Former Senator Bob Packwood Dies at 93

Former U.S. Senator Bob Packwood of Oregon, a moderate Republican whose long career as a champion of abortion rights and tax reform was ended by a sexual misconduct scandal, died on Saturday. He was 93.

His death was announced by his family in an obituary sent to media outlets. His wife, Elaine Franklin, confirmed his death in a separate statement, noting he died while on vacation in Rancho Mirage, California. No cause of death was provided.

Packwood served in the Senate for 27 years after his election in 1968, quickly establishing himself as a social moderate and fiscal conservative known for working across party lines. He was the leading Republican advocate for abortion rights, introducing national abortion legislation years before the Roe v. Wade decision and earning awards from groups like Planned Parenthood. He also championed environmental policy, family leave, and gun control.

His most significant legislative achievement was playing a lead role in the sweeping, bipartisan Tax Reform Act of 1986, which lowered tax rates and eliminated numerous deductions. As chairman or ranking member of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, he was regarded as a master dealmaker.