Tom Lantos Quotes
- Politician
- Hungary
- 1928
Tom Lantos was a Hungarian-American politician and human rights activist. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for California from 1981 until his death in 2008. Lantos was the only Holocaust survivor to have served in Congress and was a strong advocate for human rights…Read More
Tom Lantos was a Hungarian-American politician and human rights activist. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for California from 1981 until his death in 2008. Lantos was the only Holocaust survivor to have served in Congress and was a strong advocate for human rights and democracy. He co-founded the Congressional Human Rights Caucus and was a leading voice on issues such as genocide prevention, human trafficking, and religious freedom. Lantos also played a key role in the passage of the Magnitsky Act, which imposed sanctions on Russian officials involved in human rights abuses. He was known for his bipartisan approach and was highly respected by his colleagues. Lantos authored several books, including “The Broken Bridge: The Congress, the President, and the Politics of Refugee Policy” and “An American Hero: The True Story of Charles A. Lindbergh.” He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008. Lantos’ legacy continues to inspire and his dedication to human rights and democracy serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right.Read Less
Tom Lantos was a Hungarian-American politician and human rights activist. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for California from 1981 until his death in 2008. Lantos was the only Holocaust survivor to have served in Congress and was a strong advocate for human rights and democracy. He co-founded the Congressional Human Rights Caucus and was a leading voice on issues such as genocide prevention, human trafficking, and religious freedom. Lantos also played a key role in the passage of the Magnitsky Act, which imposed sanctions on Russian officials involved in human rights abuses. He was known for his bipartisan approach and was highly respected by his colleagues. Lantos authored several books, including “The Broken Bridge: The Congress, the President, and the Politics of Refugee Policy” and “An American Hero: The True Story of Charles A. Lindbergh.” He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008. Lantos’ legacy continues to inspire and his dedication to human rights and democracy serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right.
3 Inspiring Tom Lantos Quotes
Tom Lantos Career Highlights
- Lantos was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1980, representing California’s 12th congressional district. He served in this position for 14 terms, making him the longest-serving Congressman in the history of California.
- In 2007, Lantos became the first and only Holocaust survivor to serve as the chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Throughout his career, Lantos was a strong advocate for human rights and democracy, and he played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy towards countries such as China, Russia, and Iraq.
- Lantos was also a leading voice in the fight against anti-Semitism and discrimination, both domestically and internationally.
- In 2008, Lantos was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, for his lifelong dedication to human rights and public service.
Key Contributions by Tom Lantos
- As the only Holocaust survivor in Congress, Lantos brought a unique perspective and personal experience to his work. He was a vocal advocate for Holocaust education and remembrance, and he played a key role in the establishment of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
- Lantos was a strong supporter of the State of Israel and worked to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship. He was a co-founder of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus and the Congressional Friends of Israel Caucus.
- Lantos was a leading voice in the fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. He authored the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, which established the U.S. government’s first comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking.
- Lantos was a champion for democracy and human rights around the world. He played a key role in the passage of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which allows the U.S. government to impose sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses.
What Sets Tom Lantos Apart
- Lantos’ personal story of surviving the Holocaust and immigrating to the United States as a refugee gave him a unique perspective and passion for human rights and democracy. He used his platform in Congress to advocate for those who did not have a voice.
- Lantos was known for his unwavering principles and strong moral compass. He was not afraid to speak out against injustice and was a fierce defender of human rights, even when it was not popular or politically expedient.
- Lantos’ bipartisan approach to politics and his ability to work across the aisle earned him respect and admiration from both Democrats and Republicans. He was known for his ability to find common ground and build consensus on important issues.
Takeaways
- Tom Lantos’ career highlights and key contributions demonstrate his unwavering commitment to human rights, democracy, and public service. He was a true champion for the marginalized and oppressed, both domestically and internationally.
- Lantos’ personal story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
- Lantos’ legacy continues to inspire future generations to fight for justice and equality for all. His contributions to human rights and foreign policy have left a lasting impact on the United States and the world.