A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN RAÚL M. GRIJALVA OF ARIZONA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva of Arizona at the age of 77 on March 13, 2025; and

 

Whereas, the people of Arizona and the United States mourn the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva, a dedicated public servant who devoted his life to advocating for justice, environmental protection, and the well-being of marginalized communities; and

 

Whereas, Congressman Grijalva began his lifelong career of service on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, where he championed the landmark Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, protecting the fragile Sonoran Desert ecosystem from overdevelopment and establishing a model for sustainable land use and endangered species protection across the nation; and

 

Whereas, upon his election to the United States Congress in 2002, Congressman Grijalva joined the House Natural Resources Committee and quickly emerged as one of the most passionate and effective advocates for endangered species, public lands, and environmental justice; and

 

Whereas, as chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Grijalva led groundbreaking initiatives that advanced environmental protections and climate action, including securing permanent authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the Great American Outdoors Act and passing historic ocean and climate legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; and

 

Whereas, Congressman Grijalva was a fierce and unwavering champion of environmental justice, co-authoring and passing the Environmental Justice for All Act through the House Natural Resources Committee, ensuring that vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental degradation had a voice in shaping policies that impacted their lives; and

 

Whereas, his leadership extended to defending tribal sovereignty, advocating for the protection of sacred Native American lands such as Oak Flat and holding the first congressional hearings on critical issues in Indian Country, including missing and murdered indigenous women, Indian boarding schools, and tribal co-management of public lands; and

 

Whereas, Congressman Grijalva's unwavering commitment to justice was evident in his advocacy for immigrant families, affordable healthcare, protections for workers exposed to extreme heat, and fairness for Dreamers, ensuring that vulnerable communities received the dignity and support they deserve; and

 

Whereas, throughout his twenty-two years in Congress, Congressman Grijalva fought for transformational improvements in this country, securing funding for public parks, childcare centers, healthcare clinics, and infrastructure improvements that have strengthened communities from his home district in Tucson to locales far beyond; and

 

Whereas, Congressman Grijalva's vision extended beyond his tenure, and his humility, kindness, and deep love for the people he served endeared him to colleagues, constituents, and communities across the nation. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva of Arizona and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva.

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