Joel Thomas Broyhill

Republican Representative of Virginia's 10th district

Representative
Virginia, district 10
January 3, 1953 - January 3, 1955
Representative
Virginia, district 10
January 5, 1955 - January 3, 1957
Representative
Virginia, district 10
January 3, 1957 - January 3, 1959
Representative
Virginia, district 10
January 7, 1959 - January 3, 1961
Representative
Virginia, district 10
January 3, 1961 - January 3, 1963
Representative
Virginia, district 10
January 9, 1963 - January 3, 1965
Representative
Virginia, district 10
January 4, 1965 - January 3, 1967
Representative
Virginia, district 10
January 10, 1967 - January 3, 1969
Representative
Virginia, district 10
January 3, 1969 - January 3, 1971
Representative
Virginia, district 10
January 21, 1971 - January 3, 1973
Representative
Virginia, district 10
January 3, 1973 - December 31, 1974

Congresses Served

House Terms

November 4, 1919 (86 years old)

Birthday

September 24, 2006

Death

Served as a Congressman for Virginia for 11 terms from 1953 to 1974.
Known for his advocacy for federal workers and opposition to integration during the 1950s and 1960s.
Family has roots in Virginia since the 18th century, with his grandfather being a leading citizen in North Carolina before his father moved to Virginia.
Moved to Arlington, Virginia, at age 18 and attended George Washington University from 1939 to 1941.
Enlisted in the United States Army in 1942, served in the European Theater during WWII, was captured during the Battle of the Bulge, escaped from a POW camp, and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal.
Joined his family’s real estate firm after WWII, becoming a partner and general manager.
Held positions such as president of the Arlington County Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Arlington County Planning Commission before entering politics.
Elected to Congress in 1952, initially defeating his opponent by 322 votes.
Sponsored legislation that contributed to infrastructure improvements in Virginia, including the construction and widening of bridges and highways.
Opposed home rule for the District of Columbia but supported the 23rd and 26th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Was a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee.
Opposed civil rights legislation, including voting against the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, 1964, and 1968, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, but supported the 24th Amendment.
Lost his re-election bid in 1974 amid the Watergate scandal.
After leaving office, managed a successful U.S. Senate campaign and continued working in real estate.
Died in 2006 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
In 2000, a postal building in Merrifield, Virginia, was named after him.