Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have shown an outpouring of sympathy in the wake of former President Jimmy Carter's death on Sunday.
"I join all Americans in saluting President Carter for his lifetime of service, first as a naval officer, then as a senator in the Georgia legislature, then as Governor of Georgia, and, finally, as President of the United States," House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said in a statement on Sunday.
"Jennifer and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Carter family."
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement, "Today, we mourn the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants, President Jimmy Carter."
REPUBLICANS GIVE DETAILS FROM CLOSED-DOOR MEETINGS WITH DOGE'S MUSK, RAMASWAMY
"From his legacy as President, to his dedication to improving human rights across the globe, and his tireless efforts alongside his wife, Rosalynn, in building a better world through Habitat for Humanity, he inspired millions with his unwavering commitment to justice and equality," Schumer said.
"President Carter's faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy. He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others."
Carter died on Sunday afternoon at age 100, his nonprofit foundation, The Carter Center, announced.
Both Republicans and Democrats immediately sent condolences to his family and praised his lifetime of service, particularly after his one-term stint in the White House. Many also remarked on his work with the Christian nonprofit Habitat for Humanity, where he famously helped build homes for Americans in need.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said on X, "Thankful for the incredible life, legacy and leadership of President Jimmy Carter. He was a great man, a great role model and a great humanitarian."
FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER TO SPEND 'REMAINING TIME' AT HOME RECEIVING HOSPICE CARE
Meanwhile Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a statement, "President Carter’s story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation. Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home."
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the incoming leader of the Senate GOP and future Senate Majority Leader, called Carter "a dedicated public servant and man of faith." He also praised Carter for his military service and time in elected office.
"From peanut farming to the presidency and every step in between, his wife Rosalynn was by his side," Thune said of Carter's late wife, who died in 2023.
Among the deluge of memorials were messages from lawmakers representing Carter's home state of Georgia, as well.
"Today, I join Americans across the country in mourning the loss of our 39th President, Jimmy Carter," said Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga. "Born in a small town in Georgia, President Carter’s dedication to public service, leadership, humanitarian work, and Christian spirit touched the lives of countless individuals."
Rep. Hank Johnson, a Peach State Democrat, said, "President Carter restored honest competence, integrity, and humility to the Office of the Presidency."
"He led the nation with vision and courage, although his Southern heritage was used to belittle him in the eyes of many," Johnson said in a statement. "I know of no man in his post presidency who has had a greater impact on humanity than President Carter.
A member of Georgia's Congressional delegation on the other side of the aisle, Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., said the U.S. "lost a great Georgian" on Sunday.
"President Jimmy Carter was a distinguished public servant, a proud farmer, an accomplished Navy veteran, and a graduate of the US Naval Academy," Scott said on X. "Even after leaving the White House, President Carter maintained his efforts to serve those in need… His legacy lives on as the namesake of USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23)."
Both of Georgia's representatives in the U.S. Senate also sounded off.
Senior Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., said, "Among his lifetime of service and countless accomplishments, President Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership, and his deep love of family. From Plains to across the State of Georgia, the United States, and around the world, millions will forever admire and appreciate all that President Carter did for the United States and for the global community."
Meanwhile, junior Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., remarked on his personal relationship with Carter – who he called one of his "heroes."
"He brought his family to worship at my church. At a family dinner, I remember the President and his amazing wife, Rosalynn, holding my daughter, then just two months old, as if she were their own granddaughter," Warnock said. "They were among my favorite people."
Warnock, a reverend, called Carter "a shining example of what it means to make your faith come alive through the noble work of public service."
