 Despite being a newcomer to the House , Ferraro made a vivid impression upon arrival and quickly found prominence . She became a protégé of House Speaker Tip O 'Neil , established a rapport with other House Democratic leaders , and rose rapidly in the party hierarchy . She was elected to be the Secretary of the House Democratic Caucus for 1981 – 1983 and again for 1983 – 1985 ; this entitled her to a seat on the influential Steering and Policy Committee . In 1983 , she was named to the powerful House Budget Committee . She also served on the Public Works and Transportation Committee and the Post Office and Civil Service Committee , both of which allowed Ferraro to push through projects to benefit her district . In particular , she assisted the successful effort of the Ridgewood and Glendale neighborhoods to get their ZIP codes changed from Brooklyn to their native Queens . Male colleagues viewed her with respect as someone who was tough and ambitious and in turn she was , as The New York Times later wrote , " comfortable with the boys " . 
