Julia Hansen

Julia Butler Hansen was an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Washington's third congressional district from 1960 to 1974. A member of the Democratic Party, Hansen was notable for being the second woman and the first Democratic woman elected to Congress from Washington. Her political career spanned over three decades, during which she became involved in various legislative efforts and served on multiple committees, reflecting her commitment to public service and her constituents.

Early life and career

Julia Butler Hansen was born on June 14, 1907, in Wahkiakum County, Washington. She was the daughter of Donald C. Butler, who served as the county sheriff, and Maude Eliza Kimball, who was recognized as Washington's "Mother of the Year" in 1960. Hansen received her early education in public schools in Washington and pursued higher education at Oregon State College from 1924 to 1926. She later graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a Bachelor of Arts degree in home economics in 1930.

Hansen's entry into public service began in local government, where she served on the city council of Cathlamet, Washington, from 1938 to 1946. Her political career continued to evolve as she was elected to the Washington State Legislature, where she served in the State House of Representatives from January 1939 until November 1960. During her tenure in the state legislature, she made history by becoming the first woman to hold the position of speaker pro tempore from 1955 to 1960. In addition to her legislative duties, Hansen was actively involved in transportation policy, serving as the chairman of the Western Interstate Committee on Highway Policies for eleven western states from 1951 to 1961. This role allowed her to influence transportation infrastructure and policy across a significant region.

House tenure

Hansen's congressional career began when she was elected as a Democrat to the Eighty-sixth Congress in a special election held to fill the vacancy left by the death of Representative Russell V. Mack. She was simultaneously elected to the Eighty-seventh Congress and went on to serve a total of eight terms in the House of Representatives from November 8, 1960, until January 3, 1975. Throughout her time in Congress, Hansen was re-elected to six consecutive terms, demonstrating her sustained support among her constituents.

During her tenure in the House, Hansen served on several important committees, including the House Appropriations Committee, where she contributed to budgetary decisions and funding allocations. Prior to her time on the Appropriations Committee, she was involved with committees focused on education, labor, veterans' affairs, and interior and insular affairs. Hansen's voting record during her time in Congress was predominantly liberal, reflecting her alignment with progressive policies and initiatives.

Hansen was also active in the internal workings of the Democratic Party within Congress. From 1970 to 1974, she chaired the House Democratic Caucus's Committee on Organization, Study and Review, commonly referred to as the Reform Committee. This committee was instrumental in leading a series of internal rules changes aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the House.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout her congressional career, Julia Butler Hansen was involved in various legislative efforts that addressed critical social issues of her time. She voted in favor of significant civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968, as well as the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These votes underscored her commitment to advancing civil rights and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.

Hansen's legislative focus extended beyond civil rights; she was also concerned with issues related to education, labor, and veterans' affairs. Her participation in the House Appropriations Committee allowed her to influence funding for various programs and initiatives that impacted her constituents and the broader public.

After her congressional career, Hansen chose not to seek re-election in 1974. In 1975, she was appointed to a six-year term on the Washington State Toll Bridge Authority and the State Highway Commission, where she continued to contribute to transportation policy in Washington. She later served as chair of the Washington State Transportation Commission from 1979 to 1981, further emphasizing her long-standing interest in transportation issues.

In addition to her political career, Hansen was an accomplished author, having written a children's book titled "Singing Paddles," which was published in 1935 and received the Julia Ellsworth Ford Foundation Award for Juvenile Literature. She was also involved in local business, managing the Wahkiakum County Abstract Company and the G. Henry Hanigan Insurance Company in Cathlamet.

Hansen's legacy extends beyond her political achievements. She is honored by the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer, a National Wildlife Refuge established in 1972 in Cathlamet, as well as the Julia Butler Hansen Elementary School, which opened in 1994 in the Olympia School District. Additionally, the Julia Butler Hansen Bridge connects Cathlamet to Puget Island, further solidifying her impact on the community.

Julia Butler Hansen passed away on May 3, 1988, in Cathlamet, Washington, leaving behind a legacy of public service and dedication to her constituents. Her contributions to the legislative process and her role as a pioneering woman in politics continue to be recognized and remembered in Washington and beyond.