Remembering Congress feminist Pat Schroeder's most iconic moments

Pat Schroeder was the first woman to represent Colorado in Congress, where she issued critical bills to protect women's rights. She died at the age of 82. Join us as we take a look at all the reasons why she was so iconic.

Schroeder was a pilot and paid for college tuition at Harvard Law School with her own flying service. She earned her degree in 1964 and worked as a National Labor Relations Board field attorney for two years until 1966.

Schroeder was elected to Congress in 1972 and became one of the most influential Democrat representatives of the time. She was reelected eleven times.

During her congress years, Schroeder issued critical bills that shaped women's lives today. One was the Pregnancy Discrimination Act which protected women from being fired for having children.

She also worked on the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. The bill provided parents with the protection to care for newborns and ill children or parents.

She pushed her way through antiquated institutions to guarantee the opening of military jobs to women, including pilot positions, and more access to early breast and cervical cancer screening. However, Schroeder was also known for her unique and strong character.

This personality allowed her to give President Ronald Reagan one of its most famous nicknames: "Teflon president" because of his ability to avoid blame for policy failures.

NPR said her "unorthodox methods" cost her important committee posts. Still, she was unwilling to be a part of 'the good old boys' club' to "score political points."

Schroeder had a quick wit. Her responses were clever, funny, and poignant. That is the reason she has many unforgettable quotes.

Many of her iconic phrases come from her autobiography, '24 Years of Housework ... and the Place is Still a Mess. My Life in Politics.' The title perfectly represents her ingenuity and views.

When asked how she managed to be a mother and a congresswoman, Schroeder answered: "I have a brain and a uterus, and I use them both."

The Colorado democrat was highly criticized for tearing up in the middle of a speech when she withdrew from the presidential race in 1988. She compared that reaction to that of men who cried too and said her "tears signify compassion, not weakness."

Schroeder was the first woman on the House Armed Services Committee. She was forced to share her seat with the first African American, Ron Dellums. The congresswoman then said that the chairman, Edward Hebert, thought the committee was no place for a woman or an African American, so each would only have half a seat.

Schroeder criticized GOP Rep and House speaker Newt Gingrich for suggesting women shouldn't serve in combat. Later, she and other representatives filed a complaint against Gingrich for his televised lecture series.

The group argued that the free cable time was a gift that violated House rules. Gingrich became the first speaker reprimanded by Congress. He said he regretted not taking them more seriously.

Schroeder was very serious about calling out other legislators for spending too much attention on contributors and individual interests. That is why she hung a 15-foot banner reading 'sold' in the Capitol dome in 1994. It was displayed while House Republicans gathered on the stairs celebrating 100 days in power.

Many relevant political figures, including Colorado Republicans, issued statements lamenting her passing. "She inspired a generation of public servants, proved that a young mom could be a formidable Congresswoman, and did it all with legendary wit," President Biden said.