Rosa DeLauro

Rosa DeLauro is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 3rd congressional district since 1991. A member of the Democratic Party, she is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and chairs its Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. DeLauro is known as a leading progressive voice in Congress, advocating for economic justice, public health, and working families.

Early life and education

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, she is the daughter of the late Luisa and Ted DeLauro, who were deeply involved in local New Haven politics and community organizing. Her mother served as a long-time Alderwoman in the city. DeLauro earned a Bachelor of Arts from Marymount College, Tarrytown and later a Master of Arts in International Relations from Columbia University. She also studied at the London School of Economics before beginning her career in public service, initially working as an aide to U.S. Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut.

Political career

She first ran for Congress in 1990, successfully winning the seat vacated by Bruce A. Morrison. Since taking office in 1991, she has risen to become one of the most influential members of the House Appropriations Committee. She served as Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies from 2009 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023, playing a pivotal role in funding for agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DeLauro also served as Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus from 2003 to 2005 and has been a co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus.

Political positions

A staunch progressive, she is a leading advocate for expanding the social safety net, including strengthening Social Security and Medicare. She has authored and championed legislation such as the Paycheck Fairness Act, aimed at addressing the gender pay gap, and the Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act, which would create a national paid family and medical leave program. DeLauro is a vocal supporter of the Affordable Care Act, robust funding for child nutrition programs, and increased investment in biomedical research. She has been a persistent critic of free trade agreements like NAFTA and has opposed fast-track trade authority.

Electoral history

She has been re-elected consistently from the 3rd district, which includes New Haven, Milford, and Stratford, often with overwhelming margins. In her initial 1990 election, she defeated Tom Scott. Notable general election opponents over the years have included State Senator David Cappiello and Vietnam War veteran Jerry Labriola Jr.. Her most recent challengers have been from the Republican Party, such as Margaret Streicker and Lesley DeNardis, but the district's strong Democratic lean has secured her continued tenure.

Personal life

She is married to Stanley Greenberg, a prominent political pollster and strategist who has worked for figures like President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. They have three children and reside in New Haven. In 1986, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, an experience that profoundly influenced her advocacy for health research and universal healthcare. Her mother, Luisa DeLauro, was a celebrated local political figure in New Haven for decades.

Category:1943 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Connecticut