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 therapies, his workplace stated.
Grijalva, who was 77, had risen to chair the U.S. Home Pure Sources Committee and was the highest Democrat on the committee till earlier this 12 months. He had been absent from Congress as he underwent most cancers therapy in latest months.
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. Referred to 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 Sources Committee. He stepped down from that place this 12 months, after asserting that he deliberate to retire fairly than run for reelection in 2026.
Throughout his time in Congress, Grijalva championed protections for endangered species and wilderness areas, in addition to stronger rules on the oil and pure gasoline industries. He performed a key function in writing the Nationwide Panorama Conservation System Act and the Federal Lands Restoration Act, which had been handed and signed by President Barack Obama.
Grijalva had introduced in April final 12 months that he had been recognized with most cancers, however would have the ability to proceed his work. He additionally sought reelection and gained simply within the blue-leaning district.
