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Press Release

Brennan Center Statement on Rep. Elijah Cummings’ Death

Brennan Center President Michael Waldman has issued the following statement upon news of the death of Representative Elijah Cummings.

October 17, 2019
Contact: Rebecca Autrey, Media Contact, autreyr@brennan.law.nyu.edu, 202-753-5904

For Immediate Release: October 17, 2019 

Brennan Center President Michael Waldman has issued the following statement upon news of the death of Representative Elijah Cummings:

“We are deeply saddened to hear the news this morning that Representative Elijah Cummings has passed away, and we mourn his loss.

“He was a fierce advocate for voting rights, championing access to the ballot for every eligible voter. He was a leader in the fight against voter suppression laws and other tactics, like voter purges, that can silence people’s voices.

“He was a powerful voice for justice, supporting reform policies that expand opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. And he was a passionate and highly effective force for accountability and congressional oversight who pushed us all to work towards a stronger and more resilient democracy for future generations. 

“The Brennan Center was honored to work with him on many of these issues. Representative Cummings was a true public servant who will be greatly missed. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and staff.” 

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that works to reform, revitalize – and when necessary, defend – our country’s systems of democracy and justice.