Background
Weiss was born in Gáva, Hungary and emigrated to the United States in 1938 as his family fled the Nazi invasion of Hungary. He grew up in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
United States representative politician
Weiss was born in Gáva, Hungary and emigrated to the United States in 1938 as his family fled the Nazi invasion of Hungary. He grew up in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
He graduated from Syracuse University in 1951, earning a law degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1952.
Weiss served in the United States Army from 1946 until 1947. In 1953, Weiss became a naturalized citizen of the United States. Between 1955 and 1959, he served as assistant New York County, New York (Manhattan) district attorney, before leaving the position to return to private practice.
He was a delegate to the 1972 Democratic National Convention.
Weiss was elected to Congress in 1976, representing most of Manhattan"s West Side, and served from January 3, 1977, until his death. Weiss was known for his avid support of liberal causes, including civil rights, open government, and the arts
He served on the House Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs, the House Committee on Government Operations, and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. In 1985 Weiss headed a committee that found 90 percent of the twenty to thirty thousand new drugs used on farm animals had not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Acting.
They also found that the United States. Food and Drug Administration (Food and Drug Administration) failed to remove several drugs already known to be carcinogens.
Weiss died three days before the state"s Democratic primary election. Due to the Congressman"s ailing health, five Democrats appeared on the ballot to challenge him. State Assemblyman Jerry Nadler was named to replace Weiss on the ballot and was handily elected in November.
Nadler still holds the seat.
A federal office building located at 290 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, adjacent to the African Burial Ground National Monument, has been named in Weiss" honor.
Served with Army of the United States, 1946-1947. Member National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, American Bar Association, American Civil Liberties Union, Americans for Democratic Action (president 1986-1989), New Democratic Coalition, New York County Lawyers Association.
Son of Joseph and Pearl (Weiss) W. M. Sonya M. Hoover; children: Thomas D., Stephen R.