Richard Russell, Democrat from Georgia, served in the United States Senate for almost 40 years, from 1932 until his death in 1971. Often at the center of America’s most important moments, Russell chaired the Armed Services Committee during two major wars, from 1951 to 1953 and from 1955 to 1969. As a member of the Committee on Appropriations he used his position to boost the defense budget. He authored the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and was heavily involved with the development of new forms of energy in the 20th century. He was known as a “Senator’s Senator” for his mastery of Senate rules and procedures. As a Southerner in the 1960s, he opposed civil rights legislation, but respect for his legislative skills led to the Russell Senate Office Building being named in his honor.
Historical information provided by the Senate Historical Office.
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