A pioneer for women's and family rights in Congress, former Colorado Rep. Pat Schroeder, has died at the age of 82.
Schroeder's former press secretary, Andrea Camp, says Schroeder suffered a stroke recently and died Monday night at a hospital in Florida, the state where she had been residing.
Schroeder was the first woman elected to Congress from Colorado, and she went on to serve 12 terms. She became one of the most influential Democrats for two decades but never chaired a major committee.
Schroeder was best known for getting a family leave bill passed, providing job protection for care of a newborn, sick child or parent.
In a statement, Colorado Governor Jared Polis called Schroeder a "one-of-a-kind leader and barrier breaker."
“Representative Schroeder was a one-of-a-kind leader and barrier breaker. Marlon and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Pat, a friend, a leader, and a champion for Colorado and our nation. We send our deepest condolences to Pat’s family and all of the lives she touched and dreams she inspired across our state and country. Our daughter's future and women across our country’s future are better thanks to her service," the statement reads.
