Date of Birth: February 11, 1921
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: May 23, 2006
Biography
Lloyd Millard Bentsen Jr. was an influential American politician born on February 11, 1921, in Mission, Texas. Bentsen’s illustrious career spanned various roles, including serving as a U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, and the 69th Secretary of the Treasury under President Bill Clinton. He also gained national prominence as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 1988, running alongside Michael Dukakis. Bentsen graduated from Sharyland High School in Mission and went on to earn a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1942. He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, where he earned numerous commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, Bentsen returned to Texas and began a successful law practice before entering politics. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1948, where he served until 1955. After a hiatus from politics during which he pursued a successful business career, Bentsen returned to public service and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1970, a position he held until 1993. In the Senate, Bentsen was known for his expertise in finance and taxation, which made him a natural fit for the role of Secretary of the Treasury, a position he held from 1993 to 1994. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping economic policy and implementing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Lloyd Bentsen passed away on May 23, 2006, in Houston, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of service and leadership.
5 Interesting Facts about Lloyd Bentsen
1. Lloyd Bentsen was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery as a bomber pilot during World War II.
2. He served as the Secretary of the Treasury under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1994.
3. Bentsen was the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 1988, famously debating Dan Quayle.
4. He was instrumental in the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
5. Bentsen was known for his sharp debating skills and memorable quips, such as his famous retort to Dan Quayle, “Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lloyd Bentsen
1. “Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy.”
2. “The only thing I believe is this: A candidate’s faith should be a private matter.”
3. “We have the greatest economic power in the world, and yet we have the highest interest rates in the world.”
4. “You don’t need to be straight to fight and die for your country. You just need to shoot straight.”
5. “It’s not enough to be against something. You have to be for something better.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Lloyd Bentsen’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Lloyd Bentsen and his wife Beryl Ann Longino had three children: Lloyd Millard Bentsen III, Lan Bentsen, and Tina Bentsen.
Relevant Links
1. [Biography on U.S. Treasury Website](https://www.treasury.gov/about/history/pages/lmbentsen.aspx
2. [Lloyd Bentsen on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lloyd_Bentsen
