February 11, 2008 – Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02), issued the following statement upon the announcement of the death of California Congressman, Tom Lantos, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.  Congressman Franks co-chairs the Task Force on International Religious Freedom, which is part of the Human Rights Caucus chaired by Congressman Lantos.

“Today America lost one who championed for human rights & religious freedom on so many fronts, and the United States Congress lost one of its great orators on behalf of human rights all over the world.

 “As a survivor of the Holocaust—the only one to ever serve in Congress—Rep. Lantos was a living example of an overcoming spirit, who saw and experienced unspeakable evils during a time when most of the world remained asleep to that crushing disgrace to humanity.  Rising from the ashes of one of the world’s most horrific tragedies, he dedicated almost 4 decades of his life to public service, determined to never again see the world remain silent in the face of atrocities and human suffering.

“As a Co-Chair of the Religious Freedom Task Force, I was privileged to work with Chairman Lantos on initiatives ranging from the plight of the Dalits in India to that of refugees in Darfur and the civil war in Sudan.  I have always been touched that, despite any other policy differences, he was resolute in his support of these oppressed victims across the world.

“I know I am joined in offering my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones by the many souls whose rights he defended and lives he touched.  May they experience abiding peace and comfort during this difficult time.”

Congressman Lantos was elected to office in 1980, and is survived by his wife Annette, two daughters, 18 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.  He was elected in January 2007 as Chairman on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and was also a senior Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.