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{{Short description|American politician}} |
{{Short description|American politician}} |
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{{Infobox officeholder |
{{Infobox officeholder |
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|image = GBHSolomon.jpg |
| image = GBHSolomon.jpg |
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|office1 = Member of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]]<br /> from [[New York (state)|New York]] |
| office1 = Member of the <br>[[U.S. House of Representatives]]<br /> from [[New York (state)|New York]] |
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|constituency1 = {{ushr|NY|29|29th district}} (1979–1983)<br />{{ushr|NY|24|24th district}} (1983–1993)<br />{{ushr|NY|22|22nd district}} (1993–1999) |
| constituency1 = {{ushr|NY|29|29th district}} (1979–1983)<br />{{ushr|NY|24|24th district}} (1983–1993)<br />{{ushr|NY|22|22nd district}} (1993–1999) |
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|term_start1 = January 3, 1979 |
| term_start1 = January 3, 1979 |
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|term_end1 = January 3, 1999 |
| term_end1 = January 3, 1999 |
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|preceded1 = [[Edward W. Pattison]] |
| preceded1 = [[Edward W. Pattison]] |
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|succeeded1 = [[John E. Sweeney]] |
| succeeded1 = [[John E. Sweeney]] |
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|office2 = Chair of the [[House Rules Committee]] |
| office2 = Chair of the [[United States House Committee on Rules|House Rules Committee]] |
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|termstart2 = January 3, 1995 |
| termstart2 = January 3, 1995 |
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|termend2 = January 3, 1999 |
| termend2 = January 3, 1999 |
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|successor2 = [[David Dreier]] |
| successor2 = [[David Dreier]] |
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|predecessor2 = [[Joe Moakley]] |
| predecessor2 = [[Joe Moakley]] |
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|1blankname2 = [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|Speaker]] |
| 1blankname2 = [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|Speaker]] |
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|1namedata2 = [[Newt Gingrich]] |
| 1namedata2 = [[Newt Gingrich]] |
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|state_assembly3 = New York |
| state_assembly3 = New York |
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|district3 = 110th |
| district3 = [[New York's 110th State Assembly district|110th]] |
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|term_start3 = January 1, 1973 |
| term_start3 = January 1, 1973 |
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|term_end3 = December 31, 1978 |
| term_end3 = December 31, 1978 |
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|preceded3 = [[K. Daniel Haley]] |
| preceded3 = [[K. Daniel Haley]] |
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|succeeded3 = [[Joan B. Hague]] |
| succeeded3 = [[Joan B. Hague]] |
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|office4 = [[Town Supervisor]] of [[Queensbury, New York]] |
| office4 = [[Town Supervisor]] of [[Queensbury, New York]] |
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|term_start4 = 1968 |
| term_start4 = 1968 |
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|term_end4 = 1972 |
| term_end4 = 1972 |
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|preceded4 = John O. Webster |
| preceded4 = John O. Webster |
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|succeeded4 = John D. Austin |
| succeeded4 = John D. Austin |
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|birth_name = Gerald Brooks Hunt |
| birth_name = Gerald Brooks Hunt |
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|birth_date = August 14, 1930 |
| birth_date = August 14, 1930 |
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|birth_place = [[Okeechobee, Florida|Okeechobee]], [[Florida]], U.S. |
| birth_place = [[Okeechobee, Florida|Okeechobee]], [[Florida]], U.S. |
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|death_date = {{Death date and age|2001|10|26|1930|8|14}} |
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2001|10|26|1930|8|14}} |
