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Rep. Diana DeGette: A Fourth-Generation Coloradan Dedicated to Public Service

 
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A look into the life and career of Rep. Diana DeGette, the longest-serving member of the Colorado delegation in Congress.

description: A photo of Rep. Diana DeGette speaking at a podium, with the U.S. Capitol building visible in the background.

Rep. Diana DeGette is a fourth-generation Coloradan who has dedicated her life to serving the people of Colorado's First Congressional District. She was born in Tachikawa, Japan, but grew up in Colorado, attending Denver public schools and graduating from Colorado College with a degree in political science.

After college, DeGette worked as a legal assistant and then attended New York University School of Law, where she earned her law degree. She returned to Denver in 1982 and began practicing law, specializing in civil rights and employment law.

DeGette's political career began in 1992, when she was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives. She served in the state legislature for five years before being elected to Congress in 1996.

Since then, DeGette has been a tireless advocate for her constituents, working to improve access to health care, protect the environment, and promote women's rights. She is a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, where she has focused on health care policy and environmental issues.

One of DeGette's most significant accomplishments in Congress was her work on the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. She played a key role in crafting the legislation and has been a vocal defender of the law, which has expanded health care coverage to millions of Americans.

DeGette has also been a strong advocate for gun control measures, particularly in the wake of mass shootings in Colorado and across the country. She has introduced legislation to require background checks for all gun purchases and ban assault weapons, among other measures.

In addition to her work on health care and gun control, DeGette has been a champion for reproductive rights. She has worked to protect access to abortion and contraception and has been a vocal opponent of efforts to defund Planned Parenthood.

DeGette's dedication to public service has earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues in Congress and her constituents in Colorado. She is the longest-serving member of the Colorado delegation, representing the Denver area in Congress since 1997.

DeGette's career follows in the footsteps of another trailblazing Colorado congresswoman, Pat Schroeder. Schroeder represented Denver in Congress for 24 years beginning in 1972 and was succeeded by DeGette.

Coloradans are mourning the loss of Schroeder, who was a champion for women's rights throughout her career and lifetime. DeGette has said that Schroeder was a role model and inspiration for her own career in public service.

In the most recent election, DeGette won reelection in Colorado's 1st Congressional District for the 14th time. She has become a fixture in Colorado politics and a respected voice in Congress.

DeGette's work in Congress has tackled some of the most pressing issues facing the country, from health care to gun violence to reproductive rights. She has shown a dedication to public service that is rare in today's political climate and has earned the gratitude and admiration of her constituents.

Labels:
diana degettecoloradocongresspublic servicehealth caregun controlreproductive rightspat schroederreelection

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