Wilson Statement on the Passing of Rep. Tom Lantos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2008

CONTACT: Ryan Murphy
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 689-4825 (Cell)

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement today after hearing of the passing of Representative Tom Lantos (CA-12), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"Throughout his life, Congressman Lantos fought for liberty. As a young man opposed to the spread of Nazi fascism in Hungary and during his twenty-seven years in Congress, he was a leader for human rights and democracy around the world. He correctly identified himself as the most optimistic member of Congress, and I will always cherish his warm welcome to the Capitol of the Dalai Lama of Tibet last year as a champion of freedom.

"Congressman Lantos was a man of the highest integrity which is reflected in the immense respect I and the rest of his colleagues had for him. As a fellow member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am grateful to have known and worked with Chairman Lantos. At this time, my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Annette, their two daughters, and all his family and friends."

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