Patricia Schroeder Biography

Patricia Schroeder

During her 12 terms as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Colorado (1972–1996), Schroeder was an outspoken advocate of women and children and vigorously pursued a national family policy. The Family and Medical Leave Act and the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act were enacted during her tenure as chair of the House Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families (1991–1993). She was also the Dean of Congressional Women and co-chaired the Congressional Caucus of Women's Issues. Schroeder served on the House Judiciary Committee and the Post Office and Civil Service Committee. She was the first woman member of the House Armed Services Committee and championed the cause of women in the military and sought to control military spending.

Schroeder graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1961 and earned a law degree from Harvard University in 1964. Before she began her career in politics Schroeder worked as a lawyer with the National Labor Relations Board and Planned Parenthood and taught law.

Since leaving Congress Schroeder has been president and CEO of the Association of American Publishers.