DeLauro, Rosa L.

Rosa DeLauro represents Connecticut's 3rd congressional district and serves as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, the chamber's most powerful fiscal body. As ranking member of the minority party, she leads Democratic opposition on the committee and shapes her party's positions on federal spending priorities, budget negotiations, and fiscal policy. The Appropriations Committee controls how taxpayer dollars are allocated across the federal government, making this role central to Congress's legislative power. DeLauro has held this position since 2020, when she became the second woman to chair the committee during the Democratic majority.

DeLauro's background prepared her for fiscal and policy leadership. Born and raised in New Haven to an Italian-American family, she earned degrees from Marymount College and Columbia University, where she studied international politics. Before entering Congress in 1991, she worked as chief of staff to Senator Chris Dodd, served as executive director of EMILY's List, a major Democratic fundraising organization, and managed regional campaign operations for presidential candidates. She also co-chaired the House Democratic Steering Committee for nearly two decades, giving her influence over committee assignments and party strategy.

As a senior appropriator, DeLauro has advanced legislation on healthcare, labor, and consumer protection. Her sponsored bills include measures on paid sick leave, infant formula safety, tariff relief, and departmental appropriations. She also serves as Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, positioning her to influence spending on social programs and workforce development. Since entering Congress over three decades ago, DeLauro has become Connecticut's senior congressional voice and a key Democratic leader on budget and spending matters.