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The Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, chaired by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
H.R. ___, a bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to reauthorize appropriations for the Federal Communications Commission, to provide for certain procedural changes to the rules of the Commission to maximize opportunities for public participation and efficient decisionmaking, and for other purposes.
Chairman E & C: CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN REPRESENTS OREGON’S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Subcommittee on Communications & TechnologyEnergy & Commerce Committee
Name/address/phone Picture BioMarsha Blackburn, (R) 77th District Tennessee, Chairwoman2266 Rayburn Building Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-2811 202-225-3004 fax
Chief of Staff: [email protected] FCC Staff: [email protected]
Committees & caucuses:
Rural Broadband Caucus
Chairman of the Congressional Songwriters Caucus
House Energy and Commerce Committee serving as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
As a small business woman, author, mother, grandmother, and Member of Congress, Marsha Blackburn has dedicated her service to making America a more prosperous place to live.No stranger to adversity and hard work, Marsha went to college on a 4-H scholarship and worked her way through school selling books for the Southwestern Company. She was one of their first female sales associates and one of their first female sales managers, assisting the company in establishing a division focused on women. Marsha moved to the corporate world as Director of Retail Fashion and Special Events for the Castner Knott Company. She later founded Marketing Strategies, focused on the retail marketplace and expanded her work to electronic and print media with consumer segments and articles.Congressman Blackburn began her elected service career in 1998 as a Tennessee State Senator. Blackburn’s Senate career was marked by her commitment to fiscal common sense and government accountability. She became known to Tennesseans for holding “Budget Schools” both in her district and across the state; identifying waste, proposing realistic spending cuts, and offering solutions for a state in a budget crunch.While serving in the Tennessee Senate, Blackburn led a statewide grassroots campaign to defeat a proposed state income tax. While defeating the tax, she earned the reputation as a champion of anti-tax and government accountability issues, taking to the airwaves to make the case that government wrongly believes it never gets enough of the taxpayer’s paycheck. She earned the attention of publications like the Wall Street Journal and groups such as Americans for Tax Reform. In November 2014, the people of Tennessee passed an amendment to
the state constitution to ‘expressly prohibit a state income tax’ – what a fitting cap to a 14 year battle. Her long time goal of permanently restoring the ability to deduct state and local sales taxes Tennesseans pay each year from their federal income tax filing was realized with the passage of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015.Blackburn’s reputation for focusing on freedom, free people and free markets boosted her from the Tennessee Senate to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002 to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. She continued the fight for accountable government, becoming a leader in Congress and a leading voice advocating for a small, efficient federal government that is accountable to its citizens. She became the first woman in the state to win a Congressional seat in her own right.Congressman Blackburn is often selected by her colleagues to lead the charge for common sense reform. In February 2010 she was selected to represent conservative views on health care reform at the President’s Blair House Summit. In 2012, she co-chaired the platform for the Republican Convention. She has served as a Republican whip every Congress, holds a seat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving as Chairman of theSubcommittee on Communications and Technology. Marsha has earned a special reputation as a bi-partisan leader and policy expert on telecommunications issues and intellectual property rights. She has strong ties with Tennessee’s recording industry and the songwriters and performers who make it great. In 2003 Blackburn founded and continues to serve as Chairman of the Congressional Songwriters Caucus to give the nation’s creative community a voice on Capitol Hill.Blackburn is a member of the Smithsonian Libraries Advisory Board and continues her involvement in numerous charitable organizations and her church, Christ Presbyterian.Marsha and her husband Chuck live in Williamson County, Tennessee. They have two children, Mary Morgan (Paul) Ketchel and Chad (Hillary) Blackburn; and two grandsons. Blackburn is a native of Laurel, Mississippi and graduate of Mississippi State University.Notable Awards- Congressman Blackburn is regularly praised by
good government groups like the National Federation of Independent Businesses, National Taxpayers Union, the Farm Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council and the American Conservative Union.- She has been named a Taxpayer Hero by Americans for Tax Reform each year she has served in Congress.- In 2006 the Independent Electrical Contractors recognized her as their Lawmaker of the Year.- In 2007 Blackburn received the Conservative Leadership Award from the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute.- In 2007, she was awarded the Congressional Grammy by the Recording Academy; the White Hat award from the Nashville Songwriters Association and in 2008 received the Platinum Award from the RIAA. The Cecil Scaife Foundation has awarded her the Visionary Award.- In 2012, Health IT Now presented her with the HITN Innovation Award for her work in support of innovative solutions to our most pressing healthcare problems and she was recognized by the Association of Children’s Hospitals and the American College of Radiology for her leadership on healthcare issues.- Marsha has also been honored by the Family Research Council, received the Distinguished Leader Award from the Susan B. Anthony List for her pro-life, pro-family work, and the Iron Jawed Angel Award for Excellence in Public Service.- In April 2013 at the "Women Run the World" Half Marathon in New York City, More Magazine recognized Blackburn for her service in government by honoring her as one of 10 women who are making a difference in the world.- The Washington Post has named her one of the 40 Most Interesting Women in Politics and Newsmax has named her one of the 50 Most Influential Female Republicans.- The Independent Women’s Forum has named her the 2014 Woman of Valor.- Marsha was named the 2016 “Woman of the Year” by the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute.- Congressman Blackburn holds an honorary doctorate in letters from King University.
