Career Timeline of Patrick Leahy: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Patrick Leahy built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Patrick Leahy is an American politician and attorney who served as a U.S. Senator for Vermont from 1975 to 2023. As a member of the Democratic Party, he held the position of president pro tempore of the Senate twice, from 2012 to 2015 and again from 2021 to 2023.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 1965: Appointed Assistant Legislative Draftsman

In January 1965, Patrick Leahy was appointed as an assistant to Lewis E. Springer Jr., the legislative draftsman for the Vermont General Assembly.

May 1966: Appointed State's Attorney

In May 1966, Patrick Leahy was appointed State's Attorney of Chittenden County.

1970: Re-elected as State's Attorney

In 1970, Patrick Leahy was re-elected as State's Attorney of Chittenden County.

1971: Vice President of National Association of District Attorneys

In 1971, Patrick Leahy served as vice president of the National Association of District Attorneys.

1974: Elected to the United States Senate

In 1974, Patrick Leahy was elected to the United States Senate, becoming the youngest U.S. senator in Vermont history and the first Democrat to represent Vermont in the chamber.

1975: Elected to the United States Senate

In 1975, Patrick Leahy began his service as a United States Senator for Vermont.

1980: Re-elected to the Senate

In 1980, Patrick Leahy was re-elected to the Senate, defeating Stewart Ledbetter.

March 11, 1982: Leahy Votes Against Measure Seeking to Reverse Roe v. Wade

On March 11, 1982, Leahy voted against a measure sponsored by Orrin Hatch that sought to reverse Roe v. Wade and allow Congress and individual states to adopt laws banning abortions.

March 1982: Named to Senate Select Committee

In March 1982, Patrick Leahy was named to the Senate Select Committee to Study Law Enforcement Undercover Activities of the Department of Justice.

1986: Re-elected to the Senate

In 1986, Patrick Leahy was re-elected to the Senate, defeating Richard Snelling.

1986: Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986

Leahy is a lead sponsor of the Senate version of the Email Privacy Act, which would reform the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 and enhance privacy protections for email.

January 3, 1987: Appointed Chair of Senate Agriculture Committee

On January 3, 1987, Patrick Leahy was appointed chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

1987: Leahy Chairs Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee

In 1987, Leahy became the chair of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.

May 1990: Introduced Consumer Seafood Safety Act

In May 1990, Patrick Leahy and Representative Dan Glickman introduced the Consumer Seafood Safety Act, a bill that would have strengthened fish inspections.

1992: Introduced bill to prohibit export of land mines

In 1992, Patrick Leahy introduced a bill to prohibit the export of land mines, the first law of its kind.

1992: Re-elected to the Senate

In 1992, Patrick Leahy was re-elected to the Senate, defeating Jim Douglas.

March 1994: Pledged to Preserve Funding for TEFAP

In March 1994, during a news conference, Patrick Leahy pledged that he would preserve funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

August 1994: Advocated for Healthier School Lunches

In August 1994, Patrick Leahy attended a news conference with Public Voice, advocating for the federal government to increase the healthiness of school lunches.

1995: Leahy Votes Against Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act

In 1995, Leahy voted against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, demonstrating his support for abortion rights.

1995: End of Leahy's Tenure as Chair of Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee

In 1995, Leahy's tenure as the chair of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee came to an end.

1997: Leahy Votes For Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act

Between 1997 and 2003, Leahy voted for the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act.

1998: Fred Tuttle Endorses Leahy

In 1998, Republican candidate Fred Tuttle, a retired farmer and actor, endorsed Patrick Leahy in the United States Senate election in Vermont. Tuttle, who won the Republican nomination after running a campaign to promote the movie 'Man with a Plan', recommended voters support Leahy. This gesture led to joint appearances and a warm relationship, with Leahy calling Tuttle the "distilled essence of Vermonthood."

