Congresswoman Maxine Waters Commemorates the Anniversary of the Passing of Congressman John Lewis

LOS ANGELES – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement on the fifth anniversary of the passing of her dear friend and civil rights icon, Congressman John Lewis:

“Five years ago today, we lost a national treasure, my dear friend and colleague of nearly three decades, Congressman John Robert Lewis. There will never be another like him.

John dedicated his entire life to what became his signature call to action: making ‘good trouble, necessary trouble.’ From the lunch counters of Nashville to the bridge in Selma, he faced down violence and hatred with the strength of nonviolence, love, and conviction. He was arrested over 40 times, beaten within inches of his life, and never once gave up on the promise of justice.

Serving alongside John in the House of Representatives was the honor of my life. He carried with him a moral clarity and spiritual fortitude that inspired every one of us, whether we were battling for voting rights, fighting poverty, or standing against racism in all its forms. When John Lewis rose to speak on the House floor, you listened because you knew the truth was coming.

On this solemn anniversary, I continue to fight for the causes John championed, protecting the sacred right to vote, defending civil rights, and ensuring that this country lives up to its ideals. Let us honor him not only with words, but with action. Pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. End voter suppression. And keep marching forward.

John, we miss you. But your spirit is alive in every act of justice, every protest for equity, and every citizen who dares to make good trouble.”