Pat Schroeder - U.S. House of Representatives from Colorado

Pat Schroeder (Deceased) Pat Schroeder (1940–2023) was an American politician, attorney, and longtime member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Colorado. Born in Portland, Oregon, Schroeder earned a law degree from Harvard Law School and worked as an attorney before entering politics. In 1972, she was elected to Congress, becoming the first woman elected to the House of Representatives from Colorado. Schroeder served in Congress from 1973 to 1997 and became known for her work on women’s rights, family issues, military policy, and workplace equality. She was a strong advocate for legislation dealing with family and medical leave, child care, and protections against discrimination. In 1987, Schroeder briefly explored a campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination but ultimately decided not to run. After leaving Congress, she became president and chief executive of the Association of American Publishers, where she represented the publishing industry on copyright and related issues. Schroeder was known for her outspoken style, humor, and willingness to challenge traditional political institutions. Her 24 years in Congress made her one of the most prominent female lawmakers of her generation. She died in 2023 at age 82.