2000: Leahy Requests Delay in Implementing Section 304 in H.R. 4392

In 2000, Leahy cosigned a letter requesting a delay in implementing Section 304 in H.R. 4392, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001, citing concerns about conflicts with First Amendment rights and Whistleblower Protection Acts.

2001: Leahy Chairs Judiciary Committee

In 2001, Leahy became the chair of the Judiciary Committee.

September 13, 2002: Leahy Calls for West Nile Virus Investigation

On September 13, 2002, Senator Leahy suggested in a radio interview that an investigation should be launched to determine whether the West Nile virus was a biological terrorism effort.

2003: Leahy Votes For Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act

Between 1997 and 2003, Leahy voted for the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act.

2003: Leahy Opposes Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Leahy opposed the invasion of Iraq. He later wrote in his memoir that he found files that contradicted public statements made by Dick Cheney about Iraq.

2003: End of Leahy's Tenure as Chair of Judiciary Committee

In 2003, Leahy's tenure as the chair of the Judiciary Committee came to an end.

March 2004: Leahy Introduces the Pirate Act

In March 2004, Leahy and Senator Orrin Hatch introduced the Pirate Act, which was backed by the Recording Industry Association of America and aimed at combating copyright infringement.

June 22, 2004: Cheney and Leahy Exchange Words

On June 22, 2004, after a U.S. Senate class photo, Vice President Dick Cheney rebuked Senator Leahy for his criticism of Halliburton's activities in Iraq, reportedly telling him, "Go fuck yourself."

July 2004: Leahy Introduces the INDUCE Act

In July 2004, Leahy and Hatch introduced the INDUCE Act, also aimed at combating copyright infringement.

November 2, 2004: Leahy Reelected to the Senate

On November 2, 2004, Leahy was reelected to the Senate, easily defeating his opponent, businessman Jack McMullen, with 70.6 percent of the vote.

September 21, 2005: Leahy Supports John Roberts for Chief Justice

On September 21, 2005, Leahy announced his support for John Roberts to become Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

January 19, 2006: Leahy Opposes Samuel Alito's Nomination

On January 19, 2006, Leahy announced that he would vote against Judge Samuel Alito's nomination to be a justice of the Supreme Court.

March 2, 2006: Leahy Votes Against USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act

On March 2, 2006, Leahy was one of ten senators to vote against the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act, citing concerns about the appointment process for interim United States attorneys.

December 2006: Leahy on White House Power Plays after 9/11

In December 2006, Leahy spoke at Georgetown University, stating that after the September 11 attacks, the White House accelerated its power plays, undermined other government branches, and illegally wiretapped Americans without warrants.

January 18, 2007: Leahy Cross-Examines Attorney General Alberto Gonzales

On January 18, 2007, Leahy received widespread coverage for his cross-examination of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales regarding the Maher Arar affair and extraordinary rendition of Arar to Syria.

March 2007: Houses Overturn Interim Appointment Provision

In March 2007, both houses voted to overturn the interim appointment provision that allowed the Attorney General of the United States to make interim appointments without term limit or Senatorial confirmation.

July 1, 2007: Leahy Recommends Revision to Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act

In a July 1, 2007, interview, Leahy stated that he was not against lawful eavesdropping and suggested revising the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act to facilitate investigations of potential terrorists, also mentioning a subpoena for the White House regarding wiretapping practices.

2007: Leahy Chairs Judiciary Committee Again

In 2007, Leahy once again became the chair of the Judiciary Committee.

2008: Leahy Endorses Barack Obama

In 2008, Leahy endorsed Barack Obama, the Democratic junior senator from Illinois, in the presidential election, and recorded a radio advertisement for Obama's campaign to be aired in Vermont.

May 2009: Obama Nominates Sotomayor to Supreme Court

In May 2009, President Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. Sotomayor faced criticism for comments about a "wise Latina woman".

