On January 3, 2021, Rosa DeLauro was elected Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. This significant position allowed her to have a major influence over federal spending and budget allocations. As Chair, DeLauro prioritized issues such as food security, education, and women’s rights, amplifying her long-standing commitment to improving social welfare and ensuring equitable funding for key programs.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rosa DeLauro led an effort in Congress to increase funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), advocating for emergency benefits to help families facing food insecurity. She emphasized the urgent need for assistance as unemployment rates soared and many households struggled to put food on the table.

In December 2016, Rosa DeLauro was awarded "Legislator of the Year" by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. This award recognized her steadfast dedication to environmental issues and her efforts to push for legislation aimed at combating climate change and protecting natural resources. DeLauro has consistently championed policies promoting clean energy and sustainability.

On July 16, 2013, Rosa DeLauro successfully passed an amendment aimed at protecting food safety by preventing cuts to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) budget. Her amendment was part of a larger appropriations bill, and it ensured that the FDA could continue to inspect food facilities and uphold safety standards, thereby safeguarding public health.

In April 2011, Rosa DeLauro reintroduced the Paycheck Fairness Act in Congress, a critical piece of legislation aimed at closing the gender wage gap. The Act seeks to eliminate loopholes in the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and provides the necessary infrastructure to enforce wage equality. DeLauro’s leadership in advocating for this bill highlights her dedication to advancing women’s economic security.

In June 2009, during the national debate on health care reform, Rosa DeLauro was an outspoken advocate for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). She argued for comprehensive health care reform to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable and quality health care services. DeLauro's efforts contributed to the eventual passage of the ACA, fundamentally changing the U.S. health care system.

In September 2007, Rosa DeLauro played a key role in advocating for increased funding for child nutrition programs. She pushed for legislative measures to improve access to healthy meals for children in schools, underscoring the importance of nutrition in child development and education. DeLauro’s efforts helped ensure that federal programs could reach more children in need.

In December 2003, Rosa DeLauro voiced strong opposition to the Medicare Modernization Act, particularly criticizing its provisions related to prescription drug benefits managed by private insurers. She argued that the Act would benefit pharmaceutical companies at the expense of Medicare enrollees, advocating instead for a more robust Medicare-administered drug benefit plan.

In June 2001, Rosa DeLauro was instrumental in the effort to establish the Office of Research on Women's Health at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This office was created to ensure that women's health issues receive appropriate attention in medical research. DeLauro's advocacy has helped facilitate significant advancements in understanding and addressing women's health concerns.

In July 1997, Rosa DeLauro opposed the welfare reform bill that sought to introduce stricter requirements for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). She argued that the bill's measures would disproportionately affect low-income families and fail to address the root causes of poverty. DeLauro's stance highlighted her dedication to supporting vulnerable populations.