Russell Billiu Long (1918–2003) was an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Louisiana for nearly four decades. A Democratic Party member, he was a major figure in tax policy and social welfare legislation, shaping key economic policies.
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, he was the son of Huey Long, former governor and U.S. senator. He studied at Louisiana State University, earning his law degree (1942.) During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy before entering politics. In 1948, he won a special election to the U.S. Senate, serving until 1987. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee (1966–81,) he shaped tax laws, Social Security, Medicare, and welfare programs, earning the nickname “the fourth branch of government.”
Though Long wrote no major books, his legislative contributions are widely documented. His tax policy work remains a key topic in political and economic studies.
Historian Michael S. Martin’s Russell Long: A Life in Politics (2014) examines his career.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Russell B. Long
I really think it’s better to retire when you still have some snap in your garters.
—Russell B. Long
Topics: Aging
Democracy is like a raft: It won’t sink, but you will always have your feet wet
—Russell B. Long
Topics: Government
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