Byron, Beverly Butcher (1932–)

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Byron, Beverly Butcher (1932–)

American politician. Born Beverly Barton Butcher in Baltimore, Maryland, July 27, 1932; attended Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 1963–64; m. Goodloe E. Byron (US congressional representative, 1971–78); dau.-in-law of Katharine E. Byron (politician).

Worked on husband's campaigns for the Maryland Legislature and US House of Representatives; following his death (1978), was elected to his seat; became the 1st woman to chair an Armed Services subcommittee (1987); also served on the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs and the Select Committee on Aging; chaired the House Special Panel on Arms Control and Disarmament (1983–86); served as chair of the Maryland Commission on Physical Fitness (1979–89); as a Democrat, served 6 succeeding terms (96th-101st Congresses, Jan 3, 1979–Jan 3, 1993), but was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination (1992).

See also Women in World History.