BALDWIN: Civil rights champion, public servant, the nation is mourning the unexpected loss of Maryland Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings. His office says he passed away early this morning in a hospital after suffering complications from long-standing health challenges. Up on Capitol Hill the entrance to his office is draped buy black bunting in honor of his service. Cummings spent more than two decades in Congress and one of his last acts as Chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee included signing two subpoenas for documents related to a temporary end to a policy change that allowed some immigrants with severe health issues to remain in the United States. Starting with his very first speech on the House floor, Maryland's Congressman will be remembered for using the power of his words to be a change agent.</s>FORMER REP. ELIJAH CUMMINGS (D-MD): My mission is one that comes out of a vision that was created long, long ago. It is a mission and a vision to empower people. To make people realize that the power is within them. The way I see it, you can go down in history as the poster boy for gritty, drug company executives, or you can change the system. Yes, you.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're doing our level best --</s>CUMMINGS: What does that mean? What does that mean when a child is sitting in their own feces, can't take a shower, come on, man? We're dancing with the angels, the question will be asked, in 2019 what did we do to make sure we kept our democracy intact? Did we stand on the sidelines and say nothing? And we have got to get back to normal. With that, this meeting is adjourned.</s>BALDWIN: Congressman Elijah E. Cummings. Rest in peace. More on our breaking news as the White House admits a quid pro quo with Ukraine a key ambassador is testifying right now and throwing the President under the bus.
Longtime Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings Dies