building the infrastructure of America and creating good-paying jobs. As a Member of the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors, he took great pride in Maryland’s role in our national security.

"Chairman Cummings’ story was the story of America: a sharecroppers’ son who dedicated his life to advancing justice, respecting human dignity and ending discrimination. He believed in the promise of America because he had lived it, and he dedicated his life to advancing the values that safeguard our republic: justice, equality, liberty, fairness.

"Earlier this year, Chairman Cummings asked us, ‘When we’re dancing with the angels, the question will be asked: in 2019, what did we do to make sure we kept our democracy intact?’ May Chairman Cummings’ strength guide us as we carry on his work to honor the oath and protect our democracy.

"In the Congress, we will miss his wisdom, his warm friendship and his great humanity. In Baltimore, we will miss our champion. May it be a comfort to his wife Maya, his three children and Chairman Cummings’ entire family that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time."

President Donald Trump offered his "warmest condolences" to Cummings' family and friends:

Former vice president and current Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Cummings was a true public servant:

President Barack Obama said Cummings "remained steadfast in his pursuit of truth, justice, and reconciliation."

"Michelle and I are heartbroken over the passing of our friend, Elijah Cummings. As Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, he showed us all not only the importance of checks and balances within out democracy, but also the necessity of good people stewarding it.

"Steely yet compassionate, principled yet open to new perspectives, Chairman Cummings remaind steadfast in his pursuit of truth, justice, and reconciliation. It's a tribute to his native Baltimore that one of its own brought such character, tact, and resolve into the halls of power every day.

"And true to the giants of progress he followed into public service, Chairman Cummings stood tallest and most resolute when our country needed him the most.

"May his example inspire more Americans to pick up the baton and carry it forward in a manner worthy of his service. Our deepest sympathies and abiding love go to his wife, Maya, and his three children, and all those whose lives he touched."

Rep. Adam Schiff, the California Democrat who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, said Cummings was the heart and soul of the Democratic caucus:

Below are statements from other lawmakers on Cummings' death:

Elizabeth Warren, Democratic Senator from Massachusetts and presidential candidate:

Bernie Sanders, Independent Senator from Vermont and Democratic presidential candidate:

Stacey Abrams, Georgia Democrat and former gubernatorial candidate:

Kevin McCarthy, California Republican and House Minority Leader:

Susan Collins, Republican Senator from Maine

Jamie Raskin, fellow Democratic Congressman from Maryland and member of the House Oversight Committee:

Steny Hoyer, Maryland Democrat and majority house leader:

"I was shocked and saddened to learn the news this morning of my dear friend’s passing. Elijah Cummings was a man of principle, patriotism, and conviction, whose loss will be deeply felt throughout the State of Maryland and our country.

"For over two decades, we served together in the House, and I learned many lessons from observing Elijah at work. He taught his colleagues how to persevere in the face of adversity, laboring through health challenges in recent years out of a love for serving his constituents and country. He taught us patience and fortitude when confronted with malice from opponents, which he answered with ‘charity for all.’ And his faith in democracy served as a lesson to us all. When talking about the times we fell short of our Founders’ vision, Elijah would say ‘we are better than this.’ Elijah Cummings was better than most. He led the charge to make our democracy better by being better than those who would bring it low and leading by example.

"As the son of sharecroppers, Elijah grew up understanding the challenges of poverty and fought throughout his career in elected office to bring hope and relief to those in need, particularly the youth, in whom he had great faith and was dedicated to empowering and lifting up. A former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, he made voting rights, equality, justice, and access to opportunity hallmarks of his career. He was also committed to ensuring that the next generation of Americans had access to greater opportunity and a better future. As Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, he was the House’s crusader for making government work better and holding public officials accountable when they failed the American people. His memory will long guide us in that pursuit.

"I will never forget my dear friend, my trusted colleague, and my partner in serving Maryland in this House. I join in offering my condolences to his wife Maya and his children and to the entire Cummings family - and to the people of Maryland’s Seventh District whom he so ably served."

Ben Cardin, Democratic Senator from Maryland:

Chris Van Hollen, Democratic Senator from Maryland

This story is being updated.