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|death_place = [[Queensbury, New York]], U.S. |
| death_place = [[Queensbury, New York]], U.S. |
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|resting_place = [[Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery]] |
| resting_place = [[Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery]] |
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|party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] (1968–2001) |
| party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] (before 1960, 1968–2001) |
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⚫ | | otherparty = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] (1960-1968) |
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| spouse = {{marriage|Freda Parker|1955}} |
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⚫ |
|otherparty = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] ( |
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⚫ | |||
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| allegiance = [[United States]] |
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⚫ | | branch = [[United States Marine Corps]]<br/>[[United States Marine Corps Reserve]] |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | | serviceyears = 1951–1952 (Marines)<br/>1952–1959 (Reserve) |
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|allegiance = [[United States]] |
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| unit = [[2nd Marine Division (United States)|2nd Marine Division]] |
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| module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Rep. Gerald Solomon on the Importance of the U.S. Military.ogg|title=Gerald Solomon's voice|type=speech|description=Gerald Solomon speaks on the importance of the U.S. military<br/>Recorded December 15, 1995}} |
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⚫ | |||
}} |
}} |
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After three terms in the Assembly, Solomon won election to the U.S. House. He became a high-profile advocate on defense and veterans' issues, and was best known for passage of his [[Solomon Amendment]], which prohibited federal funding to colleges and universities that banned military recruiters from their campuses. After Republicans won control of the House in the 1994 elections, Solomon challenged [[Newt Gingrich]] for Speaker, but withdrew when it became clear that Gingrich had the support of majority of the Republican caucus. Solomon became chairman of the [[United States House Committee on Rules|House Rules Committee]], a post he held from 1995 until retiring from the House in 1999. He was succeeded by fellow Republican [[John E. Sweeney]]. |
After three terms in the Assembly, Solomon won election to the U.S. House. He became a high-profile advocate on defense and veterans' issues, and was best known for passage of his [[Solomon Amendment]], which prohibited federal funding to colleges and universities that banned military recruiters from their campuses. After Republicans won control of the House in the 1994 elections, Solomon challenged [[Newt Gingrich]] for Speaker, but withdrew when it became clear that Gingrich had the support of majority of the Republican caucus. Solomon became chairman of the [[United States House Committee on Rules|House Rules Committee]], a post he held from 1995 until retiring from the House in 1999. He was succeeded by fellow Republican [[John E. Sweeney]]. |
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After leaving Congress, Solomon operated a lobbying and strategic consulting firm. He died in Queensbury on October 26, 2001. He was buried at the national |
After leaving Congress, Solomon operated a lobbying and strategic consulting firm. He died in Queensbury on October 26, 2001. He was buried at the national veteran's cemetery in [[Schuylerville, New York]]; he had spearheaded efforts to create the facility, [[Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery|which was named in his honor]] after his death. |
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==Early life== |
==Early life== |
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==Start of career== |
==Start of career== |
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===Military service=== |
===Military service=== |