Leonard Lance, New Jersey, Vice Chair2352 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-5361Fax: (202) 225-9460Hours: M-F 9-5:00pm
Chief of Staff: [email protected] FCC Staff: [email protected]
Committees & caucuses:
House Energy and Commerce Committee
Communications and Technology Subcommittee (Vice Chair)
Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee
Health Subcommittee
Congressional Life Science CaucusCongressional Rare Disease CaucusCongressional Arts CaucusCongressional Pediatric and Adult Hydrocephalus CaucusCongressional Humanities CaucusCongressional Caucus on the Deadliest CancersCongressional House Republican Israel Caucus
Congressman Leonard Lance was elected to the United States House of Representatives in November 2008 and reelected to a fifth term on November 8, 2016 to represent New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.
As a result of the 2011 congressional redistricting process the 7th Congressional District now includes parts of Essex, Morris, Somerset, Union and Warren counties as well as all of Hunterdon County. Click HERE to see the new congressional map for the state of New Jersey.
Prior to coming to Congress, Lance served as a member of the New Jersey State Senate beginning in 2002, where he represented the 23rd Legislative District. He held the position of Minority Leader of the Senate from 2004 to 2008.
Lance was sworn in as a Member of Congress on January 6, 2009 and was appointed to the House Financial Services Committee, where he worked on a wide range of issues relating to the financial services sector and the American economy.
In 2011 Congressman Leonard Lance left the House Financial Services Committee and has been appointed to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
The Committee on Energy and Commerce has a broad legislative jurisdiction including national energy and environmental policy, health and health facilities, interstate and foreign commerce, consumer affairs and consumer protection, and travel and tourism.
As a member of the powerful committee Lance will play a greater role in protecting and expanding jobs in New Jersey’s energy, life sciences and telecommunication sectors.
Before his election to the State Senate Lance served in the New Jersey General Assembly for 11 years (1991-2002), where he chaired the Budget Committee.
As a member of the State Legislature Lance led the fight against borrowing without voter approval. In 2004 he successfully sued Governor James McGreevey on the issue before the State Supreme Court and in 2008 New Jersey voters
approved the “Lance Amendment” to the State Constitution, which requires all future borrowing to be approved by the voters. Lance also authored the successful effort to require funding for open space preservation and he was the prime sponsor of the measure that established funds for the New Jersey Cultural Trust.
Leonard Lance was the third generation of his family to serve in the New Jersey State Legislature, following his great-uncle, H. Kiefer Lance, and his father, Wesley L. Lance.
Lance was born in 1952 and raised in Hunterdon County, where he attended North Hunterdon Regional High School. Lance received a bachelor’s degree from Lehigh University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He also holds a law degree from Vanderbilt University and a master’s degree from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs of Princeton University.
Lance served as the law clerk to the Warren County (NJ) Court in 1977 and 1978. He was assistant counsel for county and municipal matters to Governor Thomas H. Kean from 1983 to 1990. He has been a member of the New Jersey Council on the Humanities and a trustee of the Newark Museum, McCarter Theatre in Princeton and Centenary College in Hackettstown.
He is married to Heidi A. Rohrbach and they have a son, Peter Frank, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin. The Lances reside in Clinton Township.
John Shimkus, (R) Illinois2217 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-5271Fax: (202) 225-5880
Committees & caucuses:
House Energy and Commerce Committee and chairman of its Environment Subcommittee
John M. Shimkus has served in the Army, as a high school teacher, a county treasurer, and now as a Member of the United States House of Representatives for the 15th District of Illinois.Among his duties in Congress, John is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and chairman of its Environment Subcommittee. He also serves on the Energy, Health, and Communications and Technology Subcommittees; a member of the Biotech, Wireless, NG9-1-1, Recycling, Coal, Steel, and Baltic Caucuses; in addition to representing the U.S. Congress in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
Over the years, John has worked with his
Energy, Health, and Communications and Technology Subcommittees
Biotech CaucusWireless CaucusNG9-1-1 CaucusRecycling CaucusCoal CaucusSteel CaucusBaltic Caucus
He also represents the U.S. Congress in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly
colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance policies that enhance our nation's energy security and public safety. Several of his legislative initiatives have been signed into law by Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama including the: 1998 law allowing for biodiesel fuel use in federal, state and private fleets. This bipartisan legislation has since made biodiesel more readily available at fuel pumps across the country.
1999 law designating 9-1-1 as the universal emergency number in the United States for mobile as well as landline telephones.
2002 law requiring federal testing of children's booster seats. This legislation is also known as Anton's Law.
2002 law establishing an Internet domain that provided a safe place on the web for young children to surf and learn safely. The Department of Commerce acknowledged at the time that this was “an important and groundbreaking effort to give parents additional tools to protect their children in the dawning Internet era.” While new parental controls have since rendered the domain obsolete, John continues to stress online safety and a free and open Internet.
2003 law providing for the placement of heart defibrillators in schools.
2004 law expanding federal grants for the deployment of equipment able to locate 9-1-1 callers from wireless devices. Building on this success, John has recently urged the FCC to ensure accurate caller location information is automatically provided to public safety officials for indoor as well as outdoor wireless calls to 9-1-1 call centers.
2005 law requiring transportation fuel sold in the U.S. contains a minimum volume of renewable fuels. John’s tireless efforts in supporting biodiesel and ethanol were instrumental in the inclusion of this Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in the Energy and Policy Act of 2005.
2008 law requiring Internet voice service companies to provide 9-1-1 service to their users.
2012 law to facilitate the delivery of voice, text, photos, video, and other data to 9-1-1 call centers.
