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.
On March 2, 1943, Rosa DeLauro was born. She is currently serving as the U.S. representative for Connecticut's 3rd congressional district.
In 1986, DeLauro was treated for ovarian cancer, and due to early detection at stage 1, she made a full recovery.
In 1988, DeLauro coordinated 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis's tristate area campaign.
In 1990, DeLauro was elected to U.S. House of Representatives for Connecticut's 3rd congressional district, defeating Republican State Senator Thomas Scott.
In 1991, DeLauro supported David Bonior in his race against Steny Hoyer for House Majority Whip, citing their work during the Iran-Contra scandal.
In 2002, DeLauro voted for the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which provided funding to modernize technology and create new voting programs.
In 2006, DeLauro voted against the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act.
In 2006, DeLauro was reelected to a ninth term, defeating Republican nominee Joseph Vollano with 76% of the vote.
On February 2, 2008, DeLauro endorsed Barack Obama for President.
On October 3, 2008, DeLauro voted a second time for the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.
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.
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.
In 2009, DeLauro introduced HR 875, the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009, aimed at reforming the food safety responsibilities handled by the FDA.
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.
In 2010, DeLauro voted for a bill mandating new disclosure requirements for political advertising.
In August 2011, DeLauro faced criticism for vacationing along Italy's Amalfi Coast while the 3rd district suffered damage from Hurricane Irene.
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.
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.
In December 2020, DeLauro was chosen by her caucus to lead the Appropriations Committee in a 148-79 vote.
In 2020, DeLauro was selected as chair of the House Appropriations Committee for the 117th Congress, succeeding Nita Lowey.
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.
In 2023, DeLauro was among the 46 Democrats who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 in the House.
In 2023, at age 80, DeLauro got a tattoo to celebrate her eldest granddaughter's 18th birthday, and possibly plans to get more when her other grandchildren reach 18.
In December 2024, DeLauro garnered attention for a speech in the House during debate on H.R. 10515 where she called Elon Musk "President Musk", leading to a public dispute between them.