WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today praised Ohio Congressman Louis Stokes at a Congressional Black Caucus luncheon honoring Stokes on the occasion of his retirement.

Cuomo told the Caucus there can be no finer tribute to Stokes' commitment to securing safe and affordable housing for all Americans than this year's housing budget approved on the House floor Tuesday.

"Throughout his career in public service, Congressman Stokes' influence has been matched only by his decency and compassion. We needed Congressman Stokes this week. We needed a bridge builder, a healer -- someone who could reach out to the other side and make it possible for us to emerge victorious this week," Cuomo said.

Stokes has served as the Ranking Member of the HUD-VA Appropriations Subcommittee. He grew up in public housing -- in Outhwaite Estates in Cleveland -- and has been a fierce supporter of public housing. He is Ohio's first African American Congressman, and the first African American member of Congress to retire with 30 years of service.

"The retirement of Congressman Stokes is a big loss to the Department of Housing and Urban Development," Cuomo said. "Congressman Stokes has served as a powerful voice for Americans who have too often been left in the shadows. He has helped close the opportunity gap, thus allowing more people to share in the American dream."

"All Americans owe Congressman Stokes a debt of gratitude for his outstanding work and commitment to meeting the needs of families and communities. It is fitting that his last and finest hours in Congress were spent fighting to help put HUD -- and the nation -- back in the housing business."