Claude Pepper 1900-1989
United States Senator and Congressperson
Claude Pepper was a political leader and lawmaker who spent most of his life serving the state of Florida. He began his career in 1928, when he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives.
In 1936, Floridians elected Pepper to the United States Senate. He served for 14 years. Later, in 1962, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He died while serving his twelfth term.
In all these elected offices, Claude Pepper worked for laws that helped people. His goal was “to lighten the burden upon those who suffer,” he said.
He was especially interested in helping the elderly. Pepper worked to pass laws that gave elderly Americans better health care and more income. He worked to make it illegal for someone to refuse to hire senior citizens because of their age. Claude Pepper wanted the government to take better care of its people. In his 50-year career, he succeeded in making that happen.
Critical Thinking
Do you think Claude Pepper was a popular politician? Why or why not?