Heckler, Margaret M. (1931–)

American politician. Name variations: Mrs. John M. Heckler. Born Margaret Mary O'Shaughnessy, June 21, 1931, in Flushing, NY; dau. of John and Bridget (McKeown) O'Shaughnessy; Albertus Magnus College, BA, 1953; postgraduate work at University of Leiden, 1953; Boston College Law School, LLB, 1956; m. John M. Heckler, Aug 29, 1952; children: Belinda West Heckler; Alison Anne Heckler; John M. Heckler.

Republican Congressional representative from Massachusetts (1967–83), was admitted to Massachusetts bar (1956); elected to Massachusetts Governor's Council (1962 and 1964); was a member of Republican town committee of Wellesley, MA (1958–66); elected to US House of Representatives (1966), became the 2nd-ranking Republican member of Veterans' Affairs Committee; as an advocate of childcare, was critical of Nixon's veto of a comprehensive child-development program (1971); worked for Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and co-sponsored 1977 joint resolution to extend the deadline for its ratification; also drafted Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 and worked with Elizabeth Holtzman to organize Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues (1977); served as secretary of Department of Health and Human Services for Ronald Reagan (1983–85), establishing new guidelines for Social Security disability program and campaigning to increase federal funding for research and care for patients with Alzheimer's and AIDS; was ambassador to Ireland (1985–89).