30 Facts About Gerald Solomon

Gerald Brooks Hunt Solomon was an American businessman and politician most notable for his long service as a member of the United States House of Representatives from New York.

Gerald Solomon became a Republican in his first term, and won election to the New York State Assembly as a Republican in 1972.

Gerald Solomon 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.

Gerald Solomon became chairman of the House Rules Committee, a post he held from 1995 until retiring from the House in 1999.

Gerald Solomon was succeeded by fellow Republican John E Sweeney.

Gerald Solomon 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.

Gerald Solomon was born in Okeechobee, Florida, the son of Eugenia and Daniel Hunt.

Gerald Solomon was raised by his mother and stepfather, Seymour Solomon, and his family moved to New York when he was 15.

Gerald Solomon attended school in Florida and Delmar, New York, and graduated from Delmar's Bethlehem Central High School in 1948.

Gerald Solomon attended Siena College from 1949 to 1950 and St Lawrence University from 1953 to 1954.

Gerald 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.

Gerald Solomon tried to enlist again in 1951 and was accepted.

From 1951 to 1952, Gerald Solomon was a radio operator 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.

Gerald Solomon remained in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1959, and attained the rank of lance corporal.

Gerald Solomon served as president of Queensbury's merchants association, and a member of the board of directors of the Glens Falls chamber of commerce.

Gerald Solomon was active in the Jaycees and the Boy Scouts, and was involved in several charitable and civic causes.

Originally a Democrat, In 1967, Gerald Solomon defeated incumbent John O Webster to become Queensbury's Town Supervisor, which made him a member of the Warren County Board of Supervisors.

Gerald Solomon was reelected in 1971 and served from January 1968 to December 1972, when he was succeeded by John A DeLong Jr.

Gerald Solomon was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1973 to 1978, sitting in the 180th, 181st and 182nd New York State Legislatures.

In November 1978, Gerald Solomon was elected to the House of Representatives.

Gerald 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.

Gerald Solomon was such an opponent of gun control that he once challenged fellow Representative Patrick J Kennedy of Rhode Island to "step outside" to settle a dispute over the issue.

Gerald Solomon attempted to run for Speaker of the House in 1994 but withdrew in favor of Newt Gingrich.

Gerald Solomon was 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.

Gerald Solomon was the originator and sponsor of the Gerald 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.

Gerald Solomon was named ranking Republican of the House Rules Committee in 1991.

Gerald Solomon served as chairman from 1995 to 1999, when he retired.

Gerald Solomon 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.

On October 26,2001, Gerald Solomon died of congestive heart failure at his home in Queensbury at the age of 71.

Gerald Solomon was buried at the national cemetery which is named for him.