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 a U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 3rd congressional district, serving since 1991. A Democrat, her district is centered in New Haven. She is the dean of Connecticut's congressional delegation. She is known for her progressive stance on economic and social issues, advocating for policies that support working families, affordable healthcare, and investments in education and infrastructure. She has been a vocal advocate for food safety and nutrition programs.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1988: Coordinated Dukakis's Campaign

In 1988, DeLauro coordinated Michael Dukakis's tristate area campaign for president.

1990: Elected to Congress

In 1990, Rosa DeLauro was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Connecticut's 3rd congressional district after Bruce Morrison retired to run for governor.

1991: Supported David Bonior for House Majority Whip

In 1991, DeLauro supported David Bonior in his race against Steny Hoyer for House Majority Whip, citing their work together during the Iran-Contra scandal.

1991: Became US Representative

In 1991, Rosa DeLauro began serving as the U.S. representative for Connecticut's 3rd congressional district.

1998: Voted to Increase Minimum Gun Crime Sentence

In 1998, DeLauro voted to increase the minimum sentence for gun crimes.

1999: Voted to Increase Background Check Time

In 1999, DeLauro voted to increase the amount of time given to perform background checks for firearm purchases from 24 hours to 72 hours.

2002: Voted for the Help America Vote Act

In 2002, DeLauro voted for the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which provided funds to modernize technology and create programs to improve voting access.

2003: Co-Chaired House Democratic Steering Committee

In 2003, DeLauro began co-chairing the House Democratic Steering Committee.

2005: Voted Against the 527 Reform Act

In 2005, DeLauro voted against the 527 Reform Act, which put an end to party spending limits for candidates during general elections.

2006: Voted Against the 527 Reform Act

In 2006, DeLauro voted against the 527 Reform Act.

2006: Voted Against Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act

In 2006, DeLauro voted against the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act.

2006: Voted Against the Federal Election Integrity Act

In 2006, DeLauro voted against the Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006, which required voters to show a government-issued photo ID before voting.

2006: Voted Against Trigger Lock Amendment

In 2006, DeLauro voted against the Trigger Lock Amendment, which would end the use of funds from the Commerce Department FY2007 Appropriation bill to enforce laws requiring guns to be sold with locks.

2006: Re-elected to Ninth Term

In 2006, DeLauro was reelected to a ninth term, defeating Republican nominee Joseph Vollano with 76% of the vote.

October 3, 2008: Voted for the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act

On October 3, 2008, DeLauro voted for the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

December 17, 2008: Considered 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.

November 2009: Critical 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: Introduced Food Safety Modernization Act

In 2009, DeLauro introduced HR 875, the Food Safety Modernization Act aimed at reforming the food safety responsibilities handled by the FDA. This action led to potential conflict of interest concerns due to her husband's connection to Monsanto.

November 2010: Birth Defects Prevention Act referred to Senate Committee

In November 2010, the Birth Defects Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Awareness Act of 2010, sponsored by DeLauro, was received by the Senate and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

2010: Voted for Disclosure Requirements for Political Advertising

In 2010, DeLauro voted for a bill mandating new disclosure requirements for political advertising.

January 14, 2013: Introduced Bill for 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: Introduced Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax Act

In July 2014, DeLauro introduced the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax Act (SWEET Act) which proposed a one-cent excise tax per teaspoon of caloric sweetener in various beverages. This was intended to discourage excessive consumption and address obesity and diabetes epidemics.

December 2020: Chosen to Lead Appropriations Committee

In December 2020, DeLauro was chosen by her caucus to lead the Appropriations Committee in a 148-79 vote.

2020: Selected as 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: Advocated for Child Care Infrastructure

In a July 2021 article published in The American Prospect, DeLauro advocated for building a permanent child care infrastructure.

2021: Ended Tenure as Co-Chair of House Democratic Steering Committee

In 2021, DeLauro's tenure as co-chair of the House Democratic Steering Committee concluded.

2023: Voted Against Fiscal Responsibility Act

In 2023, DeLauro was among the 46 Democrats who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act in the House.

December 2024: Called Out Elon Musk

In December 2024, DeLauro gained attention for calling Elon Musk "President Musk" and criticizing his investments in China during a House debate on H.R. 10515. Musk responded negatively.