JOSEPH M. MONTOYA - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 10/04/1974 - HFSID 214703

JOSEPH M. MONTOYA
The New Mexico politician signs his name as Senator on this letter to Mr. Jackie L. Pruitt
Typed letter signed: "Joseph M. Montoya" in blue ink. 1 page, 8x10½. On United States Senate letterhead, Committee on Appropriations, Washington D.C. October 4, 1974. Addressed to Mr. Jakie L. Pruitt, Clute, Texas. In full: "Dear Mr. Pruitt: Thank you for your recent letter requesting a few items from my previous campaign for use in your classroom study of 'The Leaders of Our Country.' In an effort to be of assistance, I am enclosing various personal items, including an autographed picture, which should be of interest to these children. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be of service to these special children, and I send my best wishes to all of them. Sincerely". Joseph Manuel Montoya (1915-1978) was a Democratic U.S. Senator for New Mexico. In 1936 at age 21, he became the youngest representative in the history of the state to be elected to the New Mexico State House of Representatives. In 1938 Montoya graduated from law school and was reelected. The following year he was elected the Democratic majority floor leader. With his election to the New Mexico State Senate in 1940 he once again became the youngest member of that body ever elected. In 1957 Montoya was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election. In 1963 he became a member of the House Appropriations Committee. He was a strong advocate of education measures and soon authored the Vocational Education Act. In 1964 he sponsored the Wilderness Act, which protected wilderness areas. Montoya won the 1964 Senate election which began a twelve-year career in the position. One of Montoya's most important accomplishments was his work on the Senate Agriculture Committee, where he gained expertise concerning the inspection and regulation of the meat packing industry. He authored numerous pieces of legislation aimed at eliminating unsanitary conditions, including the Wholesome Meat Act of 1967, the Wholesome Poultry Act of 1968 and the Clean Hot Dog Act of 1974. Toned. Normal mailing folds. Otherwise, fine condition.