Career
In 1966, Steiger was elected to the 90th United States Congress as the representative of Wisconsin's 6th congressional district. He was reelected to the six succeeding congresses as well. Steiger however died in office before being able to serve as part of the 96th Congress overall serving from January 3, 1967 till December 4, 1978. His death left a vacancy in the house that was filled by a special election resulting in the election of Tom Petri. While in the House, Steiger was a strong supporter of tax cuts as a way to stimulate the economy. He sponsored legislation reducing the capital gains tax, establishing OSHA, and securing environmental protection for the Great Lakes. The bills he authored on these topics include the Williams-Steiger Bill establishing OSHA in 1970, the Clear Lakes Bill establishing environmental protection for the Great Lakes, the Older Americans Act of 1965, the Elementary and Secondary School Act, the Manpower Act, and the Steiger Amendment of 1978 reducing the capital gains tax.
While a Congressman, in 1969 he employed the future Vice President Dick Cheney as an intern.
A rising star in politics, Steiger died in Washington D.C. at the age of 40 from a heart attack just weeks after winning reelection.
Read more about this topic: William A. Steiger
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