Reuters is reporting that Congressman John “Jack” Murtha of Pennsylvania has passed away:
Democratic Representative John Murtha, the chairman of the House of Representatives defense appropriations subcommittee who exercised enormous influence on defense issues, died on Monday.
Murtha, 77, died peacefully at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington with his family by his side, a statement from his office said. He had been hospitalized recently with a gallbladder problem.
As the top Democrat on the House panel that oversaw defense appropriations, Murtha wielded big clout in Congress, making decisions affecting billions of dollars in defense-related spending.
The Pennsylvanian was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in February 1974. He was a former Marine and veteran of the Vietnam war.
It’s bad form to speak ill of the dead so I’ll just say, Godspeed Congressman, rest in peace.
Related
- Rep. Murtha Dead at 77 – FoxNews.com
- John Murtha dies, special election looms – Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post
- Rep. Murtha Dies – Mike Memoli, Real Clear Politics
- Murtha dead at 77 – Hot Air