The White House released this statement on the passing of Rep. John Murtha.
Michelle and I were deeply saddened today to hear about the passing of Congressman John Murtha. Jack was a devoted husband, a loving father and a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years. His passion for service was born during his decorated career in the United States Marine Corps, and he went on to earn the distinction of being the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. Jack’s tough-as-nails reputation carried over to Congress, where he became a respected voice on issues of national security. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife of nearly 55 years, Joyce, their three children, and the entire Murtha family.
Speaker Pelosi, who was very close to Murtha, has this statement:
“Today, with the passing of Jack Murtha, America lost a great patriot. He served our country on the battlefield winning two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. He served his country in his community winning the hearts of his constituents and served in the Congress winning the respect of his colleagues.
“On Saturday, he became the longest-serving Member of Congress from Pennsylvania, and one of the most distinguished. He is well-recognized as a champion of our national security; always putting the troops and their families first. He quietly and regularly visited our men and women serving our country who were injured to assess their needs and offer them thanks and encouragement. As proud Marine, he was always Semper Fi!
“The nation saw his courage writ large when he spoke out against the military engagement in Iraq – winning him the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. ... Dedicated to God and Country, and devoted to Joyce and their family, Jack Murtha was a giant. All who served with him were honored to call him colleague. I was privileged to call him friend.
“I hope that is a comfort to Joyce; their children, Donna Sue, John and Patrick; and their grandchildren that so many people mourn their loss and are praying for them at this very sad time.”
Roll Call has the reaction of his colleagues in Congress [sub req.]
Majority Leader Hoyer:
“Rep. Murtha served his country as a Marine in Vietnam and in Congress for more than three decades,” Hoyer said in a statement. “He worked hard for Western Pennsylvania and he consistently guarded the interests of our men and women in uniform. I offer my sincere condolences to his family.”
Chris Van Hollen:
“As a Marine who wore the uniform for 37 years, Congressman Murtha courageously fought in Vietnam. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Congressman Murtha worked to ensure that our men and women in uniform and their families had the support and resources they deserve,” Van Hollen said in a statement.
Minority Leader Boehner struck a dignified and kind note:
“Today, our nation has lost a decorated veteran and the House of Representatives has lost one of its own.”
Boehner also reached out to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who had a close relationship with Murtha. “I also want to express my condolences to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who valued Congressman Murtha’s advice and friendship. He will be missed.”
And his fellow Pennsylvanians:
House Administration Chairman Robert Brady (D-Pa.) said Pennsylvanians “should be saddened by the news that my good friend Jack Murtha died suddenly this afternoon. Jack’s shoes will not be filled because he was a one-of-a-kind public servant and a rare breed of American whose love of country ran as deep as anyone I know.”
Brady recalled how he would “kiss my friend Jack on the cheek” and “share a smile” each week before Congress adjourned.
“There is no smarter, tougher, kinder, funnier or more revered Member of the House of Representatives, and I will miss seeing him each time I walk on the floor,” he said.
Rep. Joe Sestak (D), another Pennsylvanian, praised Murtha’s “unyielding commitment” to his constituents and said he most admired Murtha’s decision to run for Congress after returning from Vietnam.
“He holds my greatest respect for the courage he showed in serving as a United States Marine and subsequently becoming the first Vietnam combat veteran elected to Congress. In doing so, he gave a voice to millions of men and women who fought in an unpopular war and were not afforded the respect and care they earned and deserved,” Sestak said in a statement.
Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) said Murtha was “a public servant in every sense of the word and his passing is a great loss to all of Pennsylvania.”
There will be a special election to fill Rep. Murtha's seat, likely to be held on May 18 when the state has already scheduled federal primaries. According to Pennsylvania law, the governor has ten days following a vacancy to annouce the special election, and that election can be no sooner than 60 days from that announcement.