Congressman John Murtha Passes Away at Age 77

 

CONTACT: MATT MAZONKEY

PHONE: (202) 225-2065

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman John P. Murtha (PA-12) passed away peacefully this afternoon at 1:18 p.m. at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA.  At his bedside was his family. Murtha, 77, was Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in February of 1974, Murtha dedicated his life to serving his country both in the military and in the halls of Congress.  A former Marine, he became the first Vietnam War combat Veteran elected to the U.S. Congress. This past Saturday, February 6, 2010, Murtha became Pennsylvania’s longest serving Member of Congress. 

A complete biography is available on his website.

 

In leiu of flowers donations can be made to the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center.