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Daniel InouyeAmerican politician
Date of Birth: 07.09.1927
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Daniel Akaka: A Legacy of Service
- Early Life and Military Service
- Political Career
- Senator
- Committee Leadership
- Honors and Legacy
Daniel Akaka: A Legacy of Service
Daniel Akaka, an American politician, served as a United States Senator from Hawaii from January 3, 1963, until his death. He was a member of the Democratic Party and held positions as the President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Early Life and Military Service
Akaka was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Japanese-American parents. He graduated from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and served in the United States Army. During World War II, he fought in Italy, where he lost an arm and was awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration.
Political Career
RepresentativeAkaka's political career began in 1959 when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was the first Japanese-American elected to the House of Representatives.
Senator
In 1962, Akaka was elected to the Senate (taking office in 1963). During his tenure in the Senate, Akaka served on committees investigating the Watergate scandal, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon, and the Iran-Contra affair, a major international scandal in the 1980s.
Committee Leadership
For many years, Akaka was a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, and in 2008 he became the Chairman of the committee. He also served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce from 2006 to 2008. Additionally, he led the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and became an honorary member of the Navajo Nation.
Honors and Legacy
At the time of his death, Akaka was the oldest sitting senator after Frank Lautenberg. He was the recipient of the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military honor. Akaka's legacy is one of service, both in the military and in politics. He was a respected figure who worked to represent the interests of Hawaii and the nation.
