Lawmakers weigh in on death of Whitney Houston

Count several members of Congress among the many fans mourning the death of music icon Whitney Houston.

According to police, the record-smashing “I Will Always Love You” singer was found dead in a Beverly Hills hotel bathtub on Saturday. Houston, 48, had openly battled drug addiction for years.

Following the news of her death, posts devoted to the fallen entertainer poured in on Twitter. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) tweeted a link to a video of the entertainer’s 1991 rendition of the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, writing, “R.I.P. Whitney Houston.”

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) fondly remembered the soulful legend, tweeting, “Prayers for Whitney Houston, inspired so many [with] her gift of song.”

Sen. Robert Menendez also honored his state’s hometown star . The New Jersey Democrat wrote on the micro-blogging site, “New Jersey will never forget our very own Whitney Houston whose talent and gifts made an everlasting impact on Newark, NJ and the world.”

On her website, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) released a statement saying, “Whitney Houston inspired me with her voice and her spirit, and she brought so much joy to the entire world.”

“Our generation has lost one of its most beautiful and prolific voices. Whitney Houston will be missed by everyone whose life her music touched,” wrote Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.) on Twitter. 

Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.) posted in a Sunday message, “Deeply saddened by the loss of Whitney Houston — an iconic talent. Let’s celebrate her life and many contributions to music [and] film.”

Greg Beckwith and Eryn Dion contributed to this report.