Rep. John Lewis on the Passing of Journalist Morley Safer

"Morley Safer was one of the best.  He helped set the highest standard of  excellence in journalism.  He was a reporter by whom others measured themselves.  As a nation, we can never forget the ways he helped document and shape American history, through his coverage of the Vietnam War and his work on 60 Minutes.  

"He had the ability to tell a story in a way that all of us understood.  If we listened to his reports, we comprehended the facts and as well as the consequences of what he discussed.  He kept us informed about issues we needed to know to participate effectively as citizens, and there were even times when his reports prompted the federal government or local governments to act.

"He was a powerful representative of the fourth estate, and he has left shoes that are hard to fill.  His impact and his legacy will go down in history.  He will be deeply missed."