2016 law modernizing the Toxic Substances Control Act.
John married Karen Muth in 1987. They have three sons: David, Joshua and Daniel. The Shimkus family maintains their residence in John’s hometown of Collinsville, Illinois where they are active members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School.
John received his Bachelor of Science degree in general engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1980. He served over five years active duty in the Army, then entered the Army Reserves. John retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on June 1, 2008, concluding 28 years of military service.
After leaving active duty, John earned his teaching certificate from Christ College Irvine, California (now Concordia University Irvine). He returned home to teach at Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, Illinois.
In 1989 John won his first election, becoming a Collinsville Township trustee. He left his teaching job the following year to campaign full-time and was elected Madison County (Illinois) Treasurer. John began studies for his master’s degree in business administration (MBA) while county treasurer and graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1997.
In 1996 John won his first term as a United States Representative from what was then Illinois' 20th District. From 2003-2013 he represented the 19th District and now he represents the 15th District, 33 counties that stretch from his hometown near St. Louis to the Indiana border and from Hoopeston south to Metropolis. Danville is the largest city in the 15th District.
Steve Scalise, (R) Louisiana2338 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-3015
Committees & caucuses:
Energy and CommerceSubcommittee on Communications and Technology
Chairman of the Republican Study Committee
Republican Study Committee, Chairman
Gulf Coast Caucus, Co-Chair
Waterways Caucus, Co-Chair
Shellfish Caucus, Co-Chair
House Pro-Life Caucus
Sugar Caucus
Congressional Civil Air Patrol
Long Range Strike Caucus
House Republican Israel Caucus
Congressional Dairy Farmers Caucus
Kidney Caucus
Cancer Caucus
Diabetes Caucus
Tea Party CaucusBalanced Budget
Congressman Steve Scalise proudly serves his colleagues as House Majority Whip and represents the First Congressional District of Louisiana, which stretches from the culturally distinct New Orleans suburbs to the vibrant bayous and wetlands abundant in natural resources. During the 113th Congress, he served as chairman for the Republican Study Committee, the conservative House caucus.
Scalise is a strong conservative leader who upholds the Constitution, advocating for the principles of fiscal discipline, lower taxes, an all-of-the-above national energy strategy, a robust national defense, and conservative values. Through his previous experiences as House Deputy Whip and RSC Chairman, Scalise developed a proven formula to pass effective legislation that unites his colleagues.
As Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a caucus of more than 170 conservative members in the House, he coalesced Members around a unified vision. During his time as chairman, Scalise championed a free-market, patient-centered Obamacare alternative that gained the support of 130 HouseMembers. He also introduced legislation that promotes job creation and economic growth, established an RSC national defense working group, released a conservative budget that would balance in four years, and crafted bills that protect constitutionally-guaranteed rights, like freedom of speech, from unelected Washington bureaucrats.
As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Scalise has emerged as one of the leaders in Congress in pushing for a strong national energy strategy that increases the supply of American oil and natural gas to lower gas prices at the pump while reducing our dependence on Middle Eastern oil.
In Congress, Scalise has a proven record of getting results. Scalise has spearheaded and passed legislation to:
Ensure that billions of dollars in BP Clean Water Act fines are dedicated to the Gulf Coast through the “RESTORE Act” so we can fully restore our coastal ecosystems and economies in the
Amendment CaucusSecond Amendment Task Force
Congressional Sportsmans Caucus
House Shipbuilding Caucus
Values Action TeamLevees Caucus
Turkey Caucus
House Boating Caucus
Natural Gas Caucus
aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Passing a conservative alternative to President Obama's "Buffett Rule" that was supported by outside groups like Americans For Tax Reform.Banning the implementation of radical climate change regulations, saving millions of taxpayer dollars.
Defunding many of President Obama's czars.
Eliminating redundant, costly, and time consuming trips for nearly 2 million American transportation workers by reforming the TWIC card process.
Defunding the wasteful spending of the Open World Leadership Center.Holding the Obama Administration accountable for blocking American energy development through the moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico.
Reforming the FCC by eliminating unnecessary and burdensome mandates on the telecommunications industry.
Through his post on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Scalise has fought against the government takeover of health care, took on Al Gore over the “Cap and Trade” energy tax, and held the Obama Administration accountable for their taxpayer funded green energy loans to failing companies like Solyndra.
Scalise is committed to maintaining an open line of communication with his constituents to better serve them in Congress. Scalise holds regular town hall meetings in every parish of the First Congressional District to meet with local residents and hear their concerns.
Congressman Scalise is a graduate of Louisiana State University. He received his B.S. in Computer Science in 1989 with a minor in Political Science. Scalise is a former systems engineer.
The Congressman’s commitment to service began early as he was twice elected Speaker of LSU’s Student Government Association. He was a member of the Louisiana House and the
Louisiana Senate from 1996 to 2008. During that period, he was elected Chairman of the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Scalise serves the needs of the residences of his District which includes all or parts of Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Terrebonne Parishes.
Scalise is married to the former Jennifer Letulle. He is the proud father of two children, Madison and Harrison. He and his family reside in Jefferson, Louisiana.
Bob Latta, (R) Ohio2448 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515T (202) 225-6405
Committees & caucuses:
House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection (Chairman)
Subcommittee on Energy
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Caucus Chairmanships:Congressional Propane Caucus (Co-Chair)Congressional French Caucus (Co-Chair)Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus (Co-Chair)House Republican New Media Caucus (Co-Chair)
Caucus Involvement:Congressional Army CaucusCongressional National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus
Since 2007, Congressman Bob Latta has served the people of Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Congressman Latta is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee where he plays an intricate role in crafting the nation’s energy, telecommunications, environment, health care, and interstate commerce policy. Latta is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, where he advocates for policies and solutions that focus on jobs and innovation-creating 21st Century Commerce.
