George W. Norris was a Nebraska politician who sought federal regulation of big business and economic policies that favored farming interests. Settling in Nebraska in 1885, he began his political career with local office before moving to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1902. Norris served in the U.S. Senate from 1913-1943.

Becoming increasingly independent of other Republicans, he supported many of President Woodrow Wilson's measures. He opposed U.S. entry into World War I in 1917, but thereafter supported the war effort. He tried to prevent wealthy corporations and citizens from making excessive profits during the war years. Norris is best known for his actions on behalf of public development of hydroelectric power. His bills providing for government operation of the Muscle Shoals facilities on the Tennessee River were vetoed by Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover. President Franklin D. Roosevelt took up the cause, and in 1933 the Tennessee Valley Authority was created.