Robert N. Giaimo, 86; Helped Start Humanities and Arts Endowments
Robert N. Giaimo, 86, a former congressman who co-sponsored the bill creating the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, died Wednesday of lung ailments at a hospital in Arlington, Va., family members said.
Giaimo, a Democrat from New Haven, Conn., served in the House of Representatives from 1959 to 1981. He co-sponsored the bill creating the separate grant-making agencies in 1965. Their aim is to support the nation’s arts and the study of such subjects as literature, history and philosophy.
His efforts on that legislation were instrumental in “unleashing the creative potential of millions of Americans,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, (D-Conn.), who represents the district Giaimo once served.
During his tenure in Congress, Giaimo ascended to the chairmanship of the powerful House Budget Committee and was credited with making it more open and accountable. He considered himself a liberal on social welfare issues and a moderate on economic policy.
Giaimo was born and reared in New Haven. He graduated from Fordham University and earned his law degree at the University of Connecticut. He served in the Army during World War II.
He retired from Congress after 11 terms and returned to Washington to practice law.
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