September 20, 2010: Leahy Introduces Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act

On September 20, 2010, Leahy introduced the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (Senate Bill S. 3804), which would allow courts to issue restraining orders against Internet domain names infringing on copyright.

December 2010: Leahy votes for New START treaty

In December 2010, Patrick Leahy voted in favor of ratifying the New START treaty. This nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and the Russian Federation aimed to limit both countries to no more than 1,550 strategic warheads and 700 launchers deployed over the subsequent seven years. The treaty also facilitated the continuation of on-site inspections that had been suspended when START I concluded the previous year.

May 2011: Leahy Introduces Protect IP Act (PIPA)

In May 2011, Leahy introduced the Protect IP Act (PIPA) to the Senate, aimed at combating copyright piracy and counterfeit goods trafficking by foreign websites. Critics raised concerns about its potential impact on free expression and internet infrastructure.

2011: Leahy Voted Against Limiting EPA's Ability to Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In 2011, Leahy voted against limiting EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating his support for environmental policy.

May 2012: Leahy advocates for upholding Affordable Care Act

In May 2012, during a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Leahy urged Chief Justice John Roberts to uphold the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. He argued that it would be extraordinary for the Supreme Court not to defer to Congress on a matter that clearly affects interstate commerce.

December 17, 2012: Leahy Becomes President Pro Tempore

On December 17, 2012, following the death of Daniel Inouye, Leahy became the most senior senator in the majority party and was elected President Pro Tempore by unanimous consent.

2012: President Pro Tempore of the Senate

In 2012, Patrick Leahy assumed the role of president pro tempore of the United States Senate.

February 2013: Leahy Signs Letter on Hate Crimes

In February 2013, Leahy was among 24 senators who signed a letter asserting the need for federal tracking of hate crimes against Sikh, Hindu, and Arab Americans.

June 2013: Leahy Files Amendments on Immigration Reform

In June 2013, Leahy filed three amendments to an immigration reform package, including one proposing recognition of same-sex marriages when one spouse is an American citizen, aimed at ending discrimination in the American immigration system.

June 2013: Leahy Introduces Bill to Tighten Guidelines Related to FISA Warrants

In June 2013, following the disclosure of PRISM and other covert surveillance activities by the National Security Agency, Leahy introduced a bill that would tighten guidelines related to the acquisition of FISA warrants for domestic surveillance and shorten the current FISA authorization by two years.

2013: Leahy Sponsors Most Bipartisan Bills

According to GovTrack, in 2013, Leahy was the senator who sponsored the most bipartisan bills. Sixty-one percent of the bills he sponsored had both Democratic and Republican co-sponsors.

2013: Leahy Voted Against Resolution Making it Harder to Put a Price on Carbon

In 2013, Leahy voted against a concurrent resolution creating a point of order which would make it harder for Congress to put a price on carbon, continuing his support for environmental policy.

January 3, 2015: Hatch Succeeds Leahy as President Pro Tempore

On January 3, 2015, Orrin Hatch succeeded Leahy as President Pro Tempore, and Leahy became President Pro Tempore Emeritus.

January 2015: Leahy Leads Congressional Delegation to Cuba

In January 2015, Leahy led a congressional delegation to Cuba, the first visit by American officials since President Obama announced normalized relations between the US and Cuba the previous month.

February 2015: Leahy Revives the Justice Safety Valve Act

In February 2015, Leahy and Republican Rand Paul revived the Justice Safety Valve Act, legislation granting federal judges authority to bestow sentences lower than the mandatory punishment in certain cases.

July 2015: Leahy Issues Statement on Iran Nuclear Deal

In July 2015, after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was unveiled, Leahy issued a statement saying the international agreement on Iran's nuclear program was preferable to war and expressed disappointment at congressional opposition.

2015: Leahy Voted in Support of Obama's Clean Power Plan

In 2015, Leahy voted in support of Obama's Clean Power Plan, further solidifying his commitment to environmental policy.

