US Presidential Cabinet Secretary, US Senator, US Congressman. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 14th Secretary of Health and Human Services during the Administration of President Ronald Reagan (1981 to 1983). He served the State of Pennsylvania's 13 Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 1961 until 1969 and represented the State of Pennsylvania in the United States Senate from 1969 until 1981. Upon high school graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy and was assigned to an aircraft carrier during World War II. Following his return home, he enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied Psychology and later worked for his family's title company. During his tenure in Congress and the Senate, he made health issues a priority and spearheaded legislation to fund research for such diseases as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. In addition, he was a proponent for civil rights, pension reform, mine safety and tuition tax relief. In 1965, he authored the Schweiker Act, which provided monetary awards to military personnel who devised money-saving ideas. During the Watergate crisis, Schweiker was among the early Republicans who called for President Nixon's resignation. In 1976, he was selected to become Ronald Reagan's running mate, however Reagan lost the Republican nomination to President Ford. After leaving Washington, he served as president of the American Council of Life Insurance. He died of complications from an infection.
US Presidential Cabinet Secretary, US Senator, US Congressman. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 14th Secretary of Health and Human Services during the Administration of President Ronald Reagan (1981 to 1983). He served the State of Pennsylvania's 13 Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 1961 until 1969 and represented the State of Pennsylvania in the United States Senate from 1969 until 1981. Upon high school graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy and was assigned to an aircraft carrier during World War II. Following his return home, he enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied Psychology and later worked for his family's title company. During his tenure in Congress and the Senate, he made health issues a priority and spearheaded legislation to fund research for such diseases as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. In addition, he was a proponent for civil rights, pension reform, mine safety and tuition tax relief. In 1965, he authored the Schweiker Act, which provided monetary awards to military personnel who devised money-saving ideas. During the Watergate crisis, Schweiker was among the early Republicans who called for President Nixon's resignation. In 1976, he was selected to become Ronald Reagan's running mate, however Reagan lost the Republican nomination to President Ford. After leaving Washington, he served as president of the American Council of Life Insurance. He died of complications from an infection.
Bio by: C.S.
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