Henry Hyde, Former Congressman, Dies at 83

NOVEMBER 27, 2007 TAGS: CONGRESS, POLITICS, ILLINOIS ADD A COMMENT

Henry Hyde, the former Republican Congressman from Illinois, died today, at the age of 83. In July, Hyde underwent open-heart surgery, a procedure from which he never fully recovered.

Perhaps best remembered as the chairman of the House Judiciary Panel during the 1998 impeachment of President Bill Clinton, Hyde served 37 years in the house. He also chaired the International Relations Committee.

A stately and august legislator, Hyde stongly opposed abortion. He authored a 1977 amendment that barred federal funds to pay for abortions.

In his youth, he was a gifted athlete. In 1943, he led the Georgetown University Men's Basketball Team to the National Championship game.

From CBS.com