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Solomon attempted to join the 1st Engineer Company of the [[United States Marine Corps Reserve]] in [[Albany, New York]] during the [[Korean War]] in 1950, but was deemed ineligible because of a childhood illness.{{sfn|"U.S. Rep. Gerald Solomon Honored as Deceased Veteran of the Month"}} He tried to enlist again in 1951 and was accepted.{{sfn|"U.S. Rep. Gerald Solomon Honored as Deceased Veteran of the Month"}} From 1951 to 1952, Solomon was a radio operator{{sfn| |
Solomon attempted to join the 1st Engineer Company of the [[United States Marine Corps Reserve]] in [[Albany, New York]] during the [[Korean War]] in 1950, but was deemed ineligible because of a childhood illness.{{sfn|"U.S. Rep. Gerald Solomon Honored as Deceased Veteran of the Month"}} He tried to enlist again in 1951 and was accepted.{{sfn|"U.S. Rep. Gerald Solomon Honored as Deceased Veteran of the Month"}} From 1951 to 1952, Solomon was a radio operator{{sfn|Marine Corps Muster Rolls|1952}} assigned to the [[2nd Marine Division (United States)|2nd Marine Division]] and stationed aboard the helicopter carrier USS ''[[USS Siboney (CVE-112)|Siboney]]'' in the [[Atlantic Ocean]], and he attained the rank of [[Private first class#United States Marine Corps|private first class]].{{sfn|"U.S. Rep. Gerald Solomon Honored as Deceased Veteran of the Month"}}{{sfn|"Nationwide Gravesite Locator Entry, Gerald Brooks Hunt Solomon"}} He remained in the [[United States Marine Corps Reserve|Marine Corps Reserve]] until 1959, and attained the rank of [[Lance corporal#Marine Corps|lance corporal]].{{sfn|"U.S. Rep. Gerald Solomon Honored as Deceased Veteran of the Month"}}{{sfn|Marine Corps Muster Rolls|1954}} |
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===Businessman=== |
===Businessman=== |
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In the 1950s and 1960s Solomon was involved with M. Solomon, the women's clothing business owned by his stepfather.{{sfn|"Seeks Election as Supervisor"|page=2}} In the mid-1960s, he became a partner in the Associates of Glens Falls insurance company, as well as a partner in the Anchor Realty real estate brokerage.{{sfn|"Seeks Election as Supervisor"|page=2}} In addition he was president of Solomon, Veysey, Dixon, Gohn Associates, an investment brokerage.{{sfn|"Initial Meeting Scheduled Today"|page=23}} He also served as president of Queensbury's merchants association, and a member of the board of directors of the [[Glens Falls, New York|Glens Falls]] chamber of commerce.{{sfn|"Seeks Election as Supervisor"|page=2}} He was active in the [[United States Junior Chamber|Jaycees]] and the [[Boy Scouts of America|Boy Scouts]], and was also involved in several charitable and civic causes.{{sfn|"Seeks Election as Supervisor"|page=2}} In addition, his fraternal memberships included the [[Marine Corps League]], [[Freemasonry|Masons]], [[Shriners]], and [[American Legion]].{{sfn|"Seeks Election as Supervisor"|page=2}} |
In the 1950s and 1960s Solomon was involved with M. Solomon, the women's clothing business owned by his stepfather.{{sfn|"Seeks Election as Supervisor"|page=2}} In the mid-1960s, he became a partner in the Associates of Glens Falls insurance company, as well as a partner in the Anchor Realty real estate brokerage.{{sfn|"Seeks Election as Supervisor"|page=2}} In addition he was president of Solomon, Veysey, Dixon, Gohn Associates, an investment brokerage.{{sfn|"Initial Meeting Scheduled Today"|page=23}} He also served as president of Queensbury's merchants association, and a member of the board of directors of the [[Glens Falls, New York|Glens Falls]] chamber of commerce.{{sfn|"Seeks Election as Supervisor"|page=2}} He was active in the [[United States Junior Chamber|Jaycees]] and the [[Boy Scouts of America|Boy Scouts]], and was also involved in several charitable and civic causes.{{sfn|"Seeks Election as Supervisor"|page=2}} In addition, his fraternal memberships included the [[Marine Corps League]], [[Freemasonry|Masons]], [[Shriners]], and [[American Legion]].{{sfn|"Seeks Election as Supervisor"|page=2}} The name recognition derived from his business and civic accomplishments provided Solomon with an entrée into local politics and government.{{sfn|"Seeks Election as Supervisor"|page=2}} |
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==Early political career== |
==Early political career== |
