House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel issued the following statement on the passing of Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones:

Today, we all mourn the loss of our friend and colleague, Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Stephanie was a strong, principled leader and an outstanding Congresswoman whose commitment to her ideals and the people of Ohio's 11th Congressional never waivered. As Chairwoman of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, she truly was the conscience of the Congress and I was honored to serve with her on the Ways and Means Committee.

I'm lucky enough to say that Stephanie was more than a colleague — she was a friend. Her son Merv was a student in my mother-in-law's fifth grade classroom and I was honored when she invited me to visit her home state and meet with Ohio Democrats. I'm grateful that I will have the memory of her boundless spirit and energy and my thoughts and prayers are with the Jones family during this difficult time.