Dan Rostenkowski, a former Illinois congressman who became one of United States’ most influential policymaker, has died Wednesday at his vacation home in Wisconsin. He was 82.

Jim Jaffe, his spokesman, confirmed the news of his death, saying that he suffered from lung cancer and underwent treatment for it for some time. However, the cause of death was not disclosed.

Rostenkowski was a product of the Cook County Democratic political party. At age 30, he first won a seat in the House of Representatives in 1958, becoming the youngest member for a long time.

The lawmaker was part of the House Ways and Means Committee for over 30 years. He served as committee chairman between 1981 and 1994. He was one of the legislators that helped form Medicare in 1966.

Rostenskowski’s political career was filled with many more achievements and contributions that greatly influenced the nation.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, LaVerne, and three daughters, Gayle, Dawn and Kristie.

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