Patrick Leahy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Leahy
|
|
|---|---|
Official portrait, c. 2021
|
|
| United States Senator from Vermont |
|
| In office January 3, 1975 – January 3, 2023 |
|
| Preceded by | George Aiken |
| Succeeded by | Peter Welch |
| President pro tempore of the United States Senate | |
| In office January 20, 2021 – January 3, 2023 |
|
| Preceded by | Chuck Grassley |
| Succeeded by | Patty Murray |
| In office December 17, 2012 – January 3, 2015 |
|
| Preceded by | Daniel Inouye |
| Succeeded by | Orrin Hatch |
| President pro tempore emeritus of the United States Senate | |
| In office January 3, 2015 – January 20, 2021 |
|
| Preceded by | Ted Stevens (2009) |
| Succeeded by | Chuck Grassley |
| State's Attorney of Chittenden County | |
| In office May 10, 1966 – January 2, 1975 |
|
| Preceded by | John Fitzpatrick |
| Succeeded by | Francis Murray |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 31, 1940 Montpelier, Vermont, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Marcelle Pomerleau
(m. 1962) |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Lawrence Jackson (son-in-law) |
| Education | Saint Michael's College (BA) Georgetown University (JD) |
| Signature |  |
Patrick Joseph Leahy (born March 31, 1940) is an American politician and lawyer. He represented Vermont in the United States Senate from 1975 to 2023. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He also served as the President pro tempore of the United States Senate twice. This role means he was the most senior senator in the majority party.
Leahy served for 48 years, making him one of the longest-serving U.S. senators in history. He was the longest-serving member of the United States Congress to serve only as a senator. During his time, he led important groups like the Senate Appropriations Committee. He also chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee. In March 2022, he became the most senior member of Congress. Leahy was the first Democrat ever elected to the U.S. Senate from Vermont.
One of Leahy's most important laws is the Leahy Law. This law stops the United States from giving money to foreign military groups that violate human rights. Leahy was the main officer during Donald Trump's second impeachment trial. In 2023, the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport was named after him.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Leahy was born in Montpelier, Vermont. His mother's family was from Italy, and his father's family was from Ireland. Some of his ancestors came to Vermont in the 1800s. They worked in granite quarries and factories.
The Leahy family owned a printing business. They also published the Waterbury Record newspaper. Patrick Leahy went to Catholic schools in Montpelier. He graduated from St. Michael's High School in 1957.
In 1961, Leahy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Saint Michael's College. While in college, he was part of several clubs. These included the Knights of Columbus and the Glee Club. He was also on the school's rifle team.
In 1964, Leahy received his law degree (Juris Doctor) from Georgetown University Law Center. During law school, he was active in the Phi Delta Phi legal honor society. He also helped people through Georgetown Law's Legal Aid Society.
Early Career in Law
After law school, Leahy became a lawyer. He worked at a law firm in Burlington, Vermont. The firm was led by Philip H. Hoff, who was then the governor of Vermont. In 1965, Leahy also became an assistant for the Vermont General Assembly. He was also appointed as Burlington's assistant city attorney.
In May 1966, Governor Hoff made Leahy the State's Attorney for Chittenden County. Leahy was elected to this job in 1966 and again in 1970.
U.S. Senate Service
Starting His Senate Career (1975–1987)
Leahy wanted to be the Governor of Vermont. But in 1974, he decided to run for the United States Senate. This was after the Watergate scandal led to President Richard Nixon's resignation. Leahy won a close election against Richard W. Mallary. He took the place of the retiring George Aiken.
At 34, Leahy was the youngest U.S. senator in Vermont's history. He was the first non-Republican senator from Vermont since 1856. He is the only Democrat ever elected to the Senate from Vermont.
In 1980, Leahy won reelection by a small number of votes. In 1986, he won again with 63 percent of the vote. Since then, Leahy has not faced a very strong opponent in his elections.
