John E. Fogarty papers

John E. Fogarty (1913-1967) was an American legislator who became known as "Mr. Public Health" for his advocacy of federal funding for medical research, health education, and health care services. After graduating from LaSalle Academy, Fogarty attended evening classes at Providence College. He then joined his older brother and father as an apprentice bricklayer, subsequently becoming the President of Bricklayers Union No. 1, laying the groundwork for his career in public service. As Democratic representative for Rhode Island, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1941 to 1967 and chaired the House Appropriations Subcommittee for the Departments of Labor and Health, Education, and Welfare from 1949 onward. During his congressional tenure, Fogarty championed a vast expansion of the National Institutes of Health, as well as aid to medical schools, libraries, and programs for children with disabilities. He sponsored or contributed to virtually every piece of health-related legislation introduced during this time. The John E. Fogarty Papers range from c.1941 to 1967 and contain personal and legislative correspondence, speeches, legislative records, photographs, and audiovisual materials.