The Honorable Lois Capps
Trained as a nurse, Lois Capps unexpectedly entered politics when her husband died in office. During her 19 years in the House, Capps drew on her previous career and created the Nursing Caucus, worked on the Affordable Care Act, and advocated for environmental conservation from a public health standpoint.
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Energy and Commerce Committee: Part One
Energy and Commerce Committee: Part One
The Honorable Lois Capps, U.S. Representative of California
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Abstract & Transcript
U.S. Representative from California (March 10, 1998–January 3, 2017)
After earning a nursing degree, Lois Capps was working as school nurse when her husband Walter ran for Congress. He successfully challenged the incumbent in 1996, but suddenly died 10 months into his House career. Capps decided to run for the open seat—not to continue her husband’s legacy, but to start her own. In her oral history, she reflects on the support she received from her family during her 19 years in the House, the importance of seniority in Congress, and the evolution of women as political leaders and role models for aspiring legislators.
Additionally, Capps explains how being a public health nurse shaped her entire legislative outlook. She kept her nursing license current throughout her tenure, started the Nursing Caucus, and encouraged nurses to run for office, recognizing their people skills as a strength in politics. Capps recalls successfully campaigning for Energy and Commerce Chairman John D. Dingell Jr. to give her a spot on the Health Subcommittee, where she worked on the Affordable Care Act. From her seat on the Natural Resources Committee, she addressed forest fires, oil spills, and other environmental concerns in her district, which she viewed as a health concern for her constituents.
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Female Role Models
Female Role Models
The Honorable Lois Capps, U.S. Representative of California
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Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee
Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee
The Honorable Lois Capps, U.S. Representative of California
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Walter Capps' Background: Part One
Walter Capps' Background: Part One
The Honorable Lois Capps, U.S. Representative of California
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Walter Capps' Background: Part Two
Walter Capps' Background: Part Two
The Honorable Lois Capps, U.S. Representative of California
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Advice from Senator Bob Kerrey
Advice from Senator Bob Kerrey
The Honorable Lois Capps, U.S. Representative of California
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Democratic Welcome
Democratic Welcome
The Honorable Lois Capps, U.S. Representative of California
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Energy and Commerce Committee: Part One
Energy and Commerce Committee: Part One
The Honorable Lois Capps, U.S. Representative of California
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Energy and Commerce Committee: Part Two
Energy and Commerce Committee: Part Two
The Honorable Lois Capps, U.S. Representative of California
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Republican Cosponsors
Republican Cosponsors
The Honorable Lois Capps, U.S. Representative of California
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"Learning from Our Mistakes"
"Learning from Our Mistakes"
The Honorable Lois Capps, U.S. Representative of California
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"You Have to Make Stuff Happen"
"You Have to Make Stuff Happen"
The Honorable Lois Capps, U.S. Representative of California
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