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.