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*{{cite news |last=Marquis |first=Christopher |date=October 27, 2001 |title=Gerald Solomon, 71; Spurred Conservative Causes in House |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/27/nyregion/gerald-solomon-71-spurred-conservative-causes-in-house.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |location=New York, NY |via=[[TimesMachine]] |ref={{sfnRef|"Gerald Solomon, 71; Spurred Conservative Causes in House"}}}} |
*{{cite news |last=Marquis |first=Christopher |date=October 27, 2001 |title=Gerald Solomon, 71; Spurred Conservative Causes in House |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/27/nyregion/gerald-solomon-71-spurred-conservative-causes-in-house.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |location=New York, NY |via=[[TimesMachine]] |ref={{sfnRef|"Gerald Solomon, 71; Spurred Conservative Causes in House"}}}} |
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*{{cite news |date=October 27, 2001 |title=Gerald Solomon, longtime local congressman, dead at 71 |url=https://www.dailyfreeman.com/2001/10/27/gerald-solomon-longtime-local-congressman-dead-at-71/ |work=[[Daily Freeman]] |location=Kingston, NY |ref={{sfnRef|"Gerald Solomon, longtime local congressman, dead at 71"}}}} |
*{{cite news |date=October 27, 2001 |title=Gerald Solomon, longtime local congressman, dead at 71 |url=https://www.dailyfreeman.com/2001/10/27/gerald-solomon-longtime-local-congressman-dead-at-71/ |work=[[Daily Freeman]] |location=Kingston, NY |ref={{sfnRef|"Gerald Solomon, longtime local congressman, dead at 71"}}}} |
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*{{cite news |last= |first= |date=October 28, 2001 |title=Gerald Brooks Hunt 'Jerry' Solomon, |
*{{cite news |last= |first= |date=October 28, 2001 |title=Gerald Brooks Hunt 'Jerry' Solomon, 1930–2001 |url=https://poststar.com/news/local/gerald-brooks-hunt-jerry-solomon-1930-2001/article_641e06f5-cfa5-551f-853a-dcba5e6d4a07.html |work=[[The Post-Star]] |location=Glens Falls, NY |ref={{sfnRef|"Gerald Brooks Hunt 'Jerry' Solomon, 1930-2001"}}}} |
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*{{cite news |last=Randall |first=Thom |date=November 1, 2001 |title=Jerry Solomon laid to rest |url=https://poststar.com/news/local/jerry-solomon-laid-to-rest/article_332acf17-8f75-5052-99ef-0acdb2d1cfa0.html |work=[[The Post-Star]] |location=Glens Falls, NY |ref={{sfnRef|"Jerry Solomon laid to rest"}}}} |
*{{cite news |last=Randall |first=Thom |date=November 1, 2001 |title=Jerry Solomon laid to rest |url=https://poststar.com/news/local/jerry-solomon-laid-to-rest/article_332acf17-8f75-5052-99ef-0acdb2d1cfa0.html |work=[[The Post-Star]] |location=Glens Falls, NY |ref={{sfnRef|"Jerry Solomon laid to rest"}}}} |
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*{{cite news |date=November 30, 2002 |title=U.S. Rep. Gerald Solomon Honored as Deceased Veteran of the Month |url=http://poststar.com/news/local/u-s-rep-gerald-solomon-honored-as-deceased-veteran-of/article_8097fe58-4a2b-56a5-9374-c22d55f8b13b.html |work=Glens Falls Post-Star |location=Glens Falls, NY |ref={{sfnRef|"U.S. Rep. Gerald Solomon Honored as Deceased Veteran of the Month"}}}} |
*{{cite news |date=November 30, 2002 |title=U.S. Rep. Gerald Solomon Honored as Deceased Veteran of the Month |url=http://poststar.com/news/local/u-s-rep-gerald-solomon-honored-as-deceased-veteran-of/article_8097fe58-4a2b-56a5-9374-c22d55f8b13b.html |work=Glens Falls Post-Star |location=Glens Falls, NY |ref={{sfnRef|"U.S. Rep. Gerald Solomon Honored as Deceased Veteran of the Month"}}}} |
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*{{cite news |last=Denniston |first=Lyle |date=March 6, 2006 |title=Court upholds |
*{{cite news |last=Denniston |first=Lyle |date=March 6, 2006 |title=Court upholds "Solomon Amendment" |url=https://www.scotusblog.com/2006/03/court-upholds-solomon-amendment/ |work=[[SCOTUSblog]] |location=Washington, DC |ref={{sfnRef|"Court upholds “Solomon Amendment”"}}}} |
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===Internet=== |
===Internet=== |
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*{{cite web |url=http://www.clifflamere.com/Bethlehem/BethlehemCentral-deceased-Graduates-AllYears.htm |title=Obituaries for Deceased Graduates of Bethlehem Central High School, Delmar, New York |last=Lamere |first=Clifford |date=August 31, 2017 |website=CliffLamere.com |publisher=Cliff Lamere |location=Albany, NY |ref={{sfnRef|"Obituaries for Deceased Graduates of Bethlehem Central High School"}}}} |
