Washington, D.C. - Congressman Howard L. Berman issued the following statement on the passing of Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos:

"Tom Lantos was a distinguished and able Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, greatly admired by colleagues on both sides of the aisle.  As a Holocaust survivor, Tom brought a unique moral perspective to his work, informed by his vast knowledge of world history.  He was a true giant in advancing the cause of human rights around the world.  Tom was a close friend, and I will miss him very much.  My heart goes out to Annette, his daughters and all the members of his remarkable family."