Contact: Speaker’s Press Office,

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San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passing of philanthropist Eli Broad:

“Today, Paul and I were heartbroken to hear of the passing of Eli Broad: a legendary patron of the arts, whom we were privileged to call a friend for more than thirty years.  His passing is a great loss for Los Angeles and for the nation.

“Eli, together with his beloved wife Edye, made it his life’s work to expand opportunity in America.  Their leadership to support our schools, advance scientific and medical research and ensure that all have access to the arts leaves a lasting and remarkable legacy.  Our entire nation is particularly indebted to the Broads for their commitment to supporting the arts, which they knew to be an essential, unifying force in the world.  That philanthropic leadership includes helping launch the Los Angeles Museum of Art, founding the Broad Contemporary Art Museum, Broad Art Center and many other cultural pillars in California, and transforming Grand Avenue into the vibrant hub that it is today.

“May it be a comfort to Edye, to Jeffrey and Gary and to the entire Broad family that Eli’s historic contributions to our nation will endure for countless generations to come.  And may it be a comfort that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.”

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