WASHINGTON, D.C. — For the second time in as many weeks, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) took to the House floor to honor the late civil rights leader, Congressman John Lewis.

“When I stood in John Lewis’ presence, I stood in awe, in reverence, and with great respect. John Lewis was an extraordinary man of faith, perseverance, virtue, and kindness.

“He endured ridicule and beatings during his nonviolent fight alongside Dr. King.

“He spent a lifetime fighting against injustices, poverty, white supremacy, and racism and for equality and for human dignity.

“He was a social justice and civil rights warrior who inspired me, and all of us in this chamber and this nation.

“And he was a man of God on a relentless mission of peace to create the Kingdom and bring to earth life as it is in Heaven.

“As great as a man he was, he was always humble and gentle. He was always faithful in his fight for freedom from oppression.

“John was always a friend. He always asked how my daughters Sky and Sage were doing on the House floor and in the hallways and even visited them during their birthday parties in my DC office.

“He will undoubtedly be greeted in Heaven by our Creator with the words, “Job well done, my humble servant” – an honor well deserved and greater than life itself. May John Lewis rest in God’s Almighty power.

“I love you, and I miss you, brother. I yield.”

You can watch Ruiz’s full remarks here.

The voice of the late Rep. John Lewis —known as the “conscience of the U.S. Congress” — reverberated through the U.S. Capitol one more time during a ceremony in the Rotunda on Monday, according to ABC News.

 

Image Sources

  • Rep. John Lewis: Shutterstock