Background
Kelly was born in East Hampton, New New York
United States representative politician
Kelly was born in East Hampton, New New York
She graduated from Hunter College in 1928.
She was a delegate to the 1948 Democratic National Convention, 1952 Democratic National Convention, 1956 Democratic National Convention, 1960 Democratic National Convention, and 1968 Democratic National Convention. She was elected to Congress in 1949 to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Andrew L. Somers and served from November 8, 1949 until January 3, 1969. She was part of the Democratic National Committee from 1956 until 1968.
During her tenure, Kelly was responsible for measures that settled displaced people after World World War II and refugees for Russia and Eastern Europe.
She also helped to create the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. Congresswoman Kelly called attention to the inequity in the Tax Code that permitted business deductions for entertainment, but none for child care.
Her proposal became part of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Kelly can also be credited with promoting the first equal pay for equal work bill, which she introduced in 1951.
lieutenant was a landmark effort, which established a new era in the fight for women"s equality.
She was in attendance when President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Acting into law June 10, 1963. Kelly died in Alexandria, Virginia of cancer and a series of strokes at the age of 91.
Throughout her 19-year career in the House, Kelly was recognized for her expertise in foreign affairs, serving as the chair of the Subcommittee on Europe and retiring from Congress as the third ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.