Rep. Elijah Cummings dies at 68

Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., died this morning due to complications concerning longstanding health challenges, his office announced today. Cummings, a Baltimore attorney and civil rights advocate, had served in Congress since 1996 and was chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. He was 68. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chairman Cummings," said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. "As a longtime member of the Maryland congressional delegation, Rep. Cummings was a strong supporter and fierce defender of health coverage and access. Bipartisanship and collaboration were hallmarks of his chairmanship of the Oversight and Reform Committee, where he led hearings that focused on the urgent health care needs of American communities, highlighting the opioid epidemic, veterans' health care quality and the mental health needs of children. He fought to ensure that every American—particularly those who felt marginalized and disenfranchised—had the opportunity to achieve a successful life. We will miss his wise counsel and leadership."