Jacob K. Javits

Date of Birth: May 18, 1904

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: March 7, 1986

Biography

Jacob Koppel Javits was a prominent American politician who served as a United States Senator from New York from 1957 to 1981. A member of the Republican Party, Javits was known for his liberal views and often worked across the aisle to pass significant legislation. He was born to Jewish immigrant parents in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and went on to earn a law degree from New York University in 1926. Before his tenure in the Senate, Javits served in the United States House of Representatives from 1947 to 1954 and as Attorney General of New York from 1954 to 1957. His legislative accomplishments include contributions to civil rights, healthcare, and labor laws. Javits was a vocal advocate for social justice and played a crucial role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act, which provided employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

5 Interesting Facts about Jacob K. Javits

1. Jacob Javits served in the United States Army during World War II, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

2. He was a key supporter of the creation of Medicare and Medicaid during the 1960s.

3. Javits was one of the few Republican senators to consistently support civil rights legislation.

4. He was known for his strong stance on foreign policy, advocating for a balanced approach between military strength and diplomatic efforts.

5. Despite being a Republican, Javits often found himself at odds with the more conservative elements of his party, earning a reputation as a maverick.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jacob K. Javits

1. “The public is entitled to know that more than 2,500,000 people are employed in the nonprofit sector in this country and that approximately 9,000,000 others volunteer their services.”

2. “The best politics is good government.”

3. “The United States cannot afford to be left behind in the respect of the world.”

4. “The key to a better life for the American people is the pursuit of knowledge.”

5. “A legislator should possess both the humility to understand the will of the people and the courage to act on his convictions.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Jacob K. Javits’ net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, adjusted for inflation to today’s dollars.

Children

Jacob K. Javits had two children with his wife Marian Ann Borris: Joshua Javits, who became a practicing lawyer and later served as a member of the National Mediation Board, and Carla Javits, who became involved in social justice and nonprofit leadership.