Lucille Roybal-Allard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lucille Roybal-Allard
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California |
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| In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | David Dreier |
| Succeeded by | Robert Garcia (redistricting) |
| Constituency | 33rd district (1993–2003) 34th district (2003–2013) 40th district (2013–2023) |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 56th district |
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| In office May 18, 1987 – November 30, 1992 |
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| Preceded by | Gloria Molina |
| Succeeded by | Bob Epple |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Lucille Elsa Roybal
June 12, 1941 Boyle Heights, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Edward Allard |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Edward R. Roybal (father) |
| Education | California State University, Los Angeles (BA) |
Lucille Roybal-Allard (born June 12, 1941) is an American politician. She served as a U.S. Representative for California from 1993 to 2023. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Her district covered parts of southern Los Angeles and nearby cities like Downey and Bell. She announced her retirement in December 2021, ending her time in Congress in January 2023.
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Early Life and Education
Lucille Roybal-Allard was born in Boyle Heights, California. Her father, Edward R. Roybal, was also a member of Congress. She went to Ramona Convent Secondary School and graduated in 1959. She also studied at California State University, Los Angeles.
Before becoming a U.S. Representative, she worked in public relations. She also served in the California State Assembly from 1987 to 1992.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Becoming a Representative
In 1992, Lucille Roybal-Allard was chosen by the Democratic Party to run for a new district. This district included some areas her father had represented for many years. She won the election easily and was re-elected 14 times. Her district was mostly made up of Latino voters. It was known as the 33rd, then the 34th, and finally the 40th district.
Key Achievements and Roles
Lucille Roybal-Allard made history in several ways. She was the first Latina to lead one of the 12 important subcommittees on the House Appropriations Committee. This committee decides how the government spends money. She was also the first Latina to serve on the House Appropriations Committee itself.
She was the first woman to lead the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. This group works on issues important to Hispanic communities. She also started the Women's Working Group on Immigration Reform.
One of her important achievements was the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking (STOP) Act. This law helped reduce underage drinking. She also helped fund many projects in her district. These projects created jobs and improved people's lives. Examples include a new federal courthouse and improvements to the Port of Los Angeles.
She also introduced the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2013 (H.R. 1281; 113th Congress). This bill helps expand health screenings for babies. She believed these screenings save lives and money.
Lucille Roybal-Allard also wrote the Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) Act. This bill helps survivors of domestic violence and other crimes. It aims to protect their jobs and financial safety. Parts of this act were included in the Violence Against Women Act. She also wrote the Children's Act for Responsible Employment (CARE). This act works to stop unfair child labor practices, especially in farming.
Committees and Groups
During her time in Congress, Lucille Roybal-Allard was part of important committees and groups:
- Committee on Appropriations
- Subcommittee on Homeland Security (Chairperson)
- Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
She was also a member of several caucuses (groups of lawmakers):
- Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (associate member)
- Congressional Arts Caucus
- Congressional Progressive Caucus
- House Baltic Caucus
- Medicare for All Caucus
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Political Views
Lucille Roybal-Allard supported women's health choices. She disagreed with the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. She believed it limited a woman's right to choose.
Personal Life
Lucille Roybal-Allard is married to Edward Allard III. They have four children, including two stepchildren. She is Roman Catholic. Her official papers are kept at the California State Archives.
See also
- NALEO
- Children's Act for Responsible Employment (CARE Act)
- List of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States Congress
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
