US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party, he served the State of Illinois' 2nd (1969 to 1973) and 10th (1975 to 1979) Congressional Districts in the United States House of Representatives. Born to Jewish parents, he served as a navigator with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and following his return home, he attained his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School. He served as law clerk for United States Supreme Court Justice Sherman Minton, prior to being elected to and serving in the State of Illinois Legislature from 1956 to 1966. During this period, he focused on social reform bills dealing with such issues as crime and mental health. While in Washington, Mikva took a liberal stance and opposed the Vietnam War, favored abortion rights and gun control laws. He served on several key committees. He briefly lost his seat in Congress following redistricting, but was reelected in 1975. Mikva was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to serve as a judge in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (1979 to 1991). Additionally, he served as Counsel to President Bill Clinton from 1994 to 1995. Mikva was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2014.
US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party, he served the State of Illinois' 2nd (1969 to 1973) and 10th (1975 to 1979) Congressional Districts in the United States House of Representatives. Born to Jewish parents, he served as a navigator with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and following his return home, he attained his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School. He served as law clerk for United States Supreme Court Justice Sherman Minton, prior to being elected to and serving in the State of Illinois Legislature from 1956 to 1966. During this period, he focused on social reform bills dealing with such issues as crime and mental health. While in Washington, Mikva took a liberal stance and opposed the Vietnam War, favored abortion rights and gun control laws. He served on several key committees. He briefly lost his seat in Congress following redistricting, but was reelected in 1975. Mikva was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to serve as a judge in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (1979 to 1991). Additionally, he served as Counsel to President Bill Clinton from 1994 to 1995. Mikva was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2014.
Bio by: C.S.
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