Underwood Statement on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis

WASHINGTON—Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) today released the following statement on the passing of civil rights icon, U.S. Representative John Lewis.

"It's hard to put the sweeping legacy of John Lewis into mere words. He was a man who, for generations, fought for justice with his mind, words, body, and sometimes—for those lucky enough to know him personally—with just the weight of his presence in a room.

"I first met him in 2006 as an intern, and it was surreal to become his colleague in 2019. I always felt an overwhelming sense that there was so much to learn from him, and never enough time.

"He spent his entire life, up until the very end, fighting for what was right and just. He believed in an America that could progress, be better, and live up to her highest ideals; and he lived his life fighting to make it so. May we revere him, may we continue to learn from him, and may we forever fight for the America he believed in."

A photo of Underwood and Lewis can be foundhere.