2015: End of Leahy's Tenure as Chair of Judiciary Committee

In 2015, Leahy's tenure as the chair of the Judiciary Committee came to an end.

2015: End of first term as President Pro Tempore

In 2015, Patrick Leahy's first term as president pro tempore of the United States Senate concluded.

February 2016: Leahy Introduces the "Restoring Statutory Rights Act"

In February 2016, Leahy introduced the "Restoring Statutory Rights Act", to prevent companies from imposing forced arbitration in cases covered by consumer protection laws, as well as employment discrimination and other civil rights matters.

January 2017: Leahy Questions Jeff Sessions on Sexual Assault

In January 2017, during a hearing, Leahy questioned Jeff Sessions, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, about sexual assault and the ability to investigate elected officials accused of such acts, referencing comments made by Trump.

April 2017: Leahy Cosponsors Bill to Restore FCC Rule

In April 2017, Leahy was one of 11 senators to cosponsor a bill aimed at restoring a FCC rule that required internet service providers to obtain customer permission before selling their data to advertisers.

April 2017: Leahy sponsors legislation to reinstate internet privacy regulations

In April 2017, after President Trump signed a law undoing a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule requiring internet service providers to obtain customer permission to sell their data, Senator Leahy co-sponsored legislation to reverse the repeal and reinstate the regulations.

June 1, 2017: Leahy and Franken Release Statement on Sessions and Russia

On June 1, 2017, Leahy and Senator Al Franken released a joint statement disclosing their prior request of James Comey to investigate contacts between Attorney General Sessions and Russian officials, raising questions of perjury in Senate testimony.

September 2017: Leahy Votes Against National Defense Authorization Act

In September 2017, Leahy was one of eight senators to vote against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a defense policy bill including significant defense spending and war funds.

September 2017: Leahy co-sponsors Medicare for All Act

In September 2017, Senator Leahy co-sponsored the Medicare for All Act, which was introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders. The act aimed to establish a single-payer healthcare system in the United States.

October 2017: Leahy Cosponsors Bill Aimed at Easing Sentences for Some Nonviolent Offenders

In October 2017, Leahy cosponsored a bill aimed at easing sentences for some nonviolent offenders, such as for drug crimes, while beefing up other tough-on-crime laws.

November 2017: Leahy Urges Israel to Halt Demolitions of Palestinian Villages

In November 2017, Leahy was among ten Democratic senators who signed a letter urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt planned demolitions of Palestinian villages, citing concerns about a two-state solution and Israel's future.

January 2018: Leahy Votes Against Temporary Funding During Government Shutdown

In January 2018, after the United States federal government shutdown commenced, Leahy was one of 18 senators to vote against temporary funding.

January 18, 2018: Leahy Opposes Stopgap Measure to Avert Government Shutdown

On January 18, 2018, Senator Leahy announced he would not support the stopgap measure for the fiscal year to avert a government shutdown, criticizing the House bill as "woefully inadequate" and stating that bipartisan support would require collaboration with Democrats.

February 2018: Leahy Requests Pentagon Cost Estimate for Trump's Military Parade

In February 2018, Leahy and three other senators signed a letter to the Secretary of Defense requesting the Pentagon estimate the cost and time needed for President Trump's military parade, deeming the parade "inappropriate and wasteful".

February 2018: Leahy urges Congress to act on immigration reform

In February 2018, following the Supreme Court's decision not to immediately consider the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Senator Leahy emphasized the need for Congress to act on immigration reform.

March 2018: Leahy Requests Oversight Hearing on Trump Administration's Criticisms of FBI and Justice Department

In March 2018, Leahy wrote a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman expressing his fear about the damage being done to the FBI and the nation's institutions, and requested an oversight hearing on the Trump administration's criticisms of the FBI and Justice Department.