Latta is also a member of the Subcommittee on Energy and the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Along with his committee positions, Congressman Latta is a Deputy Whip and Co-Chairs the Congressional Propane Caucus and the Rural Broadband Caucus.
Throughout his tenure, Congressman Latta has advocated for the interests of the people of Northwest and West Central Ohio through policies that further economic prosperity and job creation. His top priorities include balancing the budget, maintaining a strong national defense, and implementing commonsense government reforms.
Numerous pieces of legislation authored by Latta have been signed into law during his Congressional tenure. Latta authored the Drinking Water Protection Act, which provides for the assessment and management of the risk of algal toxins in drinking water. He also
Congressional Military Veterans CaucusU.S. Turkish Relations and Turkish Americans CaucusFriends of Scotland CaucusCongressional Coast Guard CaucusCongressional Military Family CaucusHouse Republican Israel CaucusCongressional Robotics CaucusNavy and Marine Corps CaucusCongressional Air Force CaucusRural Veteran's CaucusCongressional Wounded to Work CaucusJoint Strike Fighter CaucusCongressional Rare Earth CaucusFinancial Protection and Life Insurance CaucusBipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-SemitismCongressional Steel CaucusHouse Cement CaucusCongressional Manufacturing CaucusCongressional Shipbuilding CaucusHouse Hydropower CaucusHouse Recycling CaucusCongressional Algae Energy CaucusHouse Natural Gas CaucusNuclear Issues Working GroupCongressional Dairy Farmer CaucusCongressional Coal CaucusCongressional Beef Caucus
is the sponsor of the Propane Education and Research Enhancement Act, which helps ensure that families, farms, and businesses have access to propane during the coldest parts of the winter. In addition, Latta is the author of the Safeguarding America’s Pharmaceuticals Act, which establishes a tracking system for pharmaceutical drugs through the supply chain – from manufacturers, to wholesalers, to distributors, and patients.
Latta is a steadfast advocate for our nation’s veterans, authoring legislation passed by the House to expedite the processing of VA appeals claims.
Congressman Latta is an avid sportsmen and lifelong resident of Northwest Ohio. He and his wife Marcia live in Bowling Green and they have two daughters, Elizabeth and Maria.
Marcellus Shale CaucusWire and Wire Products CaucusAutomotive & Motorsports CaucusGrid Innovation CaucusCongressional Courthouse CaucusCongressional Firefighter CaucusCongressional High Technology CaucusCongressional Internet CaucusCongressional Prayer CaucusCareer and Technical Education CaucusCongressional Cybersecurity CaucusCongressional Caucus on the Internet of ThingsCongressional Pro-Life CaucusCongressional Sportsmen's CaucusCongressional Fitness CaucusHouse Glaucoma CaucusCongressional Cancer Care Working GroupCongressional Healthcare CaucusLibrary of Congress CaucusHouse Hunger CaucusAnti-Value Added Tax CaucusCongressional Cystic Fibrosis CaucusReclaim American Jobs CaucusMS CaucusBalanced Budget CaucusPediatric Cancer Caucus10th Amendment Task ForceConstitution CaucusCongressional Privacy CaucusCongressional Scouting Caucus
Congressional Sovereignty CaucusCongressional Boating CaucusCongressional Men's Health CaucusCongressional Pharmacy CaucusHouse Small Brewers Caucus
Miscellaneous Caucus Involvement:Congressional Cancer Care Working GroupCongressional Robotics Caucus10th Amendment Task Force
Brett Guthrie, (R) Kentucky2434 Rayburn H.O.B.Washington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-3501Fax: (202) 226-2019
Chief of Staff: [email protected] FCC Staff: [email protected]
Committees & caucuses:
House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee
House Committee on Education and the Workforce
Subcommittees for Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Health, Vice Chair
Subcommittee on Communications and
Congressman Brett Guthrie represents Kentucky's Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Second District is home to Fort Knox, Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, Mammoth Cave National Park, and many of the Commonwealth’s most treasured locations.
Congressman Guthrie serves on both the House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce for the 115th Congress. The Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the House with broad jurisdiction over our nation’s energy, healthcare, telecommunications and consumer product safety policies.Guthrie also serves on the following subcommittees for Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health, where he serves as Vice Chair; Subcommittee on Communications and Technology; and Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection. He serves as the Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee’s Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee.
Recognized for his proven leadership, he was also appointed to serve as an Assistant Whip within the Republican Conference and as a regional representative to the Republican Policy Committee.
Technology
Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection
Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee’s Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee
Appointed Assistant Whip within the Republican Conference
Regional representative to the Republican Policy Committee
During his tenure in Congress, Guthrie previously served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as well as the Committee on Education and the Workforce, where he was named the top Republican on the Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness Subcommittee.
Guthrie graduated in 1987 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with a degree in economics and went on to serve as a Field Artillery Officer in the 101st Airborne Division – Air Assault at Fort Campbell. Guthrie later earned a Master's Degree from Yale University in Public and Private Management.
Congressman Guthrie comes from a small business, manufacturing background. Following his military service, he joined Trace Die Cast, the Bowling Green, Ky., based manufacturing business that was started by his father.
