Al Swift facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Al Swift
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington's 2nd district |
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| In office January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Lloyd Meeds |
| Succeeded by | Jack Metcalf |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Allan Byron Swift
September 12, 1935 Tacoma, Washington, U.S. |
| Died | April 20, 2018 (aged 82) Alexandria, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Central Washington University |
Allan Byron Swift (born September 12, 1935 – died April 20, 2018) was an American politician and a talented broadcaster. He even won an Emmy Award for his work in television! Swift served in the United States House of Representatives for 16 years, from 1979 to 1995. He represented the Second Congressional District of Washington as a member of the Democratic Party.
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About Al Swift
Swift was born in Tacoma, Washington in 1935. He went to college at the Central Washington College of Education. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1957.
Before he became a politician, Swift worked as a broadcaster. He worked at several radio and TV stations across Washington state. These included stations in Walla Walla, Ellensburg, and Bellingham. At KVOS-TV, he was the Director of News and Public Affairs. He created many public interest shows and documentaries. For this work, he won an Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Serving in Congress
Swift was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1978. He took the place of Lloyd Meeds, who was retiring. Swift had worked for Meeds as an assistant before.
Swift was re-elected seven more times. He served in Congress until 1995. During his time, he was a member of the important Energy and Commerce Committee. He also led the subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials. He also chaired the Subcommittee on Elections.
Key Laws He Helped Create
Swift helped write and pass important laws:
- The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act: This law helps communities plan for emergencies. It also gives them information about dangerous chemicals nearby.
- The National Voter Registration Act of 1993: This law is also known as "motor-voter." It made it easier for people to register to vote. For example, you could register at the Department of Motor Vehicles or by mail.
Swift decided not to run for re-election in 1994.
After Congress
After leaving Congress, Swift worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad. He was their Vice President of Governmental Affairs. This lasted until the railroad merged with Santa Fe Railroad in 1996. A new railroad track was even named "Swift" after him!
Later, he became a leader at a political strategy firm in Washington, D.C.. He also joined an online radio talk show called Backroom Politics. He and his wife, Paula, had two daughters, Amy and Lauri. They lived in Alexandria, Virginia.
Passing Away
Al Swift died on April 20, 2018, in Alexandria, Virginia.
See also
- Washington state congressional delegates
