Team,

I woke up yesterday to the news of Chairman Cummings’ transition. He was a mentor, a friend, and a tremendous colleague. He leaves behind a powerful legacy.

I am already feeling the impact of a little less grace in the world. I have deep gratitude to have spent these early months in Congress guided by his wisdom and comforted by his friendship.

Yesterday, my team and I went by the committee room to share our condolences with his staff and honor his memory. His staff told me that when he understood his transition was close - Chairman Cummings asked staffers to drive to Baltimore with subpoenas compelling the directors of USCIS and ICE to appear before our Committee, so that he could sign them and, in so doing, empower our Committee to continue to fight for justice for immigrants receiving treatment for serious medical conditions, an issue close to my heart that the Chairman and I had been working closely on together the past few months. [read more here]

Up until his last moments on this earth, he was pursuing justice for some of the most vulnerable in our communities - demonstrating a strength of spirit and a conviction emblematic of a life spent advocating for equity and justice.

There will never be another Chairman Cummings, he was a titan. We will carry forward his legacy by continuing to do the work of fighting for every single person in our communities.

Rest in power, Mr. Chairman.