Bill Frenzel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Frenzel
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota's 3rd district |
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| In office January 3, 1971 – January 3, 1991 |
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| Preceded by | Clark MacGregor |
| Succeeded by | Jim Ramstad |
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 30A district 30 (1963–1967) |
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| In office January 8, 1963 – January 4, 1971 |
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| Preceded by | Douglas Head and Sally Luther |
| Succeeded by | Julian Hook |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Eldridge Frenzel
July 31, 1928 St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Died | November 17, 2014 (aged 86) McLean, Virginia |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Ruth Purdy (married June 9, 1951) |
| Children | Deborah, Pamela, Melissa 2 grandchildren |
| Residence | McLean, Virginia |
| Alma mater | Dartmouth College (B.A. 1950, M.B.A. 1951) |
| Website | Bill Frenzel – Brookings Institution |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Naval Reserve |
| Years of service | 1951–54 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Battles/wars | Korean war |
William Eldridge Frenzel (born July 31, 1928 – died November 17, 2014) was an American politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. He represented Minnesota in the United States House of Representatives. He served for 20 years, from 1971 to 1991.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Bill Frenzel was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. He went to the St. Paul Academy and Summit School. He then studied at Dartmouth College. He earned two degrees there, a Bachelor of Arts in 1950 and a Master of Arts in 1951.
Military Service
After college, Frenzel joined the United States Navy Reserve. He served as a lieutenant. This was during the Korean War, from 1951 to 1954.
Early Career in Politics
Before joining the U.S. Congress, Frenzel was active in Minnesota politics. He served eight years in the Minnesota House of Representatives. This was from 1962 to 1970. He also worked in business. He was president of the No. Waterway Terminals Corp. and Minneapolis Terminal Warehouse Company. He was also involved in local government in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Bill Frenzel was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1970. He served for 10 terms, from January 3, 1971, to January 3, 1991. He was a very important member of Congress.
Key Roles and Expertise
Frenzel was a top Republican on the House Budget Committee. This committee helps decide how the government spends money. He was also a member of the powerful United States House Committee on Ways and Means. This committee deals with taxes and trade.
He was a representative for the U.S. at international trade talks. These were called the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in Geneva. He did this for 15 years. Frenzel became known as an expert in many areas. These included:
- Budget and money policies
- Election rules
- International trade
- Taxes
- How Congress works
He helped negotiate the government's budget in 1990. He also served as vice chairman of the Committee on House Administration. This committee manages the daily operations of the House. He did not run for re-election in 1990.
After Congress
After leaving Congress, Bill Frenzel continued to be active in public life.
Work at Think Tanks
He was the chairman of the Ripon Society. This is a group that researches and suggests ideas for the Republican Party. He also became a Guest Scholar at the Brookings Institution. This is another well-known research organization in Washington, D.C. He later became a director there.
Government Appointments
Presidents from both parties asked for his help.
- In 1993, President Bill Clinton asked him to help promote the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This was a big trade deal between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
- In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed him to a group. This group studied the Social Security system. Social Security is a program that helps retired people and others.
- In 2002, President Bush also appointed him to an advisory committee on trade policy.
Other Important Roles
At the time of his death, Frenzel held many important positions. He was:
- Chairman of the Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care. This group works to improve the lives of children in foster care.
- Vice Chairman of the Eurasia Foundation.
- Chairman of the Japan-America Society of Washington.
- Co-Chairman of the Bretton Woods Committee.
- Co-Chairman of the Committee For A Responsible Federal Budget.
He was also an alternate board member of the Office of Congressional Ethics. This office helps make sure members of Congress act ethically.
Family and Personal Life
Bill Frenzel was married to Ruth Purdy. They had three daughters together.
He received several honors during his life.
- In 2000, the Emperor of Japan gave him the Order of the Rising Sun. This is a high honor from Japan.
- In 2002, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Hamline University.
- In 1984, a group called the National Coalition for Science and Technology named him a "friend of science."
Death
Bill Frenzel passed away from cancer on November 17, 2014. He was 86 years old.
