Washington, DC - "It is with great sadness that I learned of the tragic and sudden passing of my great friend and colleague, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Words cannot express my palpable, heartfelt pain and the tremendous void that her passing will leave in the halls of Congress.  She served with compassion and passion and was both a committed public servant and sincere champion for the causes that affected her constituency. Her zeal for life, her heartfelt commitment to the 11th Congressional District of Ohio, and her undeniable fortitude and strength of character will always be remembered.

Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was a trailblazer having led the way for many who will follow in her larger than life footsteps.  She was the first of many: the first African American woman to serve on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, the first woman of color to chair the Ethics Committee, and the first African American woman from Ohio to serve in the House.  She was a voice for the voiceless, a friend to the friendless, and an advocate for change, advocating for healthcare, housing, voter's rights, and education.

My sympathy and prayers, and that of my wife and family, are with Congresswoman Tubbs Jones' family and loved ones, especially her son, Mervyn Leroy Jones, II, and her sister, Barbara Walker during this difficult time. I hope that they may be able to take comfort in the fact that Congresswoman Tubbs Jones' achievements will be long remembered by all those who were touched by her selfless dedication to her family, friends and community."

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