House Speaker Nancy Pelosi eulogized the late Rep. Elijah Cummings as “our North Star” in the House, where the Maryland Democrat served as chairman of the House Oversight Committee.
Pelosi, of California, ordered U.S. Capitol flags lowered on Thursday after Cummings, 68, died of complications following heart surgery in September. Cummings served 23 years in the House, representing Maryland’s 7th District.
“In the House, Elijah was our North Star,” Pelosi said Thursday. “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.”
Pelosi praised Cummings’ role on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where she said he “was always fighting for his district and for the state of Maryland.”
Cummings also served on the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors.
“In the Congress, we will miss his wisdom, his warm friendship, and his great humanity,” Pelosi said. “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.”
[Related: Mark Meadows ‘heartbroken’ by death of Elijah Cummings]
