50 Facts About Rosa Delauro

Early Life and Education

Rosa DeLauro's journey began in New Haven, Connecticut, where she was born into a family with deep political roots.

1. Birth and Early Life: Rosa DeLauro was born on March 2, 1943, in New Haven, Connecticut.
2. Family Background: She is the daughter of Italian immigrant parents, Ted and Luisa DeLauro. Her father, Ted, came to America at the age of 13 and went on to serve as a New Haven Alderman.
3. Education: DeLauro attended the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall in Milford, Connecticut. She later graduated with honors from Marymount College in 1964 and received an M.A. in International Politics from Columbia University in 1966.

Early Career and Community Involvement

DeLauro's early career was marked by her dedication to public service and community organizing.

4. Career in Public Service: DeLauro's entry into public service was influenced by her parents, who were both involved in local politics. She began her career by working with her father on various campaigns and later became involved in community organizing.
5. Community Organizing: DeLauro worked with Frank Logue’s New Haven-based institute to train neighborhood volunteers for work in President Johnson’s War on Poverty and with the National Urban Fellows, an urban leadership development program.
6. Campaign Manager for Chris Dodd: In 1979, DeLauro managed Chris Dodd’s first Senate campaign, becoming the first woman in Connecticut to run a statewide campaign. Her success in this role led to Dodd asking her to be his Chief of Staff, a position she held for seven years.
7. Executive Director of EMILY’s List: After leaving Senator Dodd’s office, DeLauro became the first Executive Director of EMILY’s List, a national organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in elected office.
8. Executive Director of Countdown ’87: In 1987, DeLauro led Countdown ’87, a national campaign that successfully stopped U.S. military aid to the Nicaraguan Contras.

Personal Life

Rosa DeLauro's personal life is as rich and varied as her professional one.

9. Marriage and Family: DeLauro married Stanley Greenberg, a prominent Democratic pollster, in 1978. They have three children—Anna, Kathryn, and Jonathan Greenberg—and six grandchildren.
10. Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: In the 1980s, DeLauro was diagnosed with Stage 1 ovarian cancer and underwent several months of radiation treatment before being declared cancer-free.
11. Fashion and Style: DeLauro is known for her bold fashion sense and cropped bob hairstyle, which have become iconic in American politics.

Political Career

DeLauro's political career has been marked by numerous achievements and a strong commitment to her constituents.

12. Political Rise: Encouraged by Nancy Pelosi, DeLauro ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1990 after Bruce Morrison retired to run for governor of Connecticut. She won the election with 52% of the vote against Republican Tom Scott.
13. Reelections: Since her first election, DeLauro has been reelected 16 times, never with less than 56% of the vote. Her closest election was in 1990, but she has consistently maintained strong support from her constituents.
14. Chair of the House Appropriations Committee: In December 2020, DeLauro was elected as the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, a position she has held since the 117th Congress. This makes her one of the most powerful women in the U.S. House of Representatives.
15. Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee: Before becoming Chair, DeLauro served as the Ranking Member of the committee, where she played a crucial role in shaping budgetary policies.
16. Progressive Politics: DeLauro is part of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and one of the founding members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Advocacy and Legislative Work

DeLauro has been a tireless advocate for various causes, particularly in health policy and social justice.

17. Health Policy Advocacy: She has been a strong advocate for health policy issues, particularly women's health. She has introduced bills aimed at improving cancer treatment and research and women's health policies.
18. Abortion Rights Supporter: DeLauro supports abortion rights and has opposed the Hyde Amendment due to its discriminatory impact on women.
19. Gun Control Advocate: She has voted for stronger regulation of firearms and has an F rating from the NRA for her stance on gun control.
20. Campaign Finance Reform: DeLauro has voted for bills mandating new disclosure requirements for political advertising and against acts that limit party spending during general elections.
21. Lobbying and Donation Regulations: She helped pass the Lobbying and Donation Regulations bill, which put in place new regulations on lobbyists and donations to Congress members.
22. Help America Vote Act: In 2002, DeLauro voted for the Help America Vote Act, which provided $3.9 billion to modernize voting technology and create new programs to improve voting accessibility.
23. Federal Election Integrity Act: In 2006, she voted against the Federal Election Integrity Act, which required voters to show a government-issued photo ID before voting.
24. Emergency Economic Stabilization Act: On October 3, 2008, DeLauro voted for the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which aimed to stabilize the U.S. economy during the financial crisis.
25. Paycheck Fairness Act: DeLauro has been a long-time advocate for the Paycheck Fairness Act, which aims to address pay disparities between men and women.
26. Child Tax Credit: She first introduced the Child Tax Credit in 2003, which provides financial assistance to families with children.
27. Family Act: In 2013, DeLauro introduced the Family Act, which aims to establish a universal paid family leave program.
28. Climate Action: DeLauro is a strong advocate for climate action and has supported various initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
29. Food Security: She has worked to improve food security by supporting programs that provide access to nutritious food for all Americans.
30. Undocumented Immigrants: DeLauro has advocated for protecting undocumented immigrants and supporting policies that promote their integration into society.
31. Social Safety Net: She has been a strong supporter of strengthening the social safety net, ensuring that all Americans have access to essential services and benefits.
32. Labor Rights: DeLauro has been a vocal advocate for labor rights, pushing for policies that protect workers' rights and improve working conditions.
33. Child Poverty: She has discussed child poverty extensively, emphasizing the need to address this issue through comprehensive policies that support families in need.
34. Equality for Women: DeLauro has been a champion for women's equality, working tirelessly to promote policies that address gender disparities in various sectors.

