Pelosi Statement on the Passing of John Burton

San Francisco - Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the passing of former Congressman John Burton:

"Today, working families have lost one of the most outspoken, ferocious and unyielding champions our nation has ever known. John Burton was a towering progressive warrior, who for half a century never pulled a punch in his dogged fight for a fairer future for our children. Paul and I are heartbroken to hear of his passing, as he was my longtime mentor, close confidant and dear friend.

"All who knew John knew that behind his profanity-laden language was a profound progressive vision for how to make real the promise of America. As I wrote in the forward to his memoir, I Yell Because I Care, John yelled a lot because he cared a lot - especially about our most vulnerable neighbors. He dreamed of a city without homelessness or hunger; a society dedicated to full equality, no matter who you are or who you love; an economy where every working family could succeed; a world at peace where every child could reach their fulfillment.

"Guided by a big heart, and aided by a brilliant strategic mind, John was boundlessly effective in every arena in which he served - whether protesting the war in Vietnam, bringing the concerns of Californians to Congress, serving in the state Assembly and Senate or twice leading our state Democratic Party. He cultivated his friendships in politics, music, community and sports - nurturing deep, decades-long relationships and always engaging new people.

"Personally, I will forever be grateful to John for managing my very first campaign for Congress in 1987, to fill the seat that belonged first to his brother, Philip, and then his sister-in-law, Sala. And for more than three decades in the Congress, I was blessed to have John as a source of wise counsel, sound judgement and brash humor - and he always served as a constant reinvigoration of my inspiration to carry on the fight For The People.

"It is fitting that the legacy of this legendary liberal lion will live on in our state in so many ways: from the work of his Foundation to end child homelessness - especially among foster children - to a strengthened California Democratic Party fighting for our values to a new highway that will ensure future generations know his name.

"May it be a comfort to John's beloved daughter Kimiko, grandchildren Juanito and Mikala, and all his loved ones that our state, and indeed the entire nation, join them in mourning during this sad time."