“Yesterday, our country lost a giant of the Court and a clarion voice for justice, equality and the rule of law: Justice John Paul Stevens.

“Justice Stevens was a true guardian of the Constitution. He made history not only as one of the longest-serving Justices, but as one of its finest. Despite being nominated by a Republican president, he leaves behind a legacy of progressive rulings that have transformed countless lives and helped build a fairer and more just future for all Americans. His support for the Court’s decisions on habeas corpus and detainees held at Guantanamo Bay honored his lifelong belief that America must always strive to live up to its fundamental values, even in times of crisis. In his dissents, Justice Stevens wrote eloquently of American peoples’ ability, under our Constitution, to protect our democracy with commonsense campaign finance reform, as well as our communities with responsible gun safety laws.

“Justice Stevens was a patriot who was guided by a profound love of country. As a decorated war hero, a brilliant young lawyer and then a Justice on the highest court in the land, he worked relentlessly to advance a freer and fairer future for all. Throughout his career, he championed the right to equal opportunity for hard-working Americans, fighting tirelessly against corporate monopolies and to safeguard the financial stability of American families.

“Justice Stevens’s brilliance, integrity and commitment to judicial independence will continue to inspire generations of young Americans to follow in his footsteps. May it be a comfort to his daughters Susan and Elizabeth, and the entire Stevens family that so many grieve with and pray for them at this sad time.”