Tim Murphyformer congressman of Pennsylvania’s 18th United States Congressional District died on Saturday of an apparent heart attack. He was 73 years elderly.
Murphy served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1996 to 2003 before winning a Western PA congressional seat in November 2003. He won re-election seven times, winning five by a margin of no less than 58% and twice unopposed.
After resigning from his seat in 2017 admitting to an extramarital affair which came to lithe during his divorce proceedings.
Murphy devoted most of his legislative time to the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which passed almost unanimously in July 2016. The bill was later incorporated into the broader 21st Century Cures Act, signed into law by President Obama and included provisions such as:
- Establishing the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Drug Abuse
- Mandating better coordination of federal programs and creating an advisory board to oversee these efforts
- Mandate science-based models to create standards for reviewing grants and funding for mental health programs.
Conor Lambwho succeeded Murphy in Congress, complemented his predecessor for his dedicated public service in social media post.
“I’m sorry to hear of Tim’s death. In addition to his service in Congress, he joined the Naval Reserve after 9/11, which was a reflection of his commitment to public service, which I have always respected.”
Democratic Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-02) recently met with Murphy regarding a possible future hearing and legislation to facilitate those struggling with mental health.
“I’m very saddened to hear this,” Boyle said w post. “Tim was literally in my office a month ago to meet with me to advocate for people struggling with mental illness, especially schizophrenia. We were planning a future hearing on this issue and legislation.”
Republican Representative Guy Reschenthaler remembered Murphy as a friend and mentor.
“Tim served Pennsylvania and our nation with distinction, first as a state senator and then as a member of Congress for more than two decades,” Reschenthaler wrote in post. “He also honorably served our country as a commander in the United States Naval Reserve, where he cared for soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries. Throughout his career, Tim was a tireless advocate for improving our nation’s broken mental health system, protecting the 911th Airlift Wing, and standing up for our veterans. His legacy of service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
Allegheny County GOP Committee published on Facebook“Throughout his years of public service, he has dedicated himself to representing his constituents and serving our country with conviction and commitment. We are grateful for his contributions and the lasting impact he has made on his community and our nation.”