In 1981, Leahy wanted to increase the budget for the United States Department of Energy. He said that cuts to the budget were like letting oil companies get away with breaking rules. This idea was not approved by the Senate.
In 1982, Leahy voted for a five-cent increase on gasoline taxes. This money would help pay for highway repairs and public transportation. The bill passed on the last day of the 97th United States Congress. In 1983, Leahy voted for a bill to create Martin Luther King Jr. Day. President Ronald Reagan signed it into law. In 1984, Leahy voted against allowing silent prayer in public schools.
Leading Committees (1987–1999)
Leahy became the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee in 1987. He was also involved in efforts to ban anti-personnel land mines around the world. In 1992, he wrote a law to stop the export of land mines. This was the first law of its kind.
In 1992, Leahy supported a plan for the U.S. to give loan guarantees to Israel. This was if Israel stopped building settlements. In 1993, Leahy voted for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This agreement created a free trade zone between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Leahy worked to protect funding for food assistance programs. He also pushed for healthier school lunches. In 1994, he introduced a law to encourage schools to ban sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks. He said, "It would be better to put pupils ahead of vending profits." This bill became law.
From 1999 to 2009
In the 1998 Senate election, Republican candidate Fred Tuttle supported Leahy. Tuttle was a retired farmer and actor. He ran for Congress to promote his movie and to make fun of another candidate. Tuttle told voters to support Leahy. Leahy was very touched by this. He said Tuttle was the "distilled essence of Vermonthood."
After the September 11 attacks, Leahy spoke about government power. He said the White House increased its power in the name of fighting terrorism. He also said the administration did not answer questions from elected officials. Leahy was one of two senators targeted in the 2001 anthrax attacks. The letter meant for him was stopped before it reached his office.
In 2004, Leahy received an award for his work on privacy and open government. He is known as a leading supporter of privacy in Congress. He opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Leahy has a mixed record on gun control. He voted against the Brady Bill. But he voted for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). He also supported phasing out farm subsidies.
In 2006, Leahy was one of ten senators to vote against a bill to extend the USA PATRIOT Act. This act changed how temporary U.S. attorneys were appointed.
Later Career (2009–2023)
Leahy supported Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.
In 2009, President Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. Leahy defended Sotomayor against critics. He said her career showed she always followed the law. He added that trying to twist her record was disrespectful to women and people of color.
In 2010, Leahy introduced a bill to fight online copyright infringement. In 2011, he introduced the Protect IP Act (PIPA). This bill aimed to give the U.S. government tools to fight online piracy. Critics said it might limit free speech online.
Leahy chaired the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee from 1987 to 1995. He also led the Judiciary Committee from 2001 to 2003 and from 2007 to 2015. He is a key Democratic leader on rules for choosing federal judges.
In December 2012, Leahy became the President pro tempore of the Senate. This happened after Senator Daniel Inouye passed away. Leahy was the most senior senator in the majority party. He was succeeded by Orrin Hatch in 2015.
In 2013, Leahy was one of 24 senators to sign a letter about hate crimes. The letter said that Sikh, Hindu, and Arab Americans were often targets of violence. It asked the government to track information about these crimes.
In June 2013, Leahy proposed recognizing same-sex marriages in immigration laws. He said this would end discrimination in the immigration system. He believed it was the right thing to do for the LGBT community.
In 2015, Leahy led a group of lawmakers to Cuba. This was after President Obama announced new relations between the U.S. and Cuba. In July 2015, Leahy supported the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. This was an international agreement about Iran's nuclear program. He said it was better than war.
In April 2017, Leahy supported a bill to restore an FCC rule. This rule would require internet providers to get permission before selling customer data.
In September 2017, Leahy was one of eight senators to vote against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill included a lot of money for defense spending.
In November 2017, Leahy signed a letter to the Prime Minister of Israel. The letter urged him to stop demolishing Palestinian villages. The senators said this would hurt efforts for peace.
In January 2018, Leahy did not support a bill to prevent a government shutdown. He said the bill left "too much undone." He also said it was "woefully inadequate."
