Democratic Representative John Murtha, who advocated to protect the steel and manufacturing industries in the U.S., died on Monday.

Murtha, who served in the 12th District of Pennsylvania since 1974, died at 1:18 p.m. at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA with his family at his side, according to his Congressional office.

Murtha fought against subsidized steel imports, creating the Congressional Steel Caucus in 1979. He had also been an advocate of small businesses and advocated the improvement of workplace working conditions.

“Today, with the passing of Jack Murtha, America lost a great patriot. He served our country on the battlefield winning two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)

He served his country in his community winning the hearts of his constituents and served in the Congress winning the respect of his colleagues, she said.

The following is a list of where he stood on various issues, according to his site: Murtha.org

Education - Local-decision making supplemented by federal support for schools

Energy - Expanded domestic drilling, development of alternative energy resources, improving products efficiency

Privacy - Ending the use of Social Security number as personal identifier, boosting protection from identity theft

Federal budget - The need to work back to a balanced budget

Defense - Pulling troops from Iraq

Environment - Clean up mine drainage and sewage, improving park and recreational opportunities, protection of National Parks.

Environment - Mine and sewage cleanup; New hiking trails; National Parks protection; Expanded use of clean coal

California Pennsylvania Nancy Pelosi