Claude Pepper

Claude Pepper (1900–1989) was an American politician from Florida who served in both chambers of Congress, first as a U.S. Senator (1936–1951) and later as a U.S. Representative (1963–1989). A prominent New Deal liberal, he supported expansive federal programs and was an early advocate of international cooperation after World War II. After losing his Senate seat during the early Cold War era, Pepper returned to public office and became widely known for championing the interests of older Americans. As chair of the House Select Committee on Aging, he helped elevate issues such as retirement security and health care for the elderly.