Papers of Congressman Fred B. Rooney, Democrat, 15th District, Pennsylvania

The Papers of Congressman Fred B. Rooney span the years 1963 to 1979, documenting his sixteen years representing Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, which included the Lehigh Valley. The collection reflects the wide range of activities undertaken by a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, including legislative work, constituent service, engagement with local and national issues, political activities, and office operations. The materials were received by Lehigh University in January 1979 and have been maintained largely in their original order as received from the Congressman's office. This results in a mixture of filing systems (chronological, alphabetical by subject, numerical, by activity type) across the collection, and researchers should note that original box labels cited in the inventory may sometimes be general or occasionally inaccurate regarding the specific contents found during processing.

The collection is rich in several types of materials distributed throughout the 214 cartons:

Legislative Files: These document Rooney's work on legislation and his activities related to House committees. Included are files on specific bills sponsored or tracked by Rooney (often labelled "FBR Bills," "Legislative Files," or organized by bill number), correspondence and background materials related to committee assignments (the inventory suggests involvement with Interstate and Foreign Commerce, Judiciary, Merchant Marine, and Ways and Means Committees), records related to congressional votes, including summaries and reports from the Democratic Study Group (DSG), and general legislative background information. Subject Files: A significant portion of the collection consists of files organized by topic, containing correspondence, reports, clippings, printed materials, and notes. Key subjects prominently featured include: Lehigh Valley Regional Issues: Extensive files on local projects, infrastructure, and concerns such as the Trexler Dam, the Tock's Island Lake Project (Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area), ABE Airport development, public works projects in various municipalities, transportation (including railroads and highways), water and sewer studies, and interactions with local governments, businesses, and educational institutions. National Issues: Materials reflect constituent concerns and Rooney's involvement in national policy debates, including energy policy, health care (e.g., the "Family Doctor Bill"), environmental protection and pollution, labor issues (Taft-Hartley, situs picketing), gun control, consumer protection, transportation safety (bus, car, truck), economic policy, and the Watergate scandal and impeachment proceedings. Specific Investigations: Files related to investigations Rooney was involved in, particularly concerning fraudulent magazine subscription practices and a lawsuit involving Rooney against the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Constituent Service and Public Activities: Documented extensively through correspondence, often filed under headings like "Public Activities," "Pressure Mail," "Casework," or specific issue labels. These files contain constituent opinions on legislation, requests for assistance with federal agencies (casework), nominations to service academies, congratulations, and general communications. Related materials include visitor logs, guest books, and tour arrangement information. Office Administration, Political, and Personal Papers: Includes series of invitations received by the Congressman (arranged chronologically), appointment books and schedules, press releases issued by his office, drafts and texts of speeches and statements, and files related to political campaigns and the Democratic party. There are also files related to office staff and operations. Other Materials: The collection contains a substantial amount of newspaper clippings covering Rooney's activities, legislative issues, and local events (often filed by subject or chronologically). A small number of photographs and audio tapes (related to hearings or possibly speeches) are also present in specific boxes.

Overall, the collection provides comprehensive insight into the workings of a congressional office during the 1960s and 1970s, the legislative process, the relationship between a representative and his district, and the specific issues facing the Lehigh Valley and the nation during that period.