THE WOODLANDS, TX — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement after it was announced that former Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-MN), who served on the Ways and Means Committee, passed away:

“I am saddened to hear about the passing of our former Ways and Means colleague Jim Ramstad. I had the honor of serving with Jim for over a decade on our Committee. He was an honest, decent, hardworking man who dedicated his life to public service — from the Army to the Minnesota Senate to the U.S. House. Jim championed policies to help Americans overcome addictions, and he always sought to work across the aisle to find solutions to our country’s biggest problems. My thoughts and prayers go to wife, Kathryn, and all of his friends and family. May his memory be a blessing.”

Ramstad served in the Minnesota Senate from 1981 to 1991 and in the United States House of Representatives from 1991 to 2009. On the Ways and Means Committee, Ramstad served on the Health, Trade, and Oversight Subcommittees, and was the top Republican on the Oversight Subcommittee. He died of Parkinson’s disease on November 5, 2020. He was 74.