Former U.S. Rep. Stephen J. Solarz, 70, a Brooklyn Democrat who became a muscular voice on foreign policy during nine terms in Congress and who challenged dictators and colleagues alike with a hard-driving style, died Nov. 29 at George Washington University Hospital. He had esophageal cancer.
Until his election defeat in 1992 - a combination of redistricting and implication in the House bank overdraft scandal - Mr. Solarz amassed a formidable policy record through his membership on the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Mr. Solarz was a tenacious, deeply informed and sharp-tongued politician who evoked strong passions with his unapologetically robust role in international affairs. He rebuked presidents, criticized House members and interrogated bureaucrats with little regard for the social fallout. He earned a reputation as a micromanager of foreign policy.
Former US lawmaker who spoke in favour of India at a Congressional hearing within days of the Pokharan-II, and was instrumental in setting up of the South Asia Bureau in the department of state.