Pat Schroeder

Patricia Nell “Pat” Schroeder (born July 30, 1940) is an American politician who served as a United States Representative from Colorado from 1973 to 1997. A member of the Democratic Party, she was the first woman elected to Congress from Colorado and during her tenure became one of the most influential and recognizable female politicians in America.

Early life and career

Schroeder was born in Portland, Oregon on July 30, 1940 to attorney Ralph N. Schroeder Jr., and Alberta Marie Schroeder née Marston. She attended Williamette University before transferring to Cornell University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in 1962 followed by a law degree at Harvard Law School three years later. After graduation she moved back home to Denver with husband James Charles Harris whom she had married while studying at Harvard; they divorced soon after their return however staying close throughout Pat’s political career until his death in 2001 due largely in part to their mutual love for sailing together each summer off Martha’s Vineyard Island near Massachusetts Bay Coastline1 . Her growing interest politics led her into employment as Chief Counsel on Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Overseeing Juvenile Delinquency2 . In 1972 when Republican incumbent Florence Mahoney decided not run again for U S House seat representing 7th Congressional District covering mostly suburban Denver area Pat took advantage opportunity filed candidacy ran election successfully winning 53% votes against Republican challenger John Anderson3 During next 24 years 9 terms office Rep Schoerder would become known leader environmental protection women’s rights issues among other causes4 Also appointed number committees including Budget Committee 1990 chaired Armed Services 1991-19955 , being only fourth woman serve committee since its formation 19126 Throughout 80s 90s numerous Bills introduced authored passed both Houses Congress signed President Reagan Bush Sr7 some which still today have great impact US foreign domestic policies8 Overall through combination impassioned speeches dogged persistence able pass over 100 bills9 such 1989 National Defense Authorization Act10 many which continue shape future society11

eventually announced retirement 199612 went work lobbying firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer Feld13 remains engaged advocacy activities14 although no longer involved active politics15 Legacy left behind significantly changed landscape Capitol Hill opened door countless women succeed own right16 endearing herself millions across country17 receiving multiple honorary degrees awards18 making lasting impression everyone whose path has crossed19