Former House Appropriations Chair Kay Granger Dies at 83

Former U.S. Representative Kay Granger, a longtime Texas Republican and the first Republican woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has died at the age of 83, according to confirmation from her son, J.D. Granger, on Sunday.

No official cause of death was disclosed. In 2024, Granger revealed she had been dealing with "unforeseen health challenges," though she did not provide additional details about her condition.

Granger served Texas' 12th Congressional District from 1997 until 2025, building a reputation as one of the most influential lawmakers in Congress. Throughout her nearly three decades in the U.S. House of Representatives, she played a key role in shaping federal spending policy and overseeing major government funding legislation.

In 2023, Granger announced she would not seek another term, bringing an end to a distinguished congressional career. During her final term, she served as chair of the House Appropriations Committee for more than a year, making history as the first Republican woman to lead the influential panel responsible for drafting annual federal spending bills. While Democratic lawmakers Nita Lowey and Rosa DeLauro had previously chaired the committee, Granger's appointment marked a milestone for Republican women in Congress.

House Speaker Mike Johnson honored Granger's legacy, describing her as a trailblazer who expanded opportunities for women in public service. He noted that she became the first female mayor of Fort Worth before making history again as the first Republican woman elected from Texas to the U.S. House.

Representative Rosa DeLauro also paid tribute, praising Granger's bipartisan approach and commitment to public service. DeLauro said Granger earned the respect of colleagues across party lines through her steady leadership and dedication to Congress' constitutional responsibility to fund programs that serve the American people.

Kay Granger leaves behind a lasting legacy in Texas and Washington, remembered for breaking political barriers, leading one of Congress' most powerful committees, and helping shape U.S. government spending policy during her years in office.