Lawmakers paid tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens on Tuesday evening after the top court announced he had died at the age of 99.

A leading liberal during his nearly 35 years on the high court from 1975-2010, Stevens played a central role in key decisions, including bolstering laws to protect civil rights, abortion access and the environment. Prior to his judicial career, he served as an intelligence officer during World War II, breaking Japanese radio codes and ultimately earning a Bronze Star.

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“From breaking codes in World War II to breaking down barriers for civil rights, Justice John Paul Stevens lived up to those words above the Court: Equal Justice Under Law. Our nation was better for his service and we mourn his loss,” Sen. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisHundreds of lawyers from nation's oldest African American sorority join effort to fight voter suppression Biden picks up endorsement from progressive climate group 350 Action 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing MORE (D-Calif.) tweeted.

From breaking codes in World War II to breaking down barriers for civil rights, Justice John Paul Stevens lived up to those words above the Court: Equal Justice Under Law. Our nation was better for his service and we mourn his loss. — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 16, 2019

“John Paul Stevens served with integrity and honor on the Supreme Court for over 3 decades. He was a dedicated public servant who put the law and the Constitution ahead of politics. Saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” Sen. Cory Booker Cory Anthony Booker3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing Bipartisan praise pours in after Ginsburg's death DHS opens probe into allegations at Georgia ICE facility MORE (D-N.J.), a fellow White House hopeful, echoed.

John Paul Stevens served with integrity and honor on the Supreme Court for over 3 decades. He was a dedicated public servant who put the law and the Constitution ahead of politics. Saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/tNJJyqAx8O — Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) July 16, 2019

“Justice John Paul Stevens was a great man and a model jurist: fair, wise, compassionate. A champion for civil rights, equality, and accountability who devoted his life to the ideal of equal justice under law. Our judiciary today needs more like him. He will be sorely missed,” Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing Cruz blocks amended resolution honoring Ginsburg over language about her dying wish MORE (D-N.Y.) said.

“At this fraught moment, John Paul Stevens reminds us of what a Justice should be. He cast aside party and applied the Constitution to protect the vulnerable and hold accountable the powerful. His eloquent dissent in Citizens United reminds us of the work still to do,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen Christopher (Chris) Van HollenCongress must finish work on popular conservation bill before time runs out Democrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate Mid-Atlantic states sue EPA over Chesapeake Bay pollution MORE (D-Md.) tweeted, referencing Stevens’s opposition to a Supreme Court ruling that lifted limits on political donations by corporations.

At this fraught moment, John Paul Stevens reminds us of what a Justice should be. He cast aside party and applied the Constitution to protect the vulnerable and hold accountable the powerful. His eloquent dissent in Citizens United reminds us of the work still to do. pic.twitter.com/iLgbwshZGp — Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) July 16, 2019

“The first vote I ever cast for a Supreme Court Justice was for John Paul Stevens, a true champion of the law, of decency, and of equal justice for all. He is already sorely missed,” Sen. Patrick Leahy Patrick Joseph LeahyBipartisan representatives demand answers on expired surveillance programs Democrats shoot down talk of expanding Supreme Court Battle over timing complicates Democratic shutdown strategy MORE (D-Vt.) said in a statement. “I’ll miss my conversations with him and all I learned from him.”

Reaction To The Passing Of Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevenshttps://t.co/9Rmwh8qJPZ pic.twitter.com/VSwG0lxVc4 — Sen. Patrick Leahy (@SenatorLeahy) July 16, 2019

“I’m saddened to learn of the passing of Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. His impact on our nation with his more than 34 years on the Court was immense. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones,” Rep. Elijah Cummings Elijah Eugene CummingsBlack GOP candidate accuses Behar of wearing black face in heated interview Overnight Health Care: US won't join global coronavirus vaccine initiative | Federal panel lays out initial priorities for COVID-19 vaccine distribution | NIH panel: 'Insufficient data' to show treatment touted by Trump works House Oversight Democrats to subpoena AbbVie in drug pricing probe MORE (D-Md.), the chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, tweeted.

I’m saddened to learn of the passing of Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. His impact on our nation with his more than 34 years on the Court was immense. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. — Elijah E. Cummings (@RepCummings) July 16, 2019

“John Paul Steven's was a legendary jurist. He was also a father, husband, and war hero who was by all accounts a great man. He lived a rich and long life. May he rest in peace,” Rep. Donna Shalala Donna Edna ShalalaOn The Money: Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline Anxious Democrats amp up pressure for vote on COVID-19 aid Shakespeare Theatre Company goes virtual for 'Will on the Hill...or Won't They?' MORE (D-Fla.) said.

John Paul Steven's was a legendary jurist. He was also a father, husband, and war hero who was by all accounts a great man. He lived a rich and long life. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/geJC3S1CvF — Rep. Donna E. Shalala (@RepShalala) July 16, 2019

“RIP, Justice John Paul Stevens. A Navy veteran of WWII, he went on to serve on the Supreme Court for 35 years. He lived a life of public service, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family,” Rep. Steve Womack Stephen (Steve) Allen WomackEx-CBO director calls for more than trillion in coronavirus stimulus spending Overnight Defense: Lawmakers tear into Pentagon over .8B for border wall | Dems offer bill to reverse Trump on wall funding | Senators urge UN to restore Iran sanctions Lawmakers trade insults over Trump budget cuts MORE (R-Ark.) tweeted.

RIP, Justice John Paul Stevens. A Navy veteran of WWII, he went on to serve on the Supreme Court for 35 years. He lived a life of public service, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family. — Rep. Steve Womack (@rep_stevewomack) July 16, 2019

Stevens is survived by his two daughters, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.