{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363628", "Upton Comments on Passing of Nelson Mandela", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, issued the following statement on the passing of anti-apartheid leader and former South African President Nelson Mandela.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cNelson Mandela\u2019s courageous leadership in the face of hatred and social injustice brought new life and new government to the oppressed people of South Africa. His words and actions will continue to inspire, strengthen, and bring hope to future generations,\u201d said Upton, who had the honor of personally meeting Mr. Mandela during the South African leader\u2019s address before a joint session of the United States Congress. \u201cHe was a transformational figure on the world stage, but also a public servant of great humility.\u00a0 We would be well-served by having more leaders follow his example.\u201d \u201cNelson Mandela\u2019s powerful message of freedom, peace, and tolerance could not be confined by prison walls.\u00a0 His spirit and legacy live on, bringing moral courage to those who face adversity and love to a world longing to heal.\u201d \u201cOur prayers are with his family and the people of South Africa.\u201d \r\nUpton cosponsored legislation awarding Mr. Mandela the Congressional Gold Medal in 1998, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363628"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.8917800150811672, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}