Today, Congressman Tom Lantos, the distinguished Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs committee, passed away at the Bethesda Naval Medical Center in Maryland.  The Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) join with their colleagues in the House of Representatives in sending their condolences to his family, friends, and staff.

"The passing of Tom Lantos is an enormous loss for the U.S. House of Representatives and our nation as a whole.  As the only Holocaust survivor to serve in Congress, Chairman Lantos dedicated himself to fighting intolerance and standing up for individuals without a voice,” said Congressman Joe Baca, Chair of the CHC.  “While we are all saddened by this loss, we remember and celebrate a life filled with great courage and love.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his constituents at this difficult time."

“Congressman Tom Lantos was a man with a supremely accurate moral compass, founding the Human Rights Caucus and serving as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. As a Holocaust survivor, Chairman Lantos saw firsthand man’s inhumanity against his fellow man, an experience that gave him the wisdom we may never know,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar, Chair of the CHC’s International Relations Task Force.  “The ideals he upheld will continue to guide me as I serve as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’s International Relations Task Force. As we journey on a path to champion human rights around the world and democracy for all people, we will view Mr. Lantos as a symbol of hope. It is for Mr. Lantos’ wisdom and humanitarian endeavors that we are eternally grateful.

Cuellar added, “He will be greatly missed by his family and by those who had the great fortune to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with the Lantos family on this day of profound loss.”

Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, a CHC Member who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee said, “Today we lost a great humanitarian who tirelessly worked to give a voice to the poor and oppressed. Chairman Lantos dedicated his life to fighting the great intolerance and inequality that still exists in so many places around the world. I am privileged to have worked under his thoughtful leadership on the Foreign Affairs Committee and witnessed his commitment to human rights and compassion for those in the shadows of society. We are a greater nation thanks to the service of this remarkable American.”

Another CHC Member who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Albio Sires, stated, “I was saddened to hear that Chairman Lantos passed this morning.  While I have only known the Chairman for a brief time, I have been awed by his tireless work in Congress and on the House Foreign Affairs Committee specifically.  It has been a great honor to work with such an exceptional man and colleague.  Chairman Lantos’ message of peace and his dedication to human rights will continue to inspire and influence foreign policy for generations, but he will be deeply missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

"The Congress, California and the country has lost a great foreign policy expert.  Congressman Lantos was a true leader, friend and a mentor to me during my first year as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee,” said CHC and House Foreign Affairs Committee member Congressman Jim Costa.  “His leadership will be missed in Congress and in the Bay Area. I join my colleagues, his many friends throughout the world, and the Lantos family in mourning his loss."

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Hispanic descent.  Since 1976 the CHC has been addressing the needs of the Hispanic community in all areas of American life.  For more information on the CHC, call (202) 225-2410.

www.house.gov/baca/chc