Stephen Solarz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stephen Solarz
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 13th district
In office January 3, 1975 – January 3, 1993
Preceded by	Bertram L. Podell
Succeeded by	Nydia Velázquez (Redistricting)
Member of the New York State Assembly from the 45th district
In office January 1, 1969 – December 31, 1974
Preceded by	Max M. Turshen
Succeeded by	Chuck Schumer
Personal details
Born	Stephen Joshua Solarz (1940-09-12)September 12, 1940 New York City, U.S.
Died	November 29, 2010(2010-11-29) (aged 70) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Resting place	Congressional Cemetery
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Nina Koldin

Stephen Joshua Solarz (September 12, 1940 – November 29, 2010) was an American educator and politician. He served as a United States representative for New York. His political career ended in 1992.

Solarz was very involved in international issues. In Congress, he spoke out against President Ronald Reagan sending Marines to Lebanon in 1982. He also helped create the 1991 Gulf War Authorization Act. This happened during the presidency of George H. W. Bush.

Early Life and Education

Stephen Solarz was born in Manhattan, New York City. He went to public schools there. He finished Midwood High School in 1958.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Brandeis University in 1962. Later, he got a master's degree in public law and government from Columbia University in 1967. Solarz taught political science at Brooklyn College for a year.

Starting in Politics: New York Assembly

In 1966, Solarz managed a campaign for a U.S. House seat. He used what he learned to run for the State Assembly. Two years later, he won.

He was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1969 to 1974. In 1973, he ran for Brooklyn borough president but did not win. This race helped him become better known and make important contacts.

Serving in Congress

Becoming a U.S. Representative

In September 1974, Stephen Solarz won the Democratic primary election. He defeated the current representative, Bertram L. Podell. In November 1974, Solarz was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He started his term on January 3, 1975.

He was re-elected eight more times. He served in Congress until January 3, 1993.

Focus on Foreign Policy

Stephen Solarz was very active in foreign policy. On July 18, 1980, he became the first American official to visit North Korea since the Korean War. He was also the first to meet with Kim Il-sung.

In the 1980s, he led the Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee. This group focused on issues in Asia. He is well-remembered for his work on the Philippines. He left Manila just before Benigno Aquino Jr. returned to challenge President Ferdinand Marcos. After Aquino was killed, Solarz went back for the funeral. He then urged the Reagan administration to distance itself from the Marcos government.

When Marcos went into exile, Solarz visited one of his grand palaces. He shared news about Imelda Marcos's huge shoe collection. Solarz worked closely with Aquino's widow, Corazon Aquino, who became president. She called him the "Lafayette of the Philippines."

Solarz also had strong connections to India. Indian leaders respected him greatly. He visited India many times during and after his time in Congress. Once, he received a standing ovation in the Indian Parliament. This is a rare honor for Westerners. He helped improve relations between the U.S. and India.

In 1982 and 1986, Solarz met with Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. In 1998, he signed a letter to President Bill Clinton. The letter suggested that Saddam Hussein still had certain weapons. It also encouraged the president to use military force against Saddam.

Losing His Seat in 1992

After the 1990 United States Census, congressional districts were redrawn. Solarz's district was split into six parts. He decided to run for an open seat in the 12th Congressional District. This district had many Hispanic voters.

However, Solarz was affected by a banking issue in the House of Representatives. He had written many overdrafts. He was not charged, but the situation impacted his campaign. Solarz lost the Democratic primary to Nydia Velazquez.

After Congress

In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed Solarz to lead the Central Asian-American Enterprise Fund. This fund helped private businesses grow in Central Asia. He stayed in this role until 1998.

In 1994, Solarz was considered for the United States Ambassador to India position. However, his nomination did not go through.

From 1994 until his death, Solarz remained active with the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs. He was also part of the International Crisis Group. He co-chaired the American Committee for Peace in the Caucasus with Zbigniew Brzezinski.

Solarz served on the board of directors for the National Endowment for Democracy from 1992 to 2001. He received their Democracy Service Medal when he retired. He also helped start the Hollings Center for International Dialogue and served on its board until his death.

Awards

• Democracy Service Medal (2001), National Endowment for Democracy

Death

Stephen Solarz passed away on November 29, 2010. He was 70 years old. He died from esophageal cancer in Washington, D.C. He was buried at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Images for kids

• 

  Stephen J. Solarz Way