Personal Philosophy and Influence

DeLauro's personal experiences and relationships have shaped her political career and philosophy.

35. Upbringing and Personal Experience: Growing up in a blue-collar family where financial struggles were common, DeLauro has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by working-class families. Her mother worked in the garment industry, and DeLauro remembers being evicted during her childhood.
36. Influence on Politics: Despite never being involved in statewide politics before her election, DeLauro quickly rose through the ranks due to her hard work and dedication. She has been a role model for many women in politics.
37. Leadership Roles: DeLauro has held several leadership roles, including co-chairing the House Democratic Steering Committee from 2003 to 2021.
38. Committee Assignments: She has played a crucial role in making committee assignments as co-chair of the House Democratic Steering Committee.
39. Relationship with Nancy Pelosi: DeLauro is close friends with Nancy Pelosi, who encouraged her to run for Congress in 1990. This relationship has been instrumental in her political career.
40. Stan Greenberg’s Influence: Her husband, Stanley Greenberg, a prominent Democratic pollster, has also played a significant role in her career. He was President Bill Clinton’s chief pollster from 1991 to 1994 and worked for both Vice President Al Gore and Senator John Kerry during their presidential campaigns.
41. Rahm Emanuel’s Connection: Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel once lived in Rosa DeLauro and Stan Greenberg’s basement, highlighting the close-knit nature of Democratic politics.

Legacy and Impact

DeLauro's legacy in politics is marked by her dedication to progressive values and her tireless advocacy for her constituents.

42. Policy Focus Areas: DeLauro’s policy focus areas include health care, education, labor rights, and social welfare programs. She has been instrumental in shaping budgetary policies through her work on the Appropriations Committee.
43. Legislative Achievements: Some of her notable legislative achievements include introducing the Paycheck Fairness Act, the Child Tax Credit, and the Family Act. She has also been a strong advocate for universal health care and climate action.
44. Public Perception: DeLauro is known for her straightforward and passionate advocacy for her constituents. She has built a reputation as a hard-working and honest broker who works with members of all parties.
45. Fashion Icon: Her bold fashion sense and cropped bob hairstyle have made her a fashion icon in American politics.
46. Cultural Significance: As one of the longest-serving members of Congress from Connecticut, DeLauro holds significant cultural and historical importance in the state’s political landscape.
47. Community Engagement: Throughout her career, DeLauro has remained deeply engaged with her community, often returning to her hometown of New Haven to address local issues and support community initiatives.
48. Leadership Style: DeLauro’s leadership style is characterized by her commitment to progressive values and her ability to work across party lines to achieve common goals.
49. Personal Philosophy: Her personal philosophy is rooted in her upbringing, emphasizing hard work, compassion for others, and a quality education. These values have guided her throughout her career in public service.
50. Legacy in Politics: Rosa DeLauro’s legacy in politics is one of dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of policies that benefit the most vulnerable members of society. Her impact on American politics will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Rosa DeLauro's Impact and Legacy

Rosa DeLauro's career in politics is a testament to her dedication and hard work. From her early days as a community organizer to her influential role as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, she's consistently championed progressive values. Her efforts in health policy, labor rights, and social welfare have left a lasting mark on American politics. DeLauro's bold fashion sense and personal experiences, like overcoming cancer, add a unique dimension to her public persona. Her close relationships with political figures like Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Stanley Greenberg, have also shaped her journey. As one of the longest-serving members of Congress from Connecticut, DeLauro's legacy is one of relentless advocacy for the most vulnerable. Her work continues to inspire future generations, ensuring her impact will be felt for years to come. Rosa DeLauro truly embodies the spirit of public service.