In February 2018, Leahy asked the Pentagon to estimate the cost of a military parade. He called the parade "inappropriate and wasteful" during a time of war.
In September 2018, Leahy spoke about funding for a veterans' care program. He warned that the program would be unfunded without more money.
In October 2018, Leahy asked President Trump to investigate the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. He asked for findings within 120 days.
In December 2018, Leahy signed a letter about the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. He expressed concern about the Trump administration ending its obligations.
After Representative Don Young passed away in March 2022, Leahy became the longest-serving current member of Congress. Leahy's last term ended in January 2023. He was the last U.S. senator who had been in office since the 1970s.
Committee Roles
Leahy served on several important committees:
- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
- Committee on Appropriations (he was the chairman)
- Committee on the Judiciary
- Committee on Rules and Administration
Nomination for UN General Assembly
In September 2022, Leahy was chosen to represent the United States. He was part of the delegation to the Seventy-seventh session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Political Views
Leahy generally holds progressive political views. These views are common in Vermont.
Agriculture
In 2019, Leahy worked with other senators to help students get local foods. They wanted to increase funding for the Farm to School Grant Program.
In March 2019, Leahy signed a letter about dairy farmers. The letter warned that farmers were struggling with low prices. It urged the Agriculture Department to help them.
In May 2019, Leahy criticized the USDA for using farm bailout money. He said it was wrong to give money to foreign companies instead of American farmers.
Civil Rights and Privacy
Leahy has been supported by the NAACP. He strongly supports affirmative action. He has also supported the legalization of gay marriage. He wants to reduce discrimination against gay and lesbian people.
Leahy is a main sponsor of the Email Privacy Act. This bill would update privacy rules for emails. He is known for protecting people's privacy.
Defense
Leahy was a longtime critic of the Iraq War. He wanted a timeline for troops to leave. He also criticized the PATRIOT Act.
In June 2013, after news of government surveillance programs, Leahy introduced a bill. It would make rules stricter for getting warrants for domestic surveillance.
Leahy has always been against the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. He also supported punishing those who profit from war.
Economy
Leahy has always supported progressive tax rates. This means wealthier people pay a higher percentage in taxes. He has opposed removing the Estate Tax. He also spoke against cutting taxes for the wealthy.
Leahy strongly supports the rights of employees. He has voted to increase the minimum wage. He also voted to make it easier for unions to organize.
Environment
Leahy has been a strong supporter of environmental policies. He has supported bills to increase hydrogen car production. He also supports reducing oil use and increasing funding for solar and wind power.
Climate Change
In 2011, Leahy voted against limiting the EPA's ability to control greenhouse gas emissions. In 2015, he supported Obama's Clean Power Plan. He believes that human activity has largely caused climate change.
In June 2017, after President Trump left the Paris Agreement, Leahy called it a "great leap backward." He said it would harm future generations and the planet.
Gun Laws
Leahy generally supports gun control. This includes requiring background checks at gun shows. He also supports allowing lawsuits against gun makers.
In January 2019, Leahy introduced a bill to expand background checks. This bill would require background checks for almost all gun sales.
Health Care
Leahy has said that public health care is important. He voted to increase Medicare benefits. He also voted to let Medicare negotiate lower drug prices.
In March 2017, Leahy praised the Affordable Care Act. He said Republicans were trying to undo it with a bill that mostly cut taxes for the rich.
In September 2017, Leahy co-sponsored the Medicare for All Act. This bill would create a single-payer healthcare system in the U.S.
Immigration
In February 2018, Leahy said Congress should act on immigration reform. He urged them to pass new laws.
In June 2018, Leahy wrote a letter about military lawyers. He said sending them to prosecute immigration cases was wrong.
In August 2018, Leahy signed a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security. It demanded action to reunite migrant children with their families.
In January 2019, Leahy sponsored the Dreamer Confidentiality Act. This bill would stop the Department of Homeland Security from sharing information about DACA recipients.