*{{cite web |url=http://www.clifflamere.com/Bethlehem/BethlehemCentral-deceased-Graduates-AllYears.htm |title=Obituaries for Deceased Graduates of Bethlehem Central High School, Delmar, New York |last=Lamere |first=Clifford |date=August 31, 2017 |website=CliffLamere.com |publisher=Cliff Lamere |location=Albany, NY |ref={{sfnRef|"Obituaries for Deceased Graduates of Bethlehem Central High School"}}}} |
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*{{cite web |url=https://www.afa.org/airforcememorial/home |title=Air Force Memorial Foundation |website=AFA.org |publisher=Air Force Association |location=Arlington, VA |ref={{sfnRef|"Air Force Memorial Foundation"}}}} |
*{{cite web |url=https://www.afa.org/airforcememorial/home |title=Air Force Memorial Foundation |website=AFA.org |publisher=Air Force Association |location=Arlington, VA |ref={{sfnRef|"Air Force Memorial Foundation"}}}} |
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*{{cite web |url=https://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/index.html |title=Nationwide Gravesite Locator Entry, Gerald Brooks Hunt Solomon |last=National Cemetery Administration |website=VA.gov |publisher=U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |location=Washington, DC |ref={{sfnRef|"Nationwide Gravesite Locator Entry, Gerald Brooks Hunt Solomon"}}}} |
*{{cite web |url=https://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/index.html |title=Nationwide Gravesite Locator Entry, Gerald Brooks Hunt Solomon |last=National Cemetery Administration |website=VA.gov |publisher=U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |location=Washington, DC |ref={{sfnRef|"Nationwide Gravesite Locator Entry, Gerald Brooks Hunt Solomon"}} |access-date=2018-01-06 |archive-date=2019-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601190609/https://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/index.html |url-status=dead }} |
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*{{cite web |url=https://www.ancestry.com/ |title=U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls, |
*{{cite web |url=https://www.ancestry.com/ |title=U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls, 1798–1958, July 1952 Entry for Gerald B. H. Solomon |date=July 20, 1952 |website=Ancestry.com |publisher=Ancestry.com, LLC |location=Provo, Utah |ref={{sfnRef|Marine Corps Muster Rolls|1952}} }} |
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*{{cite web |url=https://www.ancestry.com/ |title=U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls, 1798-1958, July 1954 Entry for Gerald Solomon |date=July 20, 1954 |website=Ancestry.com |publisher=Ancestry.com, LLC |location=Provo, |
*{{cite web |url=https://www.ancestry.com/ |title=U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls, 1798-1958, July 1954 Entry for Gerald Solomon |date=July 20, 1954 |website=Ancestry.com |publisher=Ancestry.com, LLC |location=Provo, Utah |ref={{sfnRef|Marine Corps Muster Rolls|1954}} }} |
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*{{cite web |url=https://www.albany.edu/news/releases/2003/may2003/solomon.htm |title=UAlbany Libraries Acquire U.S. Representative Gerald Solomon Papers |date=May 22, 2003 |website=Albany.edy |publisher=University at Albany |location=Albany, NY |ref={{sfnRef|"UAlbany Libraries Acquire U.S. Representative Gerald Solomon Papers"}}}} |
*{{cite web |url=https://www.albany.edu/news/releases/2003/may2003/solomon.htm |title=UAlbany Libraries Acquire U.S. Representative Gerald Solomon Papers |date=May 22, 2003 |website=Albany.edy |publisher=University at Albany |location=Albany, NY |ref={{sfnRef|"UAlbany Libraries Acquire U.S. Representative Gerald Solomon Papers"}}}} |
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{{CongBio|S000675}} |
{{CongBio|S000675}} |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/19980524005500/http://www.house.gov/solomon/ Official U.S. House website (archived from 1998)] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19980524005500/http://www.house.gov/solomon/ Official U.S. House website (archived from 1998)] |
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* {{C-SPAN| |
* {{C-SPAN|5258}} |
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* {{Find a Grave|5971794|Gerald Brooks Hunt Solomon}} |
* {{Find a Grave|5971794|Gerald Brooks Hunt Solomon}} |
