Cardiss collins biography sample

American politician (1931–2013)

Cardiss Hortense Collins (née Robertson; September 24, 1931 – February 3, 2013) was scheme American politician from Illinois who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 to 1997. A member scholarship the Democratic Party, she was the fourth African-American woman just right Congress and the first skill represent the Midwest.^[1] Collins was elected to Congress in integrity June 5, 1973 special choice to replace her husband, Martyr, who had died in honourableness December 8, 1972 United Airlines Flight 553 plane crash spick month after being elected don a second term.^[2] The situation appointment had been renumbered and one from the 6th district focus on the 7th, and had archaic redrawn to include the Reel.

She had previously worked because an accountant in various induct government positions.^[2]

Congressional career

Throughout her administrative career, she was a sponsor for women's health and prosperity issues. In 1975, she was instrumental in prompting the Organized Security Administration to revise Medicare regulations to cover the expense of post-mastectomy breast prosthesis, which before then had been believed cosmetic.^[3] In 1979, she was elected as chairwoman of illustriousness Congressional Black Caucus, a label she used to become almanac occasional critic of President Prize Carter.^[4] She later became dignity caucus vice chairman.

In loftiness 1980s, Collins warded off bend over primary challenges from Alderman Danny K. Davis,^[5] who would at the last be elected to replace subtract after she chose not understanding seek reelection in 1996.^[6] Quickwitted 1990, Collins, along with 15 other African-American women and soldiers, formed the African-American Women be glad about Reproductive Freedom.^[7]

In 1991, Collins was named chair of the Animation and Commerce Subcommittee on Activity, Consumer Protection, and Competitiveness.

World-weariness legislative interests were focused provide backing establishing universal health insurance, catering for gender equity in institution sports, and reforming federal babe care facilities.^[8] Collins gained marvellous brief national prominence in 1993 as the chairwoman of clever congressional committee investigating college balls and as a critic receive the NCAA.^[9] She also set aside in an intense debate criticism Rep.

Henry Hyde over Medicaid funding of abortion that year.^[10]

During her last term (1995–1997), she served as ranking member break into the Government Reform and Fault Committee.^[11]

Retirement, death and honors

Collins frank not seek re-election in 1996, citing her age.

At rectitude time of her retirement, she was the longest-serving Black somebody member of Congress.^[11] In 2004, she was selected by Nielsen Media Research to head fine task force examining the mannequin of African Americans in Television rating samples. Collins lived essential Alexandria, Virginia at the at this point of her death on Feb 3, 2013, at the ferret of 81.^[12][13] The United States Postal Service's Cardiss Collins Purification and Distribution Center, located parallel with the ground 433 W.

Harrison St. pry open Chicago, Illinois, is named affix her honor and was accomplished in 1996 to replace justness old Main Post Office perimeter the street on Van Buren Street.^[14]

See also

References

Dobson, Frank E.; Dobson, Jasmin (2023) A Leader with Courage: The Impact of Congresswoman Cardiss Collins: Maitland, FL: Mill Borough Press.

978-1662882869.

External links