Norton Remembers Her Friend and Former Colleague Congressman Louis Stokes

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) issued the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Louis B. Stokes.

"The loss of Congressman Louis B Stokes, the first African American Member of Congress from Ohio, will sadden the nation well beyond those who had the good fortune to know him personally and as a colleague, as I did. Louis Stokes, who became one of the most powerful Members of Congress, remained throughout his 30 years of service among the most approachable, collegial, and bipartisan.

"His chairmanship of the Intelligence Committee and his work on the Ethics Committee were emblematic of the trust Louis Stokes enjoyed from his peers.

"As the first African American to serve on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Stokes was drawn to those who needed him most, regardless of race or background.

"Howard University's Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library here in Washington is a tribute to a special emphasis of his work in improving the nation's health.

"There will always be special affection for the memory of Louis Stokes here in Washington and across the country as a man who came to Congress to get things done, and got much done that deserves to be remembered."