This collection documents the U.S. House of Representatives service of Thomas A. Daschle from 1979 to 1986, following his election to Congress in 1978 by a margin of 110 votes after a recount. Daschle served four terms in the House and became a member of the Democratic leadership. During his tenure, he participated in significant legislative activity related to agriculture, health and human services policy, federal budgeting, and rural development. At the 1980 Democratic National Convention, Daschle received ten delegate votes for Vice President of the United States, despite not being a candidate.
The papers consist primarily of legislative and policy files, including committee hearings, bill files, drafts of legislation, reports, issue briefs, background materials, correspondence, and subject files. A substantial portion of the material relates to the House Committee on Agriculture and associated subcommittees, reflecting federal agricultural policy and farm program debates during a period of economic stress in the agricultural sector. Additional records document Medicare reimbursement systems, prospective payment policies, budget proposals, and other domestic policy matters. The collection also includes campaign files, voting record materials, and The Daschle Record, a set of twelve volumes compiled by staff summarizing Daschle’s voting record, legislative sponsorships, and committee activities from 1979 to 1986.
The collection dates approximately from 1891 to 1992, with the bulk concentrated between 1979 and 1986. Due to the overall size and scope of the broader Daschle congressional collection, three-dimensional objects such as plaques, framed items, textiles, artwork, and other materials were separated and stored appropriately.
The collection documents Thomas A. Daschle’s early congressional career and his role in shaping federal agricultural and domestic policy during the late twentieth century. The legislative files and committee materials provide primary documentation of congressional deliberation, oversight, and policy development during a period marked by agricultural crisis, federal budget restructuring, and reforms in health care financing. The inclusion of campaign materials and compiled voting records further illustrates Daschle’s political development, legislative priorities, and growing influence within House Democratic leadership. Together, these materials offer valuable insight into the legislative process and the federal response to major economic and social policy challenges of the era.
