Helen Delich Bentley

Republican Representative of Maryland's 2nd district

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 1, 1923 (93 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 2016

Death

Served as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1985 to 1995.
Prior to her political career, she was a prominent maritime reporter and journalist.
Born in a mining town to Serbian immigrant parents; faced early financial challenges after her father’s death.
Gained experience in journalism while working on a high school newspaper and later graduated with honors in journalism.
Worked for various small-town newspapers before joining The Baltimore Sun, where she specialized in maritime and labor reporting.
Hosted a local TV program focused on maritime news, which included innovative live broadcasts from ships.
Appointed chair of the Federal Maritime Commission from 1969 to 1975, becoming the highest-ranking woman in President Nixon’s administration.
Advocated for federal support of American shipbuilding and improvements to port facilities during her tenure.
Elected to Congress after three attempts, defeating an incumbent in 1984 and serving four consecutive terms.
Known for her support of protectionist trade policies and legislation to enhance the port of Baltimore.
Opposed U.S. military involvement in the Yugoslav Wars during the 1990s.
Founded a consultancy after leaving Congress, focusing on international trade and maritime issues.
Inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame and recognized with various awards for her contributions to Maryland and maritime industries.
Married with no children; passed away at the age of 92 from brain cancer.