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* Jim Kinney, [http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2001/10/27/todays_stories/2558551.txt?viewmode=fullstory Gerald Solomon dies at age 71], ''[[The Saratogian]]'' (October 27, 2001). Retrieved September 17, 2013. |
* Jim Kinney, [http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2001/10/27/todays_stories/2558551.txt?viewmode=fullstory Gerald Solomon dies at age 71], ''[[The Saratogian]]'' (October 27, 2001). Retrieved September 17, 2013. |
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{{S-off}} |
{{S-off}} |
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{{Succession box |
{{Succession box |
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|title = |
|title = Ranking Memberof the [[United States House Committee on Rules|House Rules Committee]] | before = [[Jimmy Quillen]] <br />Tennessee | years = 1991–1995 | after = [[Joe Moakley]] <br />Massachusetts}} |
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|- |
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{{Succession box |
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|title = Chairman of the [[United States House Committee on Rules|House Rules Committee]] | before = [[Joe Moakley]] <br />Massachusetts | years = 1995–1999 | after = [[David Dreier]] <br />California}} |
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{{S-end}} |
{{S-end}} |
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{{US House Rules chairs}} |
{{US House Rules chairs}} |
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[[Category:1930 births]] |
[[Category:1930 births]] |
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[[Category:2001 deaths]] |
[[Category:2001 deaths]] |
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[[Category:20th-century American |
[[Category:20th-century American legislators]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from New York (state)]] |
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[[Category:Republican Party members of the |
[[Category:Republican Party members of the New York State Assembly]] |
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[[Category:Members of the New York State Assembly]] |
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[[Category:New York (state) Republicans]] |
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[[Category:United States Marines]] |
[[Category:United States Marines]] |
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[[Category:Recipients of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, 2nd Class]] |
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, 2nd Class]] |
Gerald Solomon
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![]() | |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York | |
In office January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1999 | |
Preceded by | Edward W. Pattison |
Succeeded by | John E. Sweeney |
Constituency | 29th district (1979–1983) 24th district (1983–1993) 22nd district (1993–1999) |
Chair of the House Rules Committee | |
In office January 3, 1995 – January 3, 1999 | |
Speaker | Newt Gingrich |
Preceded by | Joe Moakley |
Succeeded by | David Dreier |
Member of the New York State Assembly from the 110th district | |
In office January 1, 1973 – December 31, 1978 | |
Preceded by | K. Daniel Haley |
Succeeded by | Joan B. Hague |
Town SupervisorofQueensbury, New York | |
In office 1968–1972 | |
Preceded by | John O. Webster |
Succeeded by | John D. Austin |
Personal details | |
Born | Gerald Brooks Hunt August 14, 1930 Okeechobee, Florida, U.S. |
Died | October 26, 2001(2001-10-26) (aged 71) Queensbury, New York, U.S. |
Resting place | Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery |
Political party | Republican (before 1960, 1968–2001) |
Other political affiliations | Democratic (1960-1968) |
Spouse |
Freda Parker (m. 1955) |
Children | 5 |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States |
Branch/service | United States Marine Corps United States Marine Corps Reserve |
Years of service | 1951–1952 (Marines) 1952–1959 (Reserve) |
Rank | Lance Corporal |
Unit | 2nd Marine Division |
Gerald Solomon speaks on the importance of the U.S. military Recorded December 15, 1995 | |
|
Gerald Brooks Hunt Solomon (August 14, 1930 – October 26, 2001) was an American businessman and politician most notable for his long service as a member of the United States House of RepresentativesinNew York.
