Jacob Javits

Jacob Koppel Javits (May 18, 1904 – March 7, 1986) was an American lawyer and politician who served as a United States Senator from New York from 1957 to 1981. A member of the Republican Party, Javits was a prominent liberal during his time in Congress, known for his work on civil rights, health care, education, and labor legislation. His career was marked by his advocacy for social welfare programs and a strong foreign policy.

Early Life and Education

Jacob Javits was born to Russian Jewish immigrants in New York City. He grew up in a poor neighborhood in the Lower East Side. Javits graduated from George Washington High School and went on to attend New York University (NYU), where he earned a bachelor's degree. He later received his law degree from New York University School of Law.

Political Career

Javits's political career began in the New York State Assembly, where he served from 1947 to 1954. He then moved to the federal level, serving as U.S. Representative for New York's 21st congressional district from 1947 to 1954. Javits was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1956, defeating the incumbent Democrat. He was re-elected three times, serving until 1981.

Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Javits was known for his bipartisanship and his ability to work across the aisle. He played a key role in the passage of landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the War Powers Act. Javits was also a strong supporter of the State of Israel and worked to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations.

Later Years and Legacy

After losing the Republican primary in 1980, Javits ran for re-election as the Liberal Party nominee but was defeated. He continued to be active in public life until his death in 1986 from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Javits's legacy is remembered for his contributions to civil rights, health care, and his efforts to promote bipartisanship in American politics. The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City is named in his honor, as is the Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program, which supports graduate students in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

See Also

• List of United States Senators from New York
• Liberal Republicanism
• Civil Rights Movement