Margaret Chase Smith was the first woman elected to both Houses of Congress. The following link, courtesy of the U.S. Senate Historical office provides an outstanding profile of this notable Republican Senator from Maine. https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/minute/First_Woman_Both_Houses.htm

On June 1, 1950 Senator Smith delivered one of the most thoughtful and eloquent speeches in the Senate chamber with what is referred to as the “Declaration of Conscience” speech in opposition to McCarthyism where she warns against the “Four Horsemen of Calumny - Fear, Ignorance, Bigotry, and Smear.” Below is the link to the speech.  It should be required reading for every American citizen.

https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/SmithDeclaration.pdf

Mark J. Molli

Associate Director, Center for Civic Education