Joseph M. McDade facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph M. McDade
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 10th district |
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| In office January 3, 1963 – January 3, 1999 |
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| Preceded by | William Scranton |
| Succeeded by | Don Sherwood |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Joseph Michael McDade
September 29, 1931 Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | September 24, 2017 (aged 85) Fairfax, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
Mary Theresa O'Brien
(m. 1962; div. 1987)Sarah Scripture |
| Children | 5 |
| Alma mater | University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania |
| Profession | lawyer, judge |
Joseph Michael McDade (September 29, 1931 – September 24, 2017) was an American politician. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives. He represented a part of Pennsylvania for many years.
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Early Life and Political Career
Joseph McDade was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He studied at the University of Notre Dame. Later, he earned a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
McDade worked for a federal judge before opening his own law practice. In 1962, he was elected as the city solicitor for Scranton. Soon after, he was elected to the United States Congress. He served as a Republican representative for Pennsylvania.
He won his first election by a small number of votes. After that, he was re-elected many times. He even ran unopposed in 1990, meaning no one ran against him.
In 1966, McDade and other members of Congress sent a message to the Governor of Georgia. They spoke up when a newly elected representative, Julian Bond, was not allowed to take his seat. They believed everyone had the right to express their views.
McDade was a long-time member of the House Appropriations Committee. This committee decides how the government spends money. He later became a vice-chairman of this important committee.
He had strong connections with labor unions, which are groups that protect workers' rights. This was helpful because many people in his area were union members. McDade supported tax and welfare reform. However, he did not support free trade agreements.
Supporting His Region
Joseph McDade worked hard to help his home region in Pennsylvania. He was a big supporter of the Tobyhanna Army Depot. This is a large military repair facility.
He also helped create several important places. These include the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This is a beautiful natural area for people to enjoy. He also helped establish the Steamtown National Historic Site. This site celebrates the history of steam trains. Another project was the National Fishery Laboratory in Wellsboro.
McDade retired from Congress in 1999. He had Parkinson's disease.
Legal Challenges and the "McDade Amendment"
In 1992, Joseph McDade faced serious legal challenges. He was accused of accepting gifts in exchange for helping certain groups get government contracts. After a trial in 1996, a jury found him not guilty.
Even though he was found not guilty, these accusations affected his career. He was the most experienced member of the Appropriations Committee. However, he was not chosen to be its chairman in 1995.
After his trial, Congressman McDade worked to change a law. He wanted to make sure that government lawyers followed the same rules as other lawyers. This meant they should follow the ethics rules of the states where they work.
His efforts led to a new law often called the "McDade Amendment." This law states that government attorneys must follow state and local court rules. They must do this in the same way as all other lawyers in that state. This law helps ensure fairness and ethical behavior for government lawyers.
Death
Joseph McDade passed away on September 24, 2017. He died in Fairfax, Virginia.
Places Named for Joseph McDade
Several places in Pennsylvania are named in honor of Joseph McDade.
McDade Park
McDade Park is a large park in Lackawanna County. It was once a coal mine area. Congressman McDade helped get the money and support to clean up this old mine. The land was turned into a beautiful recreational park. It also helped scientists learn how to fix damaged land. The park was dedicated in 1978.
McDade Airport Terminal
In 2006, the terminal building at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport was named after Congressman McDade. His father, John B. McDade, played a key role in the airport's history. In 1941, John B. McDade donated land for the airport. He did this to help with national defense during wartime.
The airport opened in 1947. Later, in the 1990s, the airport needed updates. Congressman McDade helped secure federal money to improve the airport's buildings and facilities.
University of Scranton McDade Center
The University of Scranton honored Congressman McDade. They named their Center for Literary and Performing Arts after him. They also created the McDade Center for Technology Transfer.
McDade Trail
The McDade Trail is a popular trail in northeastern Pennsylvania. It is also named in his honor.