A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Reserve, and a successful insurance and investment broker, Solomon entered politics as a Democrat when he was elected town supervisorofQueensbury in 1968. He became a Republican in his first term, and won election to the New York State Assembly as a Republican in 1972.
After three terms in the Assembly, Solomon won election to the U.S. House. He became a high-profile advocate on defense and veterans' issues, and was best known for passage of his Solomon Amendment, which prohibited federal funding to colleges and universities that banned military recruiters from their campuses. After Republicans won control of the House in the 1994 elections, Solomon challenged Newt Gingrich for Speaker, but withdrew when it became clear that Gingrich had the support of majority of the Republican caucus. Solomon became chairman of the House Rules Committee, a post he held from 1995 until retiring from the House in 1999. He was succeeded by fellow Republican John E. Sweeney.
After leaving Congress, Solomon operated a lobbying and strategic consulting firm. He died in Queensbury on October 26, 2001. He was buried at the national veteran's cemetery in Schuylerville, New York; he had spearheaded efforts to create the facility, which was named in his honor after his death.
Solomon was born in Okeechobee, Florida, the son of Eugenia and Daniel Hunt.[1] He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Seymour Solomon, and his family moved to New York when he was 15.[1] He attended school in Florida and Delmar, New York, and graduated from Delmar's Bethlehem Central High School in 1948.[2][3] He attended Siena College from 1949 to 1950 and St. Lawrence University from 1953 to 1954.[1]
Solomon attempted to join the 1st Engineer Company of the United States Marine Corps ReserveinAlbany, New York during the Korean War in 1950, but was deemed ineligible because of a childhood illness.[1] He tried to enlist again in 1951 and was accepted.[1] From 1951 to 1952, Solomon was a radio operator[4] assigned to the 2nd Marine Division and stationed aboard the helicopter carrier USS Siboney in the Atlantic Ocean, and he attained the rank of private first class.[1][5] He remained in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1959, and attained the rank of lance corporal.[1][6]
In the 1950s and 1960s Solomon was involved with M. Solomon, the women's clothing business owned by his stepfather.[7] In the mid-1960s, he became a partner in the Associates of Glens Falls insurance company, as well as a partner in the Anchor Realty real estate brokerage.[7] In addition he was president of Solomon, Veysey, Dixon, Gohn Associates, an investment brokerage.[8] He also served as president of Queensbury's merchants association, and a member of the board of directors of the Glens Falls chamber of commerce.[7] He was active in the Jaycees and the Boy Scouts, and was also involved in several charitable and civic causes.[7] In addition, his fraternal memberships included the Marine Corps League, Masons, Shriners, and American Legion.[7] The name recognition derived from his business and civic accomplishments provided Solomon with an entrée into local politics and government.[7]
Originally a Democrat, from 1968 to 1972 Solomon served as Queensbury's Town Supervisor, which also made him a member of the Warren County Board of Supervisors.[9] In February 1968 he switched his party affiliation to Republican,[9] arguing that he had been a Republican prior to the election of John F. Kennedy, that he joined the Democrats because he was inspired by Kennedy's goals and vision, but that he was returning to the Republicans because he perceived that Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency had moved too far from Kennedy's agenda.[10] He was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1973 to 1978, sitting in the 180th, 181st and 182nd New York State Legislatures.[11] As a fiscal conservative and advocate for limited government, Solomon was often at odds with the Assembly's Democratic majority.[11]
In November 1978, Solomon was elected to the House of Representatives.[9] In 1980, he was an early and avid supporter of Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign, and remained a Reagan stalwart, supporting his efforts to reduce taxes, revive the economy, halt Soviet expansionism and rebuild America's defenses.[9] Solomon supported the line-item veto, a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning, a repeal of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban, and amendments that strengthened the Selective Service System.[9] He was such an opponent of gun control that he once challenged fellow Representative Patrick J. KennedyofRhode Island to "step outside" to settle a dispute over the issue.[12] Solomon attempted to run for Speaker of the House in 1994 but withdrew in favor of Newt Gingrich.[13]
