Rep. Kaptur Floor Speech for Former Congressman Lou Stokes

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) spoke on the House floor on Tuesday night to call attention to the historic career of former Representative Louis Stokes of Cleveland.

“Tonight I rise as dean of the Ohio delegation to bring to my colleagues’ attention, and those who are listening, that one of our great members of Congress from Ohio, Congressman Lou Stokes, who served so ably, with such dignity, with such acumen, with such heart, has been diagnosed with a very serious type of cancer, and his days with us are numbered.

“I know that many Members hold memories of Lou and there will be many tributes paid to Congressman Louis Stokes of Ohio. Without question, his service was legendary. Along with his brother who became the first African-American mayor in our country in the City of Cleveland. If we look coast to coast, the people of Ohio are walking in prayer with the Stokes family now.

“And if Congressman Stokes is listening, I hope he knows that the love of this House, the place to which he dedicated the best years of his life, is with him. Thank you Congressman Louis Stokes of Ohio, for what you have done for America, for the people of Ohio and for the people of Cleveland.

“History will record the greatness of your service to others. We love you, we pray with you, we walk with you.”