Tom Lantos was an American politician who served as a United States Representative from California. Born on February 1, 1928, in Budapest, Hungary, Lantos immigrated to the United States in 1947. He was a prominent figure in American politics, known for his strong advocacy on human rights issues.
Lantos, a Democrat, represented California's 12th congressional district from 1981 until his death in 2008. He was the only Holocaust survivor to have been elected to the United States Congress, which shaped his passion for justice and his commitment to human rights. Lantos actively worked to defend civil liberties, fight discrimination, and promote democracy worldwide.
Throughout his career, Lantos chaired the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and was a founding co-chairman of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. His leadership on human rights matters earned him respect and recognition both domestically and internationally.
Lantos played a significant role in shaping American foreign policy, particularly in relation to human rights abuses and international relations. He was known for his tireless efforts to combat genocide and bring attention to the atrocities committed in countries such as Sudan and Iraq.
Tom Lantos left a lasting impact on American politics and human rights activism. His legacy includes the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan organization established in 2008 to promote, defend, and advocate for international human rights.
