111th Congress, 2nd Session
Representative Edith Nourse Rogers of Massachusetts
March 19, 1881
Representative Edith Nourse Rogers of Massachusetts, a renowned advocate for veterans and the longest-serving woman in congressional history, was born in Saco, Maine. She succeeded her husband, John Rogers, upon his death in a special election on June 30, 1925, to represent a Massachusetts district in the northeastern part of the state. She served in the U.S. House until her death in 1960. Both before and during her congressional service, she was known widely as a patron of American veterans. She authored legislation that had far-reaching effects on servicemen and women, including the creation of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corp and the GI Bill of Rights. She eventually chaired the Veterans’ Affairs Committee during the 80th and 83rd Congresses (1947–1949; 1953–1955). The American Legion awarded Rogers its Distinguished Service Cross in appreciation for her work on behalf of veterans, making her the first woman to receive the honor. “The first 30 years are the hardest,” Rogers once said of her House service. “It’s like taking care of the sick. You start it and you like the work, and you just keep on.”
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Cite this Highlight
Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=305, (December 07, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
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Representative Edith Nourse Rogers of Massachusetts holds the distinction as the longest serving female Member of Congress. She served for 35 years and chaired the Veterans Affairs Committee.
Oil on canvas, Howard Chandler Christy, 1950, Collection of U.S. House of Representatives
Teaching Tip
House Legislation
Have students search the highlight dates and locate reference to any legislative document (bill, resolution, speech, etc.). Ask students to track down the document at a local depository library. Students should research the historical background of the document and make a brief presentation which includes reading all or portions of the document aloud. To locate a nearby federal depository library go to http://catalog.gpo.gov.
