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Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Charlie Wilson

April 14, 2013

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement tonight on the passing of former Ohio Congressman Charlie Wilson:

"Congressman Charlie Wilson was a proud son of Ohio, a champion for the people of his home state, and a powerful, passionate voice for the interests, hopes, and aspirations of America's working families. He was a small business owner who wanted to give back to his community through public service – and from the Ohio state legislature to the House of Representatives, he always used his office to invest in his constituents and support the men and women of southeast and east Ohio.

"Charlie never hesitated to do what was right for his district or our country. He stood firm for the economic security of retired auto workers when a faltering auto industry threatened to leave them without the pensions they had earned through a lifetime of work. He had the courage to take tough votes even when that courage came at a great political cost – whether voting to stem a recession with the Recovery Act or to provide quality health insurance to all with the Affordable Care Act.

"Congressman Wilson served with dignity and dedication, with commitment and conviction, with an unyielding faith in the future of our country. It was an honor to serve with him as a colleague; it was a privilege to call him a friend. I hope it is a comfort to his four sons, his nine grandchildren, and the entire Wilson family that so many share in their grief at this sad time."

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