Internet Privacy
In April 2017, Leahy sponsored a law to bring back FCC rules. These rules would require internet providers to get customer permission to sell their data.
Iran
In May 2018, Leahy signed a letter to Trump. It urged him not to leave the Iran nuclear deal.
Israel
Leahy has supported Israel's right to defend itself. But he has also criticized human rights issues in the region.
In 2011, Leahy wanted to cut military aid to some Israeli military units. This was after reports of human rights violations.
In April 2019, Leahy introduced a resolution to restore U.S. aid to the West Bank and Gaza.
LGBT Issues
In October 2018, Leahy signed a letter to the Secretary of State. It urged him to reverse a policy affecting visas for same-sex partners of LGBTQ diplomats.
North Korea
In June 2018, Leahy signed a letter to Trump about North Korea. It said they would not support lifting sanctions unless a nuclear agreement met certain standards.
Russia
In December 2010, Leahy voted for the New START treaty. This treaty reduced nuclear weapons between the U.S. and Russian Federation.
In February 2017, Leahy signed a letter to the Attorney General. It asked for an independent investigation into possible ties between the Trump campaign and the Russian government.
Other Issues
Leahy has always voted to support Social Security. He has also opposed school vouchers.
Leahy supported Joe Biden's plan to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
Awards and Honors
In 2013, Leahy received the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award for Public Service. In 2014, he won awards for his website and social media use.
Leahy has received several honorary degrees from colleges. These include:
- Saint Michael's College, 1976
- Middlebury College, 2011
- Albany College of Pharmacy, 2013
- Green Mountain College, 2014
- University of Portland, 2023
After Leahy retired in 2023, Burlington International Airport was renamed for him. Leahy said he was happy that the airport where he took his first flight was named after him. In 2023, he received an honorary OBE from the British Government. This was for his work on UK/USA relations.
Personal Life
Family
Leahy married Marcelle Pomerleau in 1962. Her parents came from Quebec, and she speaks both English and French. Marcelle is a registered nurse. The Leahys live in a farmhouse in Middlesex, Vermont. They have three children. Their daughter Alicia is married to White House photographer Lawrence Jackson. In 2022, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Health
In January 2021, Leahy was hospitalized after feeling ill. This was hours after he was sworn in for Trump's second impeachment trial. He returned home the same day.
In June 2022, Leahy broke his hip after falling at home. He had surgery the next day. He had a second surgery in July 2022. He was hospitalized again in October 2022 for tests.
Other Interests
Leahy is a published photographer and author. He is a Roman Catholic. He attends church in Waterbury, Vermont, and Washington, D.C..
Comic Book Fan
Leahy is a big fan of comic books, especially Batman. He has written introductions for several Batman comic book collections.
Leahy has also appeared in Batman movies and TV shows. He had a small role in Batman Forever (1995). He voiced a character in Batman: The Animated Series (1995). He appeared as himself in Batman & Robin (1997). He played a board member in The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). He also appeared in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016).
All the money he earns from these roles goes to charities. Most of it goes to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Vermont. This is where he learned to read as a child.
University of Vermont Fellow
In March 2023, the University of Vermont (UVM) announced that Leahy joined as a distinguished fellow. In this role, he works on research and academic projects. He also advises students and faculty. He is a guest lecturer and represents the university at public events.
In May 2023, UVM named its Honors College after Leahy. The Honors College helps students become original thinkers and compassionate leaders.
In August 2023, UVM announced that Leahy donated his personal Senate papers. This collection of about 1,000 boxes will be available to students and the public.
Film Appearances
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Batman Forever | Himself | Uncredited cameo | |
| Batman: The Animated Series | Territorial Governor | Voice; Episode: "Showdown" | ||
| 1997 | Batman & Robin | Himself | Cameo | |
| 2008 | The Dark Knight | Wayne Enterprises board member | ||
| 2012 | The Dark Knight Rises | |||
| 2016 | Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice | Senator Purrington |
Images for kids
-
Patrick Leahy's signature
