Statement from President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis
We have lost a giant. John Lewis gave all he had to redeem America’s unmet promise of equality and justice for all, and to create a place for us to build a more perfect union together.
From a small farm in Alabama, to life-risking service in the civil rights movement, to three decades in Congress, he was always “walking with the wind,” steered by a moral compass that told him when to make good trouble and when to heal troubled waters. Always true to his word, his faith, and his principles, John Lewis became the conscience of the nation.
Hillary and I loved John. We were blessed by his friendship, support, and wise counsel. We’ll miss him so much, but we’ll always be grateful to God for his long good life, and grateful that he lived to see a new generation of Americans take to the streets in search of his long sought “beloved community.”
Our hearts go out to his son John-Miles and the entire Lewis family, his able loyal staff, and all who loved and admired him the world over.
Meaghan M. McDermott and Brian Sharp, Democrat and Chronicle
12-16 minutes
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California) began by noting that two plane loads of Congress members and staff came to Rochester for the funeral. Pool video
Whether she was walking the halls of Congress, fighting for legislation to protect victims of domestic violence or genetic discrimination, blazing new trails for women in power or cooking up a slab of country ham before seeing her grandson off after a visit, there was truly only one Louise M. Slaughter.
In a moving funeral service on Friday for Rep. Slaughter, she was described by dignitaries and family alike as warm, funny, tenacious, committed and full of joy.
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More than 2,000 people, including dozens of congresspeople, members of the state Legislature, local officials and former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, filled the Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre on Friday to say goodbye to Rep. Slaughter, who died March 16 at the age of 88.
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"Even her opponents couldn't help liking and respecting her,” Clinton said. "We gather here for an extraordinary outpouring of love."
Clinton spoke of Slaughter's sense of humor and personal warmth, and the way she used those skills to help get things done in Congress without alienating her opponents.
"It's hard because what she represented, who she was, not only should be remembered by all who knew her and all who she served with and for, but because we need more Louise Slaughters, today more than ever."] Read more and see video clips >>>>
At around 11:30 a.m.
yesterday morning, Representative John Lewis started a sit-in on the
floor of the House to demand a vote on gun violence prevention
legislation.
He’s been joined by Democrats from across the House
and Senate. They intend to hold their positions until they shame their
Republican colleagues into taking up legislation to expand background
checks and prohibit suspected terrorists from buying guns. We need both
to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists.
It’s been more than 24 hours, and they're not giving up. Neither can we.
Let them know you've got their back -- add your name to show you're with them:
First stop: Broward County Community College in Davie, FL. Hillary
spoke on a broad range of issues from college debt to universal pre-K to
gun laws and Syria.
Insider watching from an undisclosed, secluded location.
Also in LV, painters endorsed Hillary.
An ice cream stop and a rally
The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and grassroots event in San Antonio
A town hall in Keene NH and an interview with Jake Tapper on CNN's The Lead
A"Meet and Greet" in Nashua
The Alabama Democratic Conference in Hoover
The
long-anticipated and very long day on Capitol Hill with the Select
Committee on Benghazi. Eleven hours and she was still smiling and
unbowed on exit.
Statement from President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton on the Passing of Congressman John LewisWe have lost a giant. John Lewis gave all he had to redeem America’s unmet promise of equality and justice for all, and to create a place for us to build a more perfect union together.
