Bentsen, Lloyd Millard (1921–2006)

US Democrat politician. He served in the House of Representatives 1949–55 before becoming a senator from Texas 1971–93, chairing the Senate Finance Committee 1986–92. During the Clinton administration, he was secretary to the Treasury 1993–94. Bentsen was chosen by Michael Dukakis as the vice-presidential nominee in the 1988 election. In 1999 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

He was born in Mission, Texas, and graduated from the University Texas School of Law in 1942. He served in the US Army Air Forces during World War II and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross medal for valour. After serving three terms in the House of Representatives, he launched his successful business career, becoming president of the Houston-based financial holding company Lincoln Consolidate. In 1970 he returned to politics and defeated future US president George Bush Sr in the Texas senatorial election. Known as a moderate, he supported social issues such as civil and women's rights, but was financially more conservative, supporting large business interests and tax cuts.