Foley, Thomas S(tephen) (1929– )

US Democrat politician. He was speaker of the House of Representatives 1989–94.

Foley was born in Spokane, Washington. A member of the House of Representatives from 1965, he was chair of the Democratic Study Group from 1974 and chair of the Congressional Agriculture Committee 1974–80. He became majority whip 1980 and majority leader 1986. He was a reform-minded liberal who did not upset his opponents. He was the first incumbent speaker to be defeated in an election since 1960.