Ferraro began her first term in the U.S. House on January 3, 1979.
Geraldine Ferraro was sworn into office on January 3, 1979, as a member of the 96th Congress. Her service inaugurated a period of legislative activity focused on gender equity, education, and fiscal reform. Ferraro's presence in Congress was emblematic of significant progress in the struggle for women's equality in government, providing representation and advocacy for issues that specifically affected women and underrepresented communities.