Former U.S. speaker of the House of Representatives, Tom Foley, has died at the age of 84.
Foley's wife, Heather, confirmed his death Friday and said the cause was complications from strokes.
The Democratic lawmaker served in the House for 30 years, rising through the ranks to eventually become speaker in 1989.
The politician was known for his ability to be a consensus builder and his dislike of extreme partisanship.
While in office, Foley always served in the majority party, during a time when the Democratic Party controlled the House of Representatives for a stretch of 40 years.
When the Republicans won control of the chamber in 1994, Foley was one of many Democrats voted out of office. He become the first speaker to be voted from office by his constituents since the Civil War.
Foley later served as U.S. ambassador to Japan during the administration of President Bill Clinton.
Foley's wife, Heather, confirmed his death Friday and said the cause was complications from strokes.
The Democratic lawmaker served in the House for 30 years, rising through the ranks to eventually become speaker in 1989.
The politician was known for his ability to be a consensus builder and his dislike of extreme partisanship.
While in office, Foley always served in the majority party, during a time when the Democratic Party controlled the House of Representatives for a stretch of 40 years.
When the Republicans won control of the chamber in 1994, Foley was one of many Democrats voted out of office. He become the first speaker to be voted from office by his constituents since the Civil War.
Foley later served as U.S. ambassador to Japan during the administration of President Bill Clinton.
