 Doughton was for 18 years (1933–1947 and 1949–1953) the Chairman of the powerful U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means, and as such he co-sponsored, held hearings on, and oversaw the passage of the Social Security Act in 1935.Doughton was also instrumental in the creation of the Blue Ridge Parkway, America's most-traveled scenic highway.The largest park and recreational area on the parkway is named in his honor.