William Broomfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Broomfield
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 18th district |
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| In office January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | James Blanchard |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 19th district |
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| In office January 3, 1973 – January 3, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Jack H. McDonald |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 18th district |
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| In office January 3, 1957 – January 3, 1973 |
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| Preceded by | George A. Dondero |
| Succeeded by | Robert J. Huber |
| Member of the Michigan Senate from the 12th district |
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| In office 1955–1956 |
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| Preceded by | George N. Higgins |
| Succeeded by | L. Harvey Lodge |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the Oakland County 5th district |
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| In office 1949–1954 |
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| Preceded by | George Mathieson |
| Succeeded by | Theodore F. Hughes |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 28, 1922 Royal Oak, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | February 20, 2019 (aged 96) Kensington, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Jane
(m. 1951; died 2013) |
| Profession | Real Estate, Politician |
William S. Broomfield (born April 28, 1922, died February 20, 2019) was an important American politician from the state of Michigan. He served in the United States Congress for many years, helping to make laws for the country.
Early Life and Education
William S. Broomfield was born in Royal Oak, Michigan. His father was a dentist. William went to Royal Oak High School, graduating in 1940. After high school, he attended Michigan State College, which is now Michigan State University.
During World War II, William Broomfield served in the United States Army Air Corps. This was a part of the military that flew planes. After the war ended, he worked in real estate. This means he helped people buy, sell, and manage properties.
Political Career
William Broomfield began his political career in Michigan. He was a member of the Michigan State House of Representatives from 1949 to 1954. In 1953, he even served as the speaker pro tempore, which means he helped lead the meetings. He then served in the Michigan State Senate in 1955 and 1956.
In 1956, Broomfield was elected to the United States House of Representatives. This is one of the two parts of the U.S. Congress that makes laws. He was a member of the Republican Party. He represented Michigan's 18th District. He served in Congress for a very long time, from January 3, 1957, until January 3, 1993.
During his time in Congress, Broomfield was a key member of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. This committee deals with how the U.S. interacts with other countries. From 1975 until he retired, he was the top Republican on this committee. When he retired, he was the longest-serving Republican in the House of Representatives. People from both political parties respected him for his honesty and fairness. He was known for working well with others.
Broomfield supported important laws that helped ensure equal rights for all Americans. He voted for the Civil Rights Act of 1957, Civil Rights Act of 1960, Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Civil Rights Act of 1968. These laws worked to end discrimination. He also supported the Twenty-fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which banned poll taxes, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which protected the right to vote for everyone.
Life After Congress
After retiring from Congress, William Broomfield started a foundation in Michigan. This foundation helps different charities in southeast Michigan. These charities work on important causes like finding cures for cancer, spina bifida, and Alzheimer's disease. They also support organizations like The Salvation Army.
In September 2000, the U.S. Congress honored him. They named the Royal Oak Post Office in his hometown the William S. Broomfield Post Office Building.
On December 30, 2006, Broomfield was at the memorial for former U.S. President Gerald Ford. He briefly collapsed because he was very tired.
William Broomfield's wife, Jane, passed away in 2013. William Broomfield himself died on February 20, 2019, at the age of 96. He lived in Kensington, Maryland, in his later years.