First elected to public office in 1998, Guthrie represented the 32nd District in the Kentucky Senate. In Frankfort, he served on the Education Committee, the Economic Development, Tourism and Labor Committee, and chaired the Transportation Committee.
Married to the former Beth Clemmons, they have three children, Caroline, Robby and Elizabeth.
Pete Olson, (R) Texas2133 RayburnWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-5951Fax: (202) 225-5241
Committees & caucuses:
House Energy & Commerce Committee
Vice Chair of the Energy and Power Subcommittee
Communications and Technology Subcommittee
Vice Chair of the Energy
Pete Olson represents the 22nd District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was born on December 9, 1962 at the Madigan Army Medical Center in Fort Lewis, Washington. The Olson family settled in Seabrook, Texas in 1972, where Olson grew up and graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1981. He received a B.A. from Rice University in 1985 and earned his law degree from the University of Texas in 1988. On the day he completed the Texas bar examination, Pete took the oath of office for service in the United States Navy.
Pete attended Aviation Officer Candidate School and earned his Wings of Gold in March 1991. During his decorated career, he flew the P-3C Orion, which is designed to track and destroy ballistic missile submarines. During his deployments, Pete flew missions over the Sea of
Subcommittee
Environment Subcommittee
Co-chairs the Congressional Refinery Caucus with Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA)
Co-chair of the Corrosion Caucus with Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT)
Okhotsk between Japan and Russia, the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Persian Gulf, where he helped to enforce the international sanctions levied upon Iraq after Operation Desert Storm. In 1994, Pete’s combat aircrew was named the Pacific Fleet’s best in anti-submarine warfare. Pete was transferred to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1994 and a year later, was assigned as a naval liaison officer to the U.S. Senate.
In 1998, Olson became a legislative aide to Texas Senator Phil Gramm. In 2002, newly elected Texas Senator John Cornyn appointed him as his first Chief of Staff. In 2007, Pete returned home to Texas and in November 2008, the people of the 22nd District of Texas elected him to the 111th Congress.
In his second term in Congress, the Republican Leadership appointed Pete to serve on the House Energy & Commerce Committee. Olson was appointed Vice Chair of the Energy and Power Subcommittee by Chairman Fred Upton for the 114th Congress and was selected to serve on the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. For the 115th Congress, Olson was appointed Vice Chair of the Energy Subcommittee by Chairman Greg Walden. He kept his seat on the Communications and Technology Subcommittee and is a new member of the Environment Subcommittee as well. Olson co-chairs the Congressional Refinery Caucus with Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA) and is a co-chair of the Corrosion Caucus with Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT). Given the important role that the energy, telecommunication and health care industries play as local economic drivers, these committee assignments are critical for the Houston region.
Pete and his wife Nancy live in Sugar Land, Texas with their children, Kate and Grant. They are active members of the United Methodist Church.
Adam Kinzinger, (R) Illinois2245 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515P: (202) 225-3635F: (202) 225-3521
Committees & caucuses:
House Energy and Commerce Committee
House Foreign Affairs Committee
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Subcommittee on Energy and Power
Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
Caucus for Syria
Iraq Caucus
Adam D. Kinzinger is currently serving his fourth term in the United States House of Representatives and proudly represents Illinois’ Sixteenth Congressional District, which stretches across 14 counties in the Northern Illinois region.
Congressman Kinzinger serves as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. His top priorities include strengthening U.S. energy policy and making our nation less reliant on foreign resources as well as bolstering the strength of our national security – both at home and abroad.The Sixteenth District is home to four nuclear power plants, miles of windmills, hydropower plants, and ethanol and biodiesel plants. The nuclear energy production alone employs more than 2,500 people throughout the 16th district. Coal and natural gas are also vital to the district. With such rich energy resources, Congressman Kinzinger’s focus is on advancing energy production throughout the 16th district and the United States.
Prior to being elected to Congress, Kinzinger served in the Air Force in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He has always been a strong supporter of U.S. leadership in the Middle East, and he was among the first members of Congress to call for airstrikes against ISIS. He continues to focus on eradicating this threat with a comprehensive and detailed strategy.In 2007, he received the United States Air Force Airman's Medal for saving the life of a young woman who was being violently attacked. He wrestled the knife away from the attacker and pinned him to the ground until the police arrived. He was also awarded the National Guard's Valley Forge Cross for Heroism and was selected as the Southeastern Wisconsin American Red Cross Hero of the Year.
Currently serving as a Deputy Republican Whip at the age of 38, Congressman Kinzinger is one of the youngest Members of Congress and was named ‘A Republican Role Model for 2017’ by the Washington Post. Education and Early CareerAdam Kinzinger became active in his community early on. As a 20-year old sophomore at Illinois
State University (ISU), he challenged a three-term incumbent for the McLean County Board. Kinzinger advocated for restoring local government back into the hands of the people and won a seat on the board, becoming one of the youngest county board members in McLean County history. He served on the McLean County Board from 1998-2003, and graduated from ISU in 2000. Military ExperienceAfter serving on the McLean County Board, Kinzinger joined the United States Air Force. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in November 2003 and later awarded his pilot wings. He has served in the Air Force Special Operations, Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, and Air National Guard.
