Johnson’s, Simmons’ Congressional papers donated to Dodd Center

Researchers will be offered important new insights into Connecticut’s political landscape following the donation of the Congressional papers of former U.S. Reps. Nancy Johnson and Rob Simmons to the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center.

Johnson represented the 6th Congressional District from 1982 through 2002 and served as representative for the 5th Congressional District following statewide reapportionment from 2002 to 2007.

She holds the record as the longest-serving Connecticut member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Prior to serving in Congress, Johnson served three terms in the Connecticut Senate and was active in community affairs in New Britain.

Simmons, who represented the state’s 2nd Congressional District from 2001 to 2007, served as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee.

Both roles reflect his specific interests and experience as an officer in the U.S. Army and employee of the Central Intelligence Agency.

“Simmons’ and Johnson’s papers represent a significant new resource for Dodd Center researchers,” says Thomas Wilsted, director of the Dodd Center.

“In addition to documenting his career in Congress, Congressman Simmons will be donating records that detail his work in the military and in the intelligence community,” Wilsted says.

“Mrs. Johnson’s records provide insight into the career of an early female legislator who worked at both the state and the national level. These are two important collections.”

Johnson served as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, one of the most powerful bodies in Congress.