Congress Lost a True Statesman (Del. Eni Faleomavaega)

Congressman Lantos and I served together since the time I first came to Congress and I am deeply saddened by his passing. I will miss Tom’s leadership, guidance, goodness, and friendship.

Tom has been an advocate and voice for the poor, the suffering, and the disadvantaged.  With never-ending commitment and courage, he has worn out his life in trying to make the world a better place and, today, the world has lost a champion.

When he didn’t have to, Tom co-founded the Congressional Human Rights Caucus to defend the rights of victims of political, religious, ethnic and racial persecution, the world over.  From his example, I was mentored.  As a result of his influence, Capitol Hill was changed.

While we mourn his loss, I have every confidence that Tom will be welcomed home by those on the other side who have also been touched by his selfless service.  I am also confident that Tom’s work will long be remembered.

Not too long ago, Tom said that his whole life had been a preparation to Chair the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.  I agreed with him and whole-heartedly supported his Chairmanship.  Tom was the only survivor of the Holocaust to serve in the U.S. Congress and, in my opinion, this made him uniquely qualified to serve in a way that no other Chairman of the Foreign Affairs’ Committee has or ever could serve.  Though his time as Chairman ended much too soon, his impact and influence is far-reaching.

I wish Tom had stayed with us longer.  He was a good man and I am a better man for having known him.  With deepest sorrow I now express my condolences to his wife, Annette, to their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  But, like his family, I know that Tom still lives and, so, until we meet again, I wish him Godspeed, and thank him for gifting us with the remarkable legacy he has left behind,