Kinzinger continues to serve his country as a pilot in the Air National Guard, with the current rank of Major, and balances this service with his duties in Congress. FamilyCongressman Kinzinger’s roots run deep across Illinois. He was born in Kankakee, grew up in Bloomington, and now resides in Channahon. His mother Jodi is a retired elementary schoolteacher, and his father Rus is a former CEO of two faith-based organizations. His parents instilled in him and his two siblings the importance of hard work, compassion and teamwork through their own service to their communities. Kinzinger carries these Midwestern values and his servant leadership with him to Washington, D.C. as he fights to preserve and promote the American dream for hardworking Illinoisans.
Gus Bilirakis, (R) Florida2112 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-5755Fax: (202) 225-4085
Committees & caucuses (from his website):
House Energy and Commerce Committee
Health Subcommittee: The
Residence: Palm HarborMarital Status: Married (Eva)Prev. Occupation: Attorney, College InstructorPrev. Political Exp.: FL House, 1998-2006Education: BA University of Florida, 1986; JD Stetson University, 1989Birthdate: 02/08/1963Birthplace: Gainesville, FLReligion: Greek OrthodoxPercentage in Last Election: 69%
Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis is a Republican from Palm Harbor, representing Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes all of
U.S. is home to a constant stream of cutting-edge medical advancements, but these innovations can only benefit patients and spur our economy if the FDA regulatory process keeps pace. The Health Subcommittee has developed key reforms to promote this type of medical advancement, part of its broader efforts to support market-based improvements to our health care system and reject heavy-handed government control.
Communications and Technology Subcommittee: As technology continues to change the way we live, the Communications and Technology Subcommittee plays an important role in supporting innovation and safety. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over of; Electronic communications, both Interstate and foreign, including voice, video, audio and data, whether transmitted by wire or wirelessly, and whether transmitted by telecommunications, commercial or private mobile service, broadcast, cable, satellite, microwave, or other mode; technology generally; emergency and public safety communications; cybersecurity, privacy, and data security; the Federal Communications Commission, the National
Pasco and northern parts of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. He was first elected to Congress on November 7, 2006, and is currently serving his sixth term in the United States House of Representatives.
As a young boy, Gus learned the importance of public service from his father, Michael Bilirakis, who represented Florida’s Ninth Congressional District from 1983 to 2006. The elder Bilirakis also instilled in his son a pride in the family’s Greek heritage, which Gus proudly carries into his career today.
Gus serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and is Vice-Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. He is Co-Chairman of the Military Veterans Caucus, Co-Chairman of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus and the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance. Working in a bipartisan manner, his main priorities include controlling government spending, creating jobs for middle class Americans, finding ways for government to operate smaller and smarter, and lowering taxes. He is also committed to strengthening homeland security, improving education, increasing access to quality health care, protecting veterans’ benefits, and ensuring the long-term viability of Social Security and Medicare.
The Energy and Commerce Committee is the longest-standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. As the only Florida Republican on the Committee, Gus continues to be a strong voice for Florida, and his roles on the Health, Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, and Communications and Technology Subcommittees are highly beneficial for our state. With the fourth largest GDP, Florida is an important and robust economic engine that should carry great consideration when Congress examines ways we can drive this economy forward. Our state also has the greatest proportion of residents 65 years and older, making it even more important for Congress to ensure a quality and affordable healthcare system for current and future generations. Finally, with the highest per capita residential electricity demand, Florida has a vested interest in ensuring our country becomes more energy independent and has reliable access to a broad array of energy sources.
Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Office of Emergency Communications in the Department of Homeland Security; and all aspects of the above-referenced jurisdiction related to the Department of Homeland Security.
Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee: From cars to smartphones, and more, the Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee ensures the things we are using on a daily basis are safe, while promoting innovation and growth. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction of; Interstate and foreign commerce, including all trade matters within the jurisdiction of the full committee; regulation of commercial practices (the Federal Trade Commission), including sports-related matters; consumer affairs and consumer protection, including privacy matters generally; data security; consumer product safety (the Consumer Product Safety Commission); product liability; motor vehicle safety; and regulation of travel, tourism, and time.
House Veterans Affairs Committee, Vice Chairman
Health Subcommittee: The Subcommittee on Health has legislative, oversight,
Gus is also known for his work on behalf of Veterans. In his role as Vice-Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and member of the Health Subcommittee, Gus continues to ensure our nation’s heroes remain a top priority. In addition, Congressman Bilirakis is fighting to bring additional health care resources to Florida and the Twelfth Congressional District. Since coming to Congress, he has worked with local and national VA officials to expand the Pasco County VA Outpatient Clinic, bringing additional health care services, such as dental care and mental health services, to area veterans. He also has visited the James Haley VA Medical Center (VAMC), meeting with the medical center staff and Veterans to discuss the care and services provided at the VAMC.
Prior to being elected to Congress, Gus served four terms in the Florida House of Representatives (1998-2006), where he chaired several prominent panels, including Crime Prevention, Public Safety Appropriations, and the Economic Development, Trade and Banking Committee. While in Tallahassee, he won bipartisan acclaim for his leadership on efforts to make communities safer, improve transportation, reform government, recognize the sacrifices of America’s Veterans and expand the role community health centers play in making health care more available to lower-income individuals. During this time, he also served as Senior Partner at the Bilirakis Law Group in Holiday, Florida, where he specialized in wills, trusts and estate planning.
Gus earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida in 1986 and a J.D. from Stetson University in 1989. He interned for President Ronald Reagan and the National Republican Congressional Committee, and worked for former U.S. Representative Don Sundquist (R-TN). He also currently teaches government classes at St. Petersburg College.
Gus and his wife, Eva, have four sons – Michael, Teddy, Manuel and Nicholas.
