ST. JOSEPH, Mich. - U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released the following statement on the passing of Congressman John Lewis:

“The Congress, our nation, and the world lost a giant last night. I’m truly saddened to wake to the news that John Lewis – my friend, a civil rights icon, and a powerful force for justice in our nation – passed from this world.

The Congress will miss John, our moral compass. He served his constituents and the United States with a deep sense of duty, unparalleled courage, and conviction. He was a true role model and mentor to so many of us. No one spoke more eloquently. Every time he got up to speak you could hear a pin drop on the House floor. To be in the same room with John Lewis was to be encouraged and inspired; challenged and changed. His experience, life, and wisdom taught all of us so much.

John and I were first elected to Congress in the same year. We shared a deep friendship over the past three decades, and I will miss him. He’s come to southwest Michigan. I joined him and marched in Selma and Birmingham, in his footsteps following his leadership and grace – life changing moments. It is incumbent upon all of us now to live like John. It is time for us to choose ”to lay down the burden of hate – it is simply too heavy a burden to bear.” Amey and I will keep all of John’s friends and family in our prayers during this sad and challenging time.”