Tom Harkin
Tom Harkin
Full Name and Common Aliases
Tom Harkin is a renowned American politician and former member of the U.S. Senate. He was born Charles Thomas Harkin on November 19, 1939.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: November 19, 1939
Still living
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession:
Politician
Lawyer
Early Life and Background
Tom Harkin was born in Burlington, Iowa. His father, Patrick Robert Harkin, was a farmer, and his mother, Rose Ann Owens, worked as a schoolteacher. The youngest of four children, Tom grew up on the family farm and developed a strong connection to agriculture and rural communities.
Harkin attended the University of Iowa, where he earned a degree in government in 1963. He later received a law degree from the same institution in 1964. After graduating from law school, Harkin moved to Washington, D.C., to work as a congressional aide and began building his career in politics.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Tom Harkin has made significant contributions to various fields. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Advocate for Disability Rights: As a senator, Harkin played a crucial role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. This landmark legislation has had a lasting impact on disability rights and accessibility.
Supporter of Renewable Energy: Tom Harkin has been a long-time advocate for renewable energy sources, including wind power and solar energy. He sponsored several bills aimed at promoting clean energy production and reducing the country's reliance on fossil fuels.
Healthcare Reform Champion: As a senator, Harkin worked tirelessly to improve access to healthcare for all Americans. He supported various healthcare reform initiatives, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which expanded health insurance coverage to millions of people.Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions taken by Tom Harkin include:
Author of the 1990 Farm Bill: As a senator, Harkin played a key role in drafting the 1990 Farm Bill, which aimed to reform agricultural policies and provide support for farmers. This legislation has had lasting impacts on rural communities and food production.
Supporter of the Iraq War Resolution: In 2002, Tom Harkin voted in favor of the Iraq War Resolution, authorizing military action against Iraq.Impact and Legacy
Tom Harkin's impact on American politics is undeniable. His commitment to disability rights, renewable energy, and healthcare reform has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations of politicians.
As a senator, Tom Harkin was known for his passion and dedication to the causes he believed in. He worked tirelessly to build coalitions and find common ground between opposing parties, earning him respect from colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Tom Harkin's quotes often reflect his commitment to social justice and his desire for a more equitable society. He has been widely quoted on issues such as:
Disability Rights: Tom Harkin has spoken out about the importance of accessibility and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
* Renewable Energy: As an advocate for clean energy, Harkin has emphasized the need to transition away from fossil fuels and towards sustainable sources of power.
Overall, Tom Harkin's life and career are a testament to his dedication to public service and his commitment to creating positive change in the world. His quotes and legacy continue to inspire individuals working towards a more just and equitable society.
Quotes by Tom Harkin
Tom Harkin's insights on:
Let's face it, in America today we don't have a health care system, we have a sick care system.
While President Bush’s tax give-aways for the rich are pushing us further into debt, he compensates by increasing the out-of-pocket costs to our veterans.
I’ve always been for immigration reform; in 2007 I just didn’t feel it had enough protections.
Today, only two groups in the United States have total immunity from lawsuits: foreign diplomats and HMOs. We believe it’s time to end diplomatic immunity for HMOs. Holding them accountable is the only way to guarantee that you get the health care your family deserves.
Let’s face it, in America today we don’t have a health care system, we have a sick care system.
If we are serious about combating the childhood obesity epidemic and improving child nutrition, then everyone must chip in – parents, schools, and yes even Congress.
Let’s face it, in America today we don’t have a health care system, we have a sick care system. We wait until people become obese, develop chronic diseases, or become disabled – and then we spend untold hundreds of billions annually to try to make them better.
I am a Democrat and I love my party and I want them to have good policies and good candidates, so I hope to be supportive in some way, but I don’t intend to be any kind of ‘godfather’ or something like that.
America’s health care system is in crisis precisely because we systematically neglect wellness and prevention.
It is long past time to eliminate bigotry in the workplace and to ensure equal opportunity for all Americans. It is time to make clear that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans are first class citizens. They are full and welcome members of our American family and they deserve the same civil rights protections as all other Americans. It is time for us to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Such discrimination is wrong and should not be tolerated.