This page contains lots of information about Senator Dodd and his work in the Senate. Click on the links below to read a version of Senator Dodd's biography written just for kids, information on the issues that affect kids most, and links to press releases, statements, and photos that involve kids. Senator Dodd's Biography - Kids' VersionSenator Chris Dodd was born on May 27, 1944 in Willimantic, Connecticut. He has three brothers, named Tom, Nick, and Jerry, and two sisters, named Martha and Carolyn. His parents' names are Thomas J. Dodd and Grace Murphy Dodd. His dad, Tom, was also a United States Senator, so Chris grew up both in Connecticut and Washington.

Fun Fact: Chris is the youngest person ever elected to the United States Senate in Connecticut history. He and his dad are the first Connecticut father and son to have been elected Senators.

Spending time with his mom and dad taught Chris a lot about public service and helping people. After he graduated from Providence College, he volunteered to join the Peace Corps, a program founded by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. The Peace Corps sends young Americans all over the world to live and work in developing countries. Chris spent two years in the Dominican Republic, from 1966-1968, where he learned to speak Spanish - did you know that Chris is one of only four Senators who speak Spanish fluently?

Brain Teaser: Can you find the Dominican Republic on a map?

After he came back to America, Chris served in the Army Reserves and went to law school at the University of Louisville. He worked as a lawyer in New London for a few years, and then in 1974 he was elected to the House of Representatives to serve Connecticut's Second Congressional District. In 1980, after spending three terms in the House, Chris was elected to the Senate. He was only thirty-six years old!

Test Your Knowledge: How many years is three House terms?

In the Senate, Chris is probably best known for his work on issues that are important to kids. He currently works on a subcommittee which handles issues related to children and families. He wrote and helped pass a bill which helps moms and dads stay home from work to spend time with a new baby or take care of a sick family member without worrying about losing their jobs. He has also written bills that improve schools, help our country's police officers and fire fighters get the training and equipment they need, make sure that medicines are safe, and promote peace and prosperity around the world.

What Would You Do? If you could be a U.S. Senator, what would be your top priority?

Chris has served the people of Connecticut in the Senate for over twenty years. He lives in East Haddam, Connecticut, with his wife Jackie and their daughters Grace, and Christina.

Fun Fact: Grace was named after both of her grandmothers - Chris's mom, Grace Murphy Dodd, and Jackie's mom, Grace Mecham Clegg.

Senator Dodd believes that every student has a right to an education that helps them succeed later in life. Much of his work in Congress has been devoted to realizing this goal. He has sponsored legislation to ensure that every child start school with an equal opportunity to succeed. Senator Dodd also feels that, in order for students to focus on learning, they must first feel safe at school, which is why he helped write legislation to make sure that schools are free of drugs and violence. Finally, he has worked to provide all schools with adequate resources to help every student realize their full potential.

Throughout his career in the Senate, Senator Dodd has worked to protect our environment and natural resources. He believes that it is our responsibility to preserve our forests, wetlands, oceans, rivers, and wildlife so that their beauty is not lost on future generations. Senator Dodd also recognizes that by keeping our air, water, and land clean, we are protecting the resources that sustain our own ecosystem. Recently, Senator Dodd voted to prevent oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Instead of drilling for oil in this beautiful area that is home to nearly 200 species of wildlife, Senator Dodd supports cleaner forms of energy such as fuel cells and wind energy.