Explained: Former US Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, a 'workhorse' who shaped water policy, dies at 84

Former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona died Wednesday night from a neurological disorder.

groundwater code

Arizona's 1980 regulatory framework for managing groundwater in the drought-stricken state, focused on population centers like Phoenix and Tucson.

minority whip

A Senate leadership position responsible for coordinating party members' votes.

Sherpa

An informal term for a person who guides a Supreme Court nominee through the Senate confirmation process.

tribal water rights settlement

A legal agreement resolving a Native American tribe's claims to water resources, in this case for the Gila River Indian Community.

lobbyist

A person who works to influence legislation on behalf of clients or interest groups, a role Kyl took after leaving the Senate in 2013.