Norris, George William (1861-1944), was an American politician noted for his independent views. During his 40 years in Congress, he gained a reputation for ignoring party politics to fight for whatever he believed to be right.
Norris was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Republican from Nebraska in 1902. He served for 10 years. In 1910, he led the fight to reduce the power of the Speaker of the House. This fight was successful partly because Speaker Joseph G. Cannon was unpopular among members of Congress.
Norris was elected a U.S. senator from Nebraska in 1912. He opposed American entry into World War I (1914-1918) and into the League of Nations, a forerunner to the United Nations. But his main interest lay in developing public ownership of utilities. He wanted the U.S. government to develop the electric power of the Tennessee River Valley, despite the policies of his own Republican Party. In 1933, Congress passed his bill to create the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). A TVA dam was named after him.
Norris helped pass the 20th (Lame Duck) Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which shortened the time between congressional elections and the first meeting of the new Congress. The amendment reduced the influence of defeated members of Congress. In 1934, Norris helped pass an amendment to the Nebraska Constitution that created a one-house state legislature.
Norris realized the danger to the United States resulting from the rise of Nazism and fascism in Europe. He supported aid to the United Kingdom in the early years of World War II (1939-1945). Norris was defeated for reelection in 1942.
Norris was born on July 11, 1861, in Sandusky County, Ohio, and studied law at Valparaiso University. He died on Sept. 2, 1944.