Politician, 80, debuts new ink she got with her granddaughter

01 August 2023 , 01:29

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Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro shows off her first tattoo aged 80 (Image: AP)

US Representative for Connecticut Rosa DeLauro has never been afraid of standing out in politics with her colourful clothing and hairstyle, but now, thanks to one of her six grandchildren, the 80-year-old lawmaker has complemented her fashion-forward style with a tattoo.

The Democrat said on Monday, July 31, that she and her granddaughter, who is now old enough to legally get a tattoo in Connecticut, got inked together.

Ms DeLauro said: "For her 18th birthday, my granddaughter wanted to get a tattoo with me. So, we went together. She's off to college in the fall, and this strengthens our bond."

The ink, on her upper left arm, is a personal design for Ms DeLauro. The politician decided to get a rose, representing her first name Rosa, with a petal in the centre forming the letter 'D' to represent her last name, and the bottom left of the flower having a stylised version of Italy, in homage to the country her father immigrated from.

Ms DeLauro's stylilsed rose tattoo has deeply personal meanings to her (AP)

However, Ms DeLauro is far from the first member of Congress to sport body art. When Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman ran for Congress, his nine tattoos were mentioned.

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Ms DeLauro, dean of Connecticut's congressional delegation, has represented the state's third Congressional District in the New Haven area since 1991. She now serves as ranking member of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee - which oversees federal investments in education, health and employment.

While this is Ms DeLauro's first tattoo, her press assistant Daniel Robillard said it's unlikely to be her last. She said: "I have four more grandkids who still haven't turned 18 yet. So be on the lookout for more new ink!"

Ms DeLauro is often spotted sporting colourful style at the Capitol - a workplace that isn't exactly known as the homeplace of flamboyant fashion. She even is seen with purple hair, something she does in support of pancreatic cancer research.

Ms DeLauro is known for her bold fashion sense and bright hair (AP)

She says at the core of her work is her fight for 'America's working families', believing that the nation's minimum wage should be raised, with all employees having access to paid sick days, paid family and medical leave, and equal pay for equal work. She also fights for veterans and their families, arguing for more support for both their mental and physical wellbeing.

She studied at Marymount College and Columbia University before following in her parents' footsteps to work in public service. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 1990 after four-term incumbent Representative Bruce Morrison retired.

Ms DeLauro is married to Stanley Greenberg, and has three children - Anna, Kathryn and Jonathan Greenburg. She also has six grandchildren - Rigby, Teo, Sadie, Jasper, Paola and Gus.

Fiona Leishman