 | LISTER HILL |
The following biographical sketch was compiled at the time of induction into the Academy in 1969.
Senator Lister Hill of Montgomery, Alabama was born in 1896, the son of one of the
South's most distinguished surgeons, Dr. Luther Leonidas Hill.
Following his graduation from Starke University in Montgomery, he entered the University of
Alabama at age 16, and graduated from Columbia University four years later with a law degree
and a Phi Beta Kappa key.
He entered law practice in Montgomery in 1916, and was elected Congressman from the Second
District of Alabama at the age of 28. He served as Chairman of the House Committee on
Military Affairs, and was elected first to the U. S. Senate in 1938. He served five successive
terms before announcing his retirement effective in January, 1969.
As a U. S. Senator, Lister Hill distinguished himself in a number of fields, but was best-known
for his landmark legislation in the field of Public Health. Perhaps the best-known legislation
which bears his name is the Hospital and Health Center Construction Act of 1946, better known
as the Hill-Burton Act. He also sponsored the Hill-Harris Art of 1963, providing for
assistance in constructing facilities for the mentally retarded and mentally ill.
Senator Hill was recognized as the most instrumental man in Congress in gaining greatly
increased support for medical research at the nation's medical schools and other research
institution.
Senator Hill also sponsored other important legislation, including the TVA Act, the Rural
Telephone Act, the Rural Housing Act, the Vocational Education Act, and the National Defense
Education Act.
Senator Hill was Chairman of the Senate Labor and Public Welfare Committee, which handles
important legislation on veterans education, health, hospitals, libraries, and labor-management
relations. He was also a ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and a member
of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee.
Senator Hill held honorary degrees from 13 colleges and universities, including the University
of Alabama and Auburn University. He was a Methodist, a Mason, a veteran of World War I, and
a member of the American Legion.
Lister Hill died December 21, 1984.
Updated: May 21, 2007