Photo: The Sacramento Bee
Longtime Sacramento Congressman Vic Fazio has died.
Fazio's death was announced Wednesday by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, further details were not provided. Fazio, a Democratic congressman from California who served for 20 years, passed away at the age of 79. Pelosi called Fazio a close friend who "was a force in helping unite and rally our members in the fight for America's families." Fazio was the representative fort the Sacramento area from 1979 to 1999 and was a member of the House Appropriations and Armed Services committees.
"He was an incredibly sharp, passionate legislator, but someone who also cared deeply about those whose voice was often not heard in Washington," Rep. Doris Matsui, a California Democrat, said in a statement. "He could just as easily talk to a farmer or a big city mayor. My late husband, Bob Matsui, and I considered Vic a close friend for over 30 years. He worked to make our country a better place with his civility and ability to find common ground."
Fazio was known majorly for supporting environmental programs and for his ability to provide government funding for projects in his area, including a vast wetland and wildlife preserve between Davis and Sacramento that is known as the Vic Fazio Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, which was dedicated by President Bill Clinton in 1997. Fazio was also well known for hi ability to work across the aisle in Congress.