September 2018: Leahy Advocates for Increased Spending Cap for Veterans' Care Program

In September 2018, as the Senate considered the 2019 fiscal year spending package, Leahy advocated for increasing the spending cap for a veterans' care program, warning that failure to do so would leave the VA choice program unfunded.

October 2018: Leahy Requests Investigation into Jamal Khashoggi's Disappearance

In October 2018, Leahy, along with other senators, sent President Trump a letter requesting an investigation into the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

October 2018: Leahy urges reversal of policy affecting LGBTQIA+ diplomats' same-sex partners

In October 2018, Senator Leahy and 19 other senators urged Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to reverse the rollback of a policy that granted visas to same-sex partners of LGBTQIA+ diplomats whose unions were not recognized by their home countries. Leahy supported the Student Non-Discrimination Act and an LGBTQIA+-supportive amendment in the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act.

December 2018: Leahy Expresses Concern Over Suspension of Nuclear Forces Treaty Obligations

In December 2018, Leahy and 25 other senators signed a letter expressing concern over the Trump administration's decision to suspend its obligations in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and calling on President Trump to continue arms negotiations.

January 2019: Leahy introduces Background Check Expansion Act

In January 2019, Senator Leahy co-introduced the Background Check Expansion Act. The bill would mandate background checks for the sale or transfer of all firearms, including those from unlicensed sellers, with certain exceptions such as transfers between law enforcement, temporary loans for hunting or sporting events, and gifts to immediate family members.

January 2019: Leahy sponsors Dreamer Confidentiality Act

In January 2019, Senator Leahy sponsored the Dreamer Confidentiality Act. This bill aimed to prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from sharing information collected on DACA recipients with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Department of Justice, or other law enforcement agencies, except in specific cases.

February 2019: Leahy urges EPA to set limits for PFAS in drinking water

In February 2019, Senator Leahy joined 19 other senators in signing a letter to the EPA, urging the agency to develop enforceable federal drinking water standards for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and to take immediate action to protect the public from contamination from other PFAS.

February 2019: Leahy urges hearing on universal background checks

In February 2019, Senator Leahy was among 38 senators who signed a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, advocating for a hearing on universal background checks for firearm sales. They expressed support for 'red flag' legislation and background checks.

February 2019: Leahy introduces State Public Option Act

In February 2019, Senator Leahy, along with 22 other Democratic senators, introduced the State Public Option Act. The bill would allow states to create a Medicaid buy-in program for all residents. This would give residents the option to buy into a state-driven Medicaid health insurance plan.

March 2019: Leahy Urges Support for Dairy Farmers Facing Market Instability

In March 2019, Leahy and 37 other senators signed a letter to the United States Secretary of Agriculture warning about market instability for dairy farmers and urging support for the Dairy Margin Coverage program.

March 2019: Leahy Requests Release of Human Rights Activists in Saudi Arabia

In March 2019, Leahy was one of nine Democratic senators to sign a letter to Salman of Saudi Arabia requesting the release of human rights lawyer Waleed Abu al-Khair and writer Raif Badawi, women's rights activists Loujain al-Hathloul and Samar Badawi, and Dr. Walid Fitaih.

May 2019: Leahy Criticizes USDA for Using Farm Bailout Money to Purchase Pork from JBS USA

In May 2019, Leahy and eight other Democratic senators criticized the USDA for using farm bailout money to purchase pork from the Brazilian-owned JBS USA, arguing it was counterproductive to use taxpayer dollars to benefit foreign corporations instead of American farmers.

June 2019: Leahy Requests Investigation into USDA Retaliation and Political Decision-Making

In June 2019, Leahy and 18 other Democratic senators sent a letter to the USDA Inspector General requesting an investigation into instances of retaliation and political decision-making within the USDA.

June 2019: Leahy Requests Antitrust Investigations into Companies

In June 2019, Leahy was one of six Democrats who signed letters to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice requesting that each agency confirm whether it had opened antitrust investigations into companies, following enforcement actions taken by foreign competition enforcers against these same companies.

