Democratic U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva of Arizona, who championed environmental safety throughout his 12 phrases in Congress, died Thursday of issues from most cancers remedies, his workplace stated.
Grijalva, who was 77, had risen to chair the U.S. Home Pure Assets Committee and was the highest Democrat on the committee till earlier this yr. He had been absent from Congress as he underwent most cancers therapy in current months.
Grijalva speaks in the course of the first day of the 2016 Democratic Nationwide Conference in Philadelphia.
Grijalva’s workplace stated in a press release, “From permanently protecting the Grand Canyon for future generations to strengthening the Affordable Care Act, his proudest moments in Congress have always been guided by community voices.”
One other Democratic Home member, Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas, died final week from well being points.
Grijalva, the son of a Mexican immigrant, was first elected to the Home in 2002. Generally known as a liberal chief, he led the Congressional Progressive Caucus in 2008 and devoted a lot of his profession to engaged on environmental causes on the Pure Assets Committee. He stepped down from that place this yr, after saying that he deliberate to retire somewhat than run for reelection in 2026.
Throughout his time in Congress, Grijalva championed protections for endangered species and wilderness areas, in addition to stronger laws on the oil and pure gasoline industries. He performed a key position in writing the Nationwide Panorama Conservation System Act and the Federal Lands Restoration Act, which have been handed and signed by President Barack Obama.
Grijalva had introduced in April final yr that he had been identified with most cancers, however would be capable of proceed his work. He additionally sought reelection and gained simply within the blue-leaning district.
