The Center for Economic and Policy Research mourns the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ).

Throughout his career, Congressman Grijalva worked tirelessly for a more equitable, just, and peaceful world.

Congressman Grijalva never forgot the people of the Global South or the outsized impact that the policies of the United States often have on their lives. He opposed cruel economic sanctions imposed by the US government, which mostly harm the populations of targeted countries. He worked for reform of international systems and institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, so that countries would not be caught in cycles of indebtedness and austerity. He opposed the antiquated Monroe Doctrine — a relic of colonialism — and fought for a more fair and collaborative US foreign policy, one that respects human rights, national sovereignty, and independence. He opposed wars, genocide, coups d’etat, and US-backed “regime change” operations in countries such as Honduras and Bolivia.

He was a staunch advocate for universal health care and worked hard to protect Social Security. He also supported legislation to rein in private equity abuses, protect the rights of disabled people, and improve pay and safety standards for farm workers. He tried to protect people from losing their homes in foreclosure following the collapse of the housing bubble. He greatly valued Arizona’s immense natural beauty and worked valiantly to safeguard it for future generations.

We express our deep condolences to Congressman Grijalva’s colleagues in Congress, and to his family.

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