July 31, 2019: Leahy Introduces Bill to Ban the Death Penalty

On July 31, 2019, after the Attorney General announced the resumption of the death penalty, Leahy, along with Cory Booker and Dick Durbin, introduced a bill to ban the death penalty, citing its finality and juries' propensity to mistakenly convict.

September 12, 2019: Leahy Condemns Persecution of Falun Gong Practitioners in China

On September 12, 2019, Leahy condemned the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China and called for an end to torture, organ harvesting, and propaganda against minorities by the Chinese government.

2019: Leahy Becomes Only Remaining Watergate Baby in Congress

After Minnesota Representative Rick Nolan retired from Congress in 2019, Leahy became the only remaining Watergate baby in Congress.

2019: Leahy Introduces Child Care for Working Families Act

In 2019, Leahy and 34 other senators introduced the Child Care for Working Families Act, which aimed to create new child care jobs, ensure affordable child care for low-income families, and support universal access to high-quality preschool programs.

2019: Leahy Works on Bipartisan Effort to Ensure Student Access to Local Foods

In 2019, Leahy worked with Senators Sherrod Brown, Susan Collins, and David Perdue on a bipartisan effort to ensure students have access to local foods by bolstering the Farm to School Grant Program.

2019: Senate Weighed Spending Package for 2019 Fiscal Year

In September 2018, as the Senate weighed the first spending package for the 2019 fiscal year, Leahy advocated for increasing the spending cap for a veterans' care program.

2020: Leahy Endorses Bernie Sanders's 2020 Presidential Campaign

In 2020, Leahy endorsed fellow Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders's presidential campaign.

May 2021: Leahy Leaning Toward Running for Ninth Term

In May 2021, it was reported that Leahy was "leaning toward" running for a ninth term and asking his Senate colleagues for support.

November 15, 2021: Leahy Announces He Will Not Run for Ninth Term

On November 15, 2021, Leahy announced that he was not running for a ninth term in the Senate.

2021: Return as President Pro Tempore

In 2021, Patrick Leahy again became the president pro tempore of the United States Senate.

March 2022: Most Senior Member of Congress

In March 2022, Patrick Leahy became the most senior member of the United States Congress.

March 18, 2022: Leahy Becomes Longest-Serving Member of Congress

Upon the death of Representative Don Young on March 18, 2022, Leahy became the longest-serving current member of Congress.

September 2022: Leahy Nominated as Representative to United Nations General Assembly

In September 2022, Leahy was nominated as a representative of the United States to the Seventy-seventh session of the United Nations General Assembly.

2022: Leahy's Memoir Details Iraq War Opposition

In his 2022 memoir, Leahy detailed his opposition to the invasion of Iraq in 2003, mentioning discovering files that contradicted Dick Cheney's public statements.

January 2023: Leahy's Last Term Ends

Leahy's last term ended in January 2023, and he was succeeded by Peter Welch; he was the last United States senator to have served in the 1970s.

March 2023: Leahy Joins University of Vermont as Distinguished Fellow

In March 2023, Patrick Leahy joined the University of Vermont (UVM) as a president's distinguished fellow. In this position, he participates in research and academic and engagement projects he initiated while in the Senate, and serves as advisor and mentor to students and faculty members.

August 2023: Leahy donates Senate papers to UVM

In August 2023, Patrick Leahy donated his personal Senate papers to UVM. The collection, consisting of about 1,000 boxes and approximately 20 terabytes of data, will become part of UVM's Jack and Shirley Silver Special Collections Library.

2023: End of Senate term

In 2023, Patrick Leahy's tenure as a U.S. Senator for Vermont came to an end.

2025: Set Goal of Reducing Oil Consumption by 40 Percent in 2025

Leahy has supported bills that would increase hydrogen car production, uphold Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, set a goal of reducing oil consumption by 40 percent in 2025, and increase solar and wind power funding.