Rosa Luisa DeLauro ( dih-LOR-oh; born March 2, 1943) is an American politician who has been the U.S. representative for Connecticut's 3rd congressional district since 1991. She is a member of the Democratic Party. The district is based in New Haven and includes most of its suburbs. DeLauro is the dean of Connecticut's congressional delegation. In 2020, DeLauro was selected as chair of the House Appropriations Committee for the 117th Congress, succeeding Nita Lowey and becoming the second woman to hold the position. She co-chaired the House Democratic Steering Committee from 2003 to 2021. In Congress, DeLauro is known for the bright colors and bold patterns of her fashion, as well as her cropped bob hairstyle.