Career Timeline of Rosa DeLauro: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Rosa DeLauro built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Rosa DeLauro is an American politician currently serving her 18th term as the U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 3rd congressional district since 1991. A member of the Democratic Party, her district is centered in New Haven and its surrounding suburbs. She holds the distinction of being the dean of Connecticut's congressional delegation, marking her as the longest-serving member of Congress from the state. Her career has been dedicated to representing her constituents and advocating for Democratic policies within the House of Representatives.
1988: Coordinated Dukakis's Campaign
In 1988, DeLauro coordinated 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis's tristate area campaign.
1990: Election to Congress
In 1990, DeLauro was elected to U.S. House of Representatives for Connecticut's 3rd congressional district, defeating Republican State Senator Thomas Scott.
1991: Support for David Bonior
In 1991, DeLauro supported David Bonior in his race against Steny Hoyer for House Majority Whip, citing their work during the Iran-Contra scandal.
2002: Vote for the Help America Vote Act
In 2002, DeLauro voted for the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which provided funding to modernize technology and create new voting programs.
2006: Vote Against Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act
In 2006, DeLauro voted against the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act.
2006: Re-election to Ninth Term
In 2006, DeLauro was reelected to a ninth term, defeating Republican nominee Joseph Vollano with 76% of the vote.
February 2, 2008: Endorsement of Barack Obama
On February 2, 2008, DeLauro endorsed Barack Obama for President.
October 3, 2008: Vote on Economic Stabilization Act
On October 3, 2008, DeLauro voted a second time for the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.
December 17, 2008: Consideration for Labor Secretary
On December 17, 2008, the Wall Street Journal reported that DeLauro was "a top contender" for Labor Secretary in the Obama administration, but Obama ultimately nominated Hilda Solis for the position.
November 2009: Criticism of Stupak-Pitts Amendment
In November 2009, DeLauro was critical of the Stupak-Pitts Amendment, which places limits on taxpayer-funded abortions in the context of the Affordable Health Care for America Act.
2009: Introduction of Food Safety Modernization Act
In 2009, DeLauro introduced HR 875, the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009, aimed at reforming the food safety responsibilities handled by the FDA.
November 2010: Birth Defects Act Referral to Senate Committee
In November 2010, DeLauro's sponsored Birth Defects Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Awareness Act was received by the Senate and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
2010: Vote for Disclosure Requirements
In 2010, DeLauro voted for a bill mandating new disclosure requirements for political advertising.
January 14, 2013: Bill on Voluntary Surrender of Assault Weapons
On January 14, 2013, DeLauro introduced a bill allowing for the voluntary surrender of assault-type weapons with compensation in the form of tax credits.
July 2014: Introduction of the 'SWEET Act'
In July 2014, DeLauro introduced the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax Act, also known as the 'SWEET Act', which would impose a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.
December 2020: Selection as Appropriations Committee Chair
In December 2020, DeLauro was chosen by her caucus to lead the Appropriations Committee in a 148-79 vote.
2020: Chair of House Appropriations Committee
In 2020, DeLauro was selected as chair of the House Appropriations Committee for the 117th Congress, succeeding Nita Lowey.
July 2021: Advocacy for Child Care Infrastructure
In July 2021, DeLauro advocated for building a permanent child care infrastructure that respects and values women in the workforce, in an article published in The American Prospect.
2023: Vote Against Fiscal Responsibility Act
In 2023, DeLauro was among the 46 Democrats who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 in the House.