From Wiki - "Controversies":
On February 11, 2017, Biliarkis hosted a townhall
and investigative jurisdiction over the Veterans Health Administration including medical services, medical support and compliance, medical facilities, medical and prosthetic research, and major and minor construction.Economic Opportunity Subcommittee: The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity has legislative, oversight, and investigative jurisdiction over education of veterans, employment and training of veterans, vocational rehabilitation, veterans' housing programs, readjustment of service members to civilian life, and service members civil relief.
LEADERSHIP ASSIGNMENTSChairman of the Republican Policy Committee Veterans' Affairs Task ForceNATO Parliamentary AssemblyCo-Chair of the Military Veterans CaucusCo-Chair of the Hellenic-Israel AllianceCo-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic IssuesCo-Chair of the House Congenital Heart Caucus Co-Chair of the House Community College CaucusCo-Chair of the Congressional Caucus for the Humane BondCo-Chair of the Travel and Tourism CaucusCo-Chair of the
in Pasco County, Florida where he was faced with several protesters angry over the potential repeal of the Affordable Healthcare Act, when the chairman of the GOP in the county, Bill Akins repeated the now debunked claim that the ACA contains "what is effectively known as death panels." Biliarkis nodded in agreement and later told CNN that "The board exists, OK? And I've voted to repeal the board." Congressman Biliarkis seemed to equate the death panel with the Independent Advisory Board, a 15-member committee that issues recommendations for reducing healthcare costs, subject to congressional oversight and approval. [10] [11]
Congressional Caucus on Parkinson's DiseaseVice-Chair of the International Religious Freedom CaucusCongressional Veterans Jobs Caucus Bill Johnson, (R) Ohio1710 Longworth HOBWashington, D.C. 20515T (202) 225-5705F (202) 225-5907
Committees & caucuses:
Committee on Energy and Commerce
Committee on the Budget Committee on Energy and Commerce:
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Subcommittee on Energy and Power
Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy
Bill Johnson was born and raised on family farms, where he learned early the values of hard work, honesty, and sacrifice. Those values have stayed with Johnson throughout his life and have made him the leader he is today.
Johnson entered the U.S. Air Force in 1973, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after a distinguished military career of more than 26 years. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Troy University in Troy, Alabama in 1979, and he earned his Master’s Degree from Georgia Tech in 1984. During his tenure in the U.S. Air Force, Johnson was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate from the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Squadron Officers School, and Air Command & Staff College. Bill is also a proud recipient of the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. As Director of the Air Force’s Chief Information Officer Staff at U.S. Special Operations Command, Johnson worked directly with senior congressional and Secretary of Defense representatives, as well as top leaders within the various U.S. intelligence communities, to ensure America’s Special Operations forces were adequately equipped to carry out critical national security missions.
Following his retirement from military service, Johnson turned to creating and building high technology businesses. He cofounded Johnson-Schley Management Group, Inc., an information technology (IT) consulting company that increased revenues by more than 200% in just three years under his leadership. In 2003 he left Johnson-Schley to form J2 Business Solutions, Inc., where he focused on providing executive level IT support as a defense contractor to the U.S. military.
From 2006 through 2010, Johnson served as Chief Information Officer of a global manufacturer of highly engineered electronic
components for the transportation industry headquartered in Northeast Ohio. As a member of the executive leadership team, he managed a multi-million dollar departmental budget.
Since first being elected in 2010, Johnson has been fighting to create jobs in Eastern and Southeastern Ohio, improve services to our nation's heroes - our veterans, and to make our federal government more effective, efficient, and accountable to the American people. He's working hard to ensure that our children and grandchildren are blessed with the same opportunities of previous generations. Johnson has led the effort in the House of Representatives to defend the coal industry from executive and bureaucratic overreach, and to secure American energy independence. Seven bills authored by Johnson were signed into law during his first two terms.
In November of 2016, Johnson was elected to a fourth term to serve the people of Eastern and Southeastern Ohio. Johnson retained his seat on the powerful House Energy & Commerce Committee that is charged with providing a key role in developing America's energy, healthcare, and telecommunications policies (among others), while providing oversight on the Administration's implementation of these laws. Johnson also serves on the House Budget Committee. Additionally, he is a member of the House Shale Caucus.
Johnson is the author of the book entitled "Raising Fathers", in which he addresses the importance of fatherhood, and begins confronting the destructive social and cultural impacts caused by the staggering number of America's children that are being raised in fatherless homes.
Congressman Johnson, and his wife LeeAnn, currently reside in Marietta, Ohio with a son, Nathan. Johnson is also the proud parent of three grown children: Joshua, Julie, and Jessica, and is a grandfather of six.
Billy Long, (R) Missouri2454 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515(p) 202.225.6536(f) 202.225.5604
Committees & caucuses:
House Energy and Commerce Committee
Energy and Commerce Subcommittees:
Communications and Technology
Energy and Power
Health
Pro-Life Caucus
For over thirty years, Congressman Long was a real estate broker and owner of Billy Long Auctions, LLC in Springfield, along with being a radio talk show host from 1999-2006 on KWTO AM560. His experience running a small business and his time taking calls on the radio from concerned citizens gives him a unique understanding of the challenges facing families and small businesses in the Ozarks. His top priority in Washington is to stop the irresponsible spending and overreaching of modern day Washington.
Billy is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He serves on three critical Energy and Commerce Subcommittees: Communications and Technology; Energy and Power; and Health.
