Margaret Chase Smith was an American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Born on December 14, 1897, in Skowhegan, Maine, she was the first woman to serve in both chambers of Congress. Smith was known for her moderate Republican views and her commitment to civil rights and women's issues. In 1950, she gained national attention for her "Declaration of Conscience," a speech opposing Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist tactics. Throughout her career, Smith advocated for various causes, including education and health care, and she remained a prominent figure in American politics until her retirement in 1973.