Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), who served in the House of Representatives from 1987-2006, released the following statement on the passing of former Speaker Tom Foley:

“Tom Foley was a public servant of the highest honor who put the future of our nation, our environment and even our fiscal health, above party and even his own political future. I had the privilege of serving in the House of Representatives for the full length of his tenure as Speaker. I appreciated his understated style, immense skills as a legislator, and sheer love of his home state of Washington. My prayers and condolences go out to Heather and the entire Foley family at this time of great loss.”