Democratic Rep. Waxman Announces Retirement After 20 Terms

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Democratic Rep. Henry Waxman, a congressional force on clean air and expansion of Medicaid during his 20 terms, has decided to retire.

In a statement Thursday, the California lawmaker said he would not seek another term. In reflecting on his 40 years in the House, Waxman said he was filled with gratitude for the memories.

Waxman pushed for investigations into the tobacco industry and was instrumental in getting President Barack Obama's health care overhaul completed.

Elected in 1974, he is one of the last of the post-Watergate class.

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