John D. Rockefeller, IV

John D. Rockefeller, IV served as a Senator from West Virginia in the United States Congress from 1985 to 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, John D. Rockefeller, IV contributed to the legislative process during 5 terms in office.

John D. Rockefeller, IV’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the Senate, John D. Rockefeller, IV participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

John Davison “Jay” Rockefeller IV (born June 18, 1937) is an American retired politician who served as a United States senator from West Virginia from 1985 to 2015. He was first elected to the Senate in 1984, while in office as governor of West Virginia (1977–1985). Rockefeller moved to Emmons, West Virginia, to serve as a Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) worker in 1964 and was first elected to public office as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates (1966–1968). Rockefeller was later elected secretary of state of West Virginia (1968–1973) and was president of West Virginia Wesleyan College (1973–1975). He became the state’s senior U.S. senator when the long-serving Senator Robert Byrd died in June 2010. Rockefeller was the only serving politician of the Rockefeller family during his tenure in the United States Senate, and the only one to have held office as a Democrat, in what has been a traditionally Republican family. He did not seek reelection in 2014 and was succeeded by Republican U.S. Representative Shelley Moore Capito. He served on the powerful Senate Finance Committee, including as chairman of the Subcommittee on Medicare and Long-term Care (later Health Care). He became a leading spokesman for healthcare reform, advocating for improved and modernized Medicare, expanded access to healthcare, and increased health coverage for children. He authored the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), that has provided health care coverage for millions of poor children. He played a crucial role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, advocating for a public insurance option. Rockefeller was also a major player regarding veterans’ issues, serving on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee for his entire Senate career, including multiple terms as its chairman. He focused on expanding research and treatment for service-related illnesses like Gulf War Illness and Agent Orange. He worked to reform the Veterans Affairs healthcare system.