Membership Directory

(1927 – 2003) Born in Tolleson, Arizona, Entered U.S. Navy at age 16 and participated in the invasions of Luzon, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Elected to Arizona House of Representatives in 1959, Senate in 1967. President of Senate 1975-1976. Elected to U.S. House of Representatives in 1976 to 95th Congress and re-elected to every Congress from 96th through 107th when he retired. As Chairman, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee oversaw largest single year budget increase for VA health care in history. Authored Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act, the most comprehensive veterans’ benefits legislation in a decade. As the Chairman, House Armed Services Committee, has overseen largest sustained increase to defense spending since Reagan administration. Instrumental in honoring America’s war heroes by expanding Arlington National Cemetery, establishing a site for the Air Force Memorial, and assuring construction on the long-awaited World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Recognized for his long record of accomplishments in enhancing the national security of the United States and his legislative victories on behalf of active duty service members, guardsmen, reservists, and veterans.