Larson Statement on the Passing of Former Social Security Subcommittee Chairman and War Hero Sam Johnson

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement on the passing of former Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman and war hero Sam Johnson.

"Sam Johnson was an iconic American war hero. He epitomized the stoic silence and toughness needed to persevere through his captivity by the Viet Cong. He was a decent, caring, and humble American whose nobility was measured by his actions, not his words. Engraved above the Speaker's rostrum in the House of Representatives it says, ‘that we may in our day and generation perform something worthy to be remembered.' Sam Johnson lived up to that. He would look you in the eye and his word was his bond. He never sought the limelight; he always just sought to do what was right.

"In 2016, Johnson rightfully received the Congressional Patriot Award alongside John Lewis. They were the first recipients of the award. It was presented to them by two other American heroes, Ambassador Andrew Young Jr. and the late Senator John McCain. Johnson and Lewis are two giants of American history, one person held in captivity and beaten by the Viet Cong and the other held in Mississippi prisons and beaten by the police. Both are the epitome of heroism and service. One a Republican, one a Democrat. One conservative, one progressive. They are reminders that patriotism knows no party and I was honored to have a part in celebrating them both that night.

"I was privileged to serve as the Ranking Democrat alongside Sam Johnson during his time as Chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee and will always cherish the friendship we formed. America and the United States Congress lost a true hero today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be dearly missed."