Prominent Republican Congressman, and former leader of the House Appropriations Committee, Jerry Lewis died Thursday (July 15) at the age of 86. Lewis spent 34 years in Congress from 1978-2012, representing a sprawling district in California, which included San Bernardino, Riverside, Redlands, and the Morongo Basin, as the longest-serving congressional Republican in California history. During his career, Lewis earmarked millions of dollars in spending directives for San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, including some projects in the Morongo Basin. Lewis came under scrutiny during his career for his earmarking of funding, accused of favoring hometown institutions. Lewis’ death was confirmed by his son Dan Lewis, who said the cause of death had not been determined.
