Bachelor's Degree, Mount Holyoke College. Former Assistant Secretary of State, State of New York; 1988, first elected to Congress. Leading Congressional proponent of: a strong US-Israel relationship; educational opportunity; healthcare reform and biomedical research; stricter gun control and public safety laws; environmental protection and women's issues. Leading advocate for: increased federal investments in biomedical research on cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's. Supporter of the Brady Law and the Assault Weapons Ban. Author of a bill to ensure that women in managed care plans have direct access to Ob-Gyns. 1990, passed legislation establishing a special Environmental Protection Agency office for the Long Island Sound. National leader in preserving strong environmental laws such as the Clear Air Act and the Clean Water Act. Former Chair: Congressional Women's Caucus; House Pro-Choice Caucus; established the Congressional Advisory Panel, National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. Chief advocate, annual US aid package to Israel, Appropriations Committee. Member, House Appropriations Committee. Ranking Democrat, State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Sub-committee.