Hoyer Statement on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States:

“Today, America lost a bold visionary, transformational leader, and dedicated public servant: former President Jimmy Carter. From the halls of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis to the dirt roads of his family peanut farm, the floor of the Georgia State Senate to the Oval Office, President Carter always walked with purpose. I join Americans in every corner of the country in mourning his loss.

"Faith, family, and service defined Jimmy Carter's life. After serving for years in the U.S. Navy, he distinguished himself as a Georgia state legislator and later as governor. His optimism and ability to bring people together propelled him to the White House in 1977. Whether building peace abroad with agreements like the Camp David Accords or laying the groundwork for the renewable energy revolution, he was a president of tremendous vision. 

"He accomplished much after his time in the White House as well. From promoting global health, democracy, and human rights through the Carter Center to building houses for Habitat for Humanity, his service never wavered. After the contentious 2000 presidential election revealed deficiencies with our electoral system, for example, I was proud to work with the Carter-Ford Commission to devise and enact the Help America Vote Act, which transformed how we conduct our elections today.

"We will remember Jimmy Carter not only as a former president and groundbreaking humanitarian but also as a man of deep faith, humility, and generosity.  Crucially, he was a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. My prayers are with his family during this time of loss. His legacy will forever endure in the lives of those touched by his lifelong commitment to service and in the actions of those he inspired to a higher calling."