Schock leads delegation to Mandela funeral

Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) has tapped Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) to lead the House delegation to the funeral of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who died last week at age 95.

{mosads}Schock will leave Monday to attend the Tuesday memorial service in Johannesburg, his office said Sunday.

“His example of servant leadership — voluntarily leaving office after one term — set an example of democratic change for South Africans and the world over. Nelson Mandela’s forgiveness, leadership, and class will always inspire me,’ said Schock in a statement.

“The personal sacrifices he made in order to achieve what was right for the people of South Africa is something I carry with me every day. I am humbled to be leading so many of my colleagues in tribute to Nelson Mandela.”

Other representatives known to be attending the service include Congressional Black Caucus head Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) and Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.). A CBC group departed for South Africa on Sunday, an official told The Hill.