Frank Church

Date of Birth: July 25, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: April 7, 1984

Biography

Frank Forrester Church III was a prominent American politician and lawyer, best known for his long tenure as a U.S. Senator from Idaho. Born on July 25, 1924, in Boise, Idaho, Church served in the U.S. Senate from 1957 to 1981. He was a leading member of the Democratic Party and played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era. Church was a staunch advocate for civil liberties and was instrumental in investigating abuses by U.S. intelligence agencies through the Church Committee, which he chaired. His efforts led to significant reforms in how intelligence operations were conducted in the United States. Frank Church was also a Vietnam War critic and played a key role in legislating the War Powers Act, which aimed to check the President’s authority to commit U.S. forces to armed conflict without congressional approval. He passed away on April 7, 1984.

5 Interesting Facts about Frank Church

1. Frank Church was one of the youngest individuals ever elected to the U.S. Senate, winning his seat at the age of 32.

2. He served as the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1979 to 1981.

3. Church was a decorated World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army where he earned the Bronze Star.

4. The Church Committee, formally known as the United States Senate Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities, was named after him.

5. Frank Church was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War and co-authored the 1973 War Powers Act to limit the executive branch’s military authority.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Frank Church

1. “In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger.”

2. “The danger lies not in the power being used, but in the power being misused.”

3. “We have begun to take a hard look at our intelligence operations, and we must continue to do so.”

4. “The American people deserve to know what their government is doing in their name.”

5. “We must not become the evil we deplore.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Frank Church’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.

Children

Frank Church had two children with his wife, Bethine Church: Forrest Church, who became a well-known Unitarian Universalist minister and author, and Chase Church.