WASHINGTON (WBAP/KLIF News) – U.S. Congressman Elijah Cummings has died.
His office said Cummings passed away from longtime health complications at Johns Hopkins Hospital near Baltimore early Thursday morning.
He was the first African American in history to be named Speaker Pro Tem and served Maryland’s 7th Congressional District since 1996.
The son of a sharecropper, Cummings practiced law for decades and became chairman of the powerful House Oversight Committee that lead multiple investigations that angered President Trump.
The Associated Press reports Carolyn Maloney, a veteran House Democrat from New York City, will take over his role until Democrats choose a permanent chair to fill Cummings seat.
When news of his passing spread, those who knew him expressed an outpouring of grief and support.
Devastating news about a good and decent man who was an extraordinary public servant. He was the moral and ethical conscience we desperately need right now. I was proud to call him my friend. https://t.co/31tZcLdNGK
— Valerie Jarrett (@ValerieJarrett) October 17, 2019
It was sad news to learn this morning of the passing of @RepCummings. He dedicated his life to serving his community and country. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and staff.
— Michael Burgess, MD (@michaelcburgess) October 17, 2019
“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? Did we stand on the sidelines and say nothing?” – #ElijahCummings pic.twitter.com/dAJslRWtmR
— Ava Pittman (@AvaPittmanTV) October 17, 2019
President Trump had a public spat with Cummings in which dispared the Baltiomore Congressman’s district by calling it a “rodent-infested mess” where “no human being would want to live” issued a tweet about his death.
My warmest condolences to the family and many friends of Congressman Elijah Cummings. I got to see first hand the strength, passion and wisdom of this highly respected political leader. His work and voice on so many fronts will be very hard, if not impossible, to replace!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2019
Funeral arrangements for Cummings have not been released yet.
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