WASHINGTON, D.C. –The U.S. Senate today passed U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman’s (R-OH) resolution to honor Congressman Lou Stokes’ service to Ohio and the United States. Brown and Portman, along with U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH-11), introduced the resolution last week.

“The swift passage of this resolution to honor Congressman Lou Stokes is a testament to his steady leadership and service,” said Brown. “He was a voice for the underserved and a civil rights champion. His life was dedicated to doing the right thing and seeking justice for all people. I’m honored to have served with him in Congress and to have called him a friend.”

“Lou Stokes dedicated his life to lifting up others and expanding opportunities for those in need,” Portman stated. “Lou was effective because he knew how to bring people together to solve problems and, as a result, he had a meaningful impact on countless lives in his beloved hometown of Cleveland and around the country. I will always be grateful for our friendship and am pleased this bipartisan resolution honoring his life has passed the Senate.”

Congressman Louis Stokes was born in Cleveland in February 1925. Following his service in the United States Army, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1968, becoming the first African American to represent Ohio, and served 15 consecutive terms. He was also the first African American to serve on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, which still exists today.

The full resolution can be found here.

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