Thomas Stephen Foley (March 6, 1929 – October 18, 2013) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 49th speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1989 to 1995.

With Jackson's support, Foley won election to the House of Representatives, defeating incumbent Republican Congressman Walt Horan.

[5] He was of Irish Catholic descent on both sides of his family;[6] his grandfather Cornelius Foley was a maintenance foreman for the Great Northern railroad in Spokane.

He faced 11-term Republican incumbent Walt Horan in the general election and won by seven points, one of many swept into office in the 1964 Democratic landslide.

Signed into law by President Bill Clinton on August 10, 1993, the measure stirred controversy because of the tax increases it imposed.

[8] Foley brought suit, challenging the constitutionality of a state law setting eligibility requirements on federal offices.

Ambassador to Japan by President Bill Clinton,[23] and was part of the US government response to the deaths of Japanese schoolchildren caused by a US submarine.

[citation needed] On July 9, 2003, Governor Gary Locke awarded the Washington Medal of Merit, the state's highest honor, to Foley.

[25] Foley died at his home in Washington, D.C. on October 18, 2013, following months of hospice care after suffering a series of strokes and a bout with pneumonia.

[29] In a White House statement, President Barack Obama called Foley a "legend of the United States Congress" who "represented the people of Washington's 5th district with skill, dedication, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of those he was elected to serve.

[30] Vice President Joe Biden also released an official statement, saying "Tom was a good friend and a dedicated public servant.

[31] Washington Governor Jay Inslee also released a statement, acknowledging Foley's efforts to reach consensus and emphasize mutual common ground, and his work in the legal system and in Congress.

Former President George H. W. Bush stated that Foley "represented the very best in public service--and our political system" and "never got personal or burned bridges.