Solomon also supported creation of the Saratoga National Cemetery, which was named the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in his honor following his death.[1] In addition, he was a longtime advocate of elevating the Veterans Administration to cabinet status, which resulted in creation of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.[1] Solomon was also a leader of former Marines in Congress who fought the construction of the United States Air Force Memorial through litigation and legislation at a site they considered to be too close to the USMC War Memorial.[14] (The Air Force Memorial was ultimately constructed at a different location, on the grounds of Fort Myer near Arlington National Cemetery.)[15]
Solomon was also the originator and sponsor of the Solomon Amendment, a controversial amendment to United States Code that precluded the receipt of federal government funds by colleges and universities unless they provided equal access to military recruiters as they did private employers.[9] The policy was a response to rules at many American law schools which excluded employers who discriminated based on categories such as sexual orientation.[16] The Amendment was subject to extensive litigation in 2003 by plaintiffs; the Forum for Academic and Institutional Rights (FAIR) and the Society of American Law Teachers.[16] This litigation included FAIR v. Rumsfeld, 390 F.3d 219 (3rd Cir. 2004).[16] On March 6, 2006, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of the military and upheld the Solomon Amendment.[16]
Solomon was named ranking Republican of the House Rules Committee in 1991.[17] Even though Jimmy Quillen of Tennessee had far more seniority, the other Republicans on the committee thought Solomon was a more accomplished legislator.[17] When he lost his bid for the Speakership in 1995, he became chairman of the Rules Committee, thus making him one of the three or four most powerful members of the House.[17] He served as chairman from 1995 to 1999, when he retired.[17]
In his district, which ran from the Hudson Valley near Poughkeepsie into the Adirondacks, including Lake Placid, he was a popular and respected figure.[18] In the later years of his tenure he consistently drew the highest total vote of any member of the New York delegation.[18] He was well known for his strong constituent work, and for facilitating federal investment in his mostly rural district, including dozens of housing projects for low income elderly.[18]
After leaving Congress he formed the Solomon Group, a Washington consulting and lobbying business.[9]
On October 26, 2001, Solomon died of congestive heart failure at his home in Queensbury at the age of 71.[19] His ability to maintain friendships across political lines resulted in several Democratic members of Congress attending his funeral, including Representative Charles Rangel, a fellow veteran.[20] Solomon was buried at the national cemetery which is named for him.[1][5]
In 1955 Solomon married Freda Parker of Monongahela, Pennsylvania.[1] They were the parents of five children, Susan, Daniel, Robert, Linda and Jeffrey.[1][3] In addition to his wife and children, Solomon was survived by six grandchildren and his brother Richard.[21]
New York State Assembly | ||
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Preceded by | New York State Assembly 110th District 1973–1978 |
Succeeded by |
U.S. House of Representatives | ||
Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 29th congressional district 1979–1983 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 24th congressional district 1983–1993 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 22nd congressional district 1993–1999 |
Succeeded by |
Political offices | ||
Preceded by
Jimmy Quillen |
Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee 1991–1995 |
Succeeded by
Joe Moakley |
Preceded by
Joe Moakley |
Chairman of the House Rules Committee 1995–1999 |
Succeeded by
David Dreier |
Chairs of the U.S. House Committee on Rules (1880–present)
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