Former U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, a physician who became a powerful voice in Congress on government spending and waste, died early Saturday after a long fight with prostate cancer. He was 72.

Coburn, a Republican from Muskogee, served in the Senate from 2005 to 2015 and in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2001. After leaving the Senate, he pushed for a constitutional convention and advocated for a range of conservative fiscal causes.

A statement from Coburn's family said, "Because of his strong faith, he rested in the hope found in John chapter 11 verse 25 where Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, will live, even though they die.' Today he lives in heaven."

A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced, the family said.