In addition to his small-business ownership, Long was a member of the National Association of Realtors, National Auctioneers Association, and the Missouri Professional Auctioneers’ Association for over 30 years each. Long has been inducted into the Missouri Professional Auctioneers’ Hall of Fame. Long also holds memberships in the National Rifle Association and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
Billy and his wife Barbara were married in 1984 at First & Calvary Presbyterian Church, of which they are still members and attend regularly. Billy’s Awards and Honors
Billy has been recognized for his efforts in Congress on behalf of our nation’s small businessmen and women who create jobs and spur economic growth with the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This award honors Billy’s commitment to free market principles and his voting record supporting small businesses, cutting regulations, promoting job creation, and finding new markets for American products.
Billy received the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence in 2015. Manufacturers honor legislators with the NAM award who support a pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda and who
receive a 70 percent or higher on key manufacturing votes. Billy’s votes in support of our nation’s manufacturers earned him a NAM rating of 100 percent.
The 60 Plus Association awarded Billy the group’s highest honor, the Guardian of Seniors’ Rights award. The award is presented to members in Congress based on their “senior friendly” voting records.
The American Conservative Union (ACU) honored Billy for his legislative efforts from 2011 to 2014. ACU has ranked Billy as the most conservative member of the Missouri delegation in 2014. The 2014 ACU award is given to members of the House and Senate for their efforts on a wide variety of issues of interest to grassroots conservatives voted on during the first session of the 113th Congress. Founded in 1964, the ACU is the oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization in the country. Billy has received the award each year it has been presented since he became a member of Congress.
Billy came to Washington to cut spending and put our country on a sustainable path. He has done that very thing as the National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF) noted in a report showing he ranked 4th out of 435 members in the House when it comes to supporting efforts to cut spending. The NTUF BillTally report looks at the cost and savings for all the bills introduced in each Congress. NTUF produces reports based on the cost and savings of the bills they sponsor and cosponsor. NTUF’s report shows Billy supported the 4th largest net savings agenda in 2011, saving $408 billion.
The Club for Growth’s Spending Cut Scorecard has given Billy a 96 percent when it came to supporting amendments offered in the House to cut spending.
Billy received the Guardian of Small Business award from National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in recognition of his support for America’s small business owners in the 112th Congress.
Billy received the Tax Fighter Award from the
National Tax Limitation Committee (NTLC) for his voting record in the 112th Congress. Billy’s votes in support of constitutional and other limits on taxes and spending earned him a NTLC rating of 100 percent, the highest score in the Missouri delegation.
Bill Flores, (R) Texas2440 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-6105Fax: (202) 225-0350
Committees & caucuses:
Chairman 114th Congress - Republican Study Committee
Congressional Army Caucus (Chairman John Carter)
Congressional Caucus on CPAs and Accountants
Congressional Hispanic Conference
Congressional Job Creators' Caucus
Congressional Natural Gas Caucus
Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus
House General Aviation Caucus
Sunset Repeal Caucus
Values Action Team
Aerospace Caucus
Unmanned Systems Caucus
Zoo and Aquarium Caucus
Bill Flores is a ninth generation Texan, raised in Stratford, a small town in the Texas Panhandle.
While growing up in this agricultural community, he learned the value of hard work, starting at age nine by working cattle with his Dad, followed by having his own paper routes, and working six days per week, 12 hours per day in the ag industry during his middle school and high school years. He became an entrepreneur early in life by starting a small cattle herd at age 12 which ultimately grew into the Rafter O Cattle Company, a partnership with his three brothers which at its peak owned over 500 head of cattle.
He paid his own way through college, graduating with honors from Texas A&M University in 1976 with a BBA in Accounting.
Earned Texas Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) license in 1978
Married a Stratford girl, Gina Bass, in 1978
Graduated from Houston Baptist University with MBA degree in 1985
Worked for a “Big 8” accounting firm for a few years, followed by 30 years in the oil & gas business, 20 of which were in “C” level positions for public and private companies; culminating as President and CEO of Phoenix Exploration Company, one of the fastest growing companies in Houston during 2006-2008.
In 2009, frustrated by the destructive legislation coming out of Washington, he retired from the private sector to run for Congress. In November 2010, he beat an incumbent Congressman by the largest margin of victory that election cycle.
In Congress, he serves on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee; and for the 114th Congress, his House colleagues elected him to serve as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the largest and most influential
Congressional Steel Caucus
Diabetes Caucus
Cystic Fibrosis Caucus
High Tech Caucus
Immigration Reform Caucus
Texas Caucus on Shale Oil and Gas
Childhood Cancer Caucus
Sunset Repeal Caucus
Pilot Caucus
Ports Caucus
Maritime Caucus
Freefile Caucus
Chicken Caucus
Border Security Caucus
Veterinary Medicine Caucus
Air Medical Caucus
Down Syndrome Caucus
caucus in the U.S. Congress.Current governance positions:Vice-Chairman, Houston Baptist University Board of TrusteesBoard of Directors, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI)Board of Directors, Texas A&M Private Enterprise Research Center (PERC)External Advisory Board, Texas A&M Energy Institute
Recognitions and Awards:2004 — Texas A&M Mays Business School “Outstanding Alumnus” award2010 — Texas A&M University “Distinguished Alumnus” award2011 — Texas Tech University Ranching Heritage Association “Boss of the Plains” award2012 — Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets “Hall of Honor” recognition2013 — Houston Baptist University “Distinguished Alumnus” awardRecipient of numerous awards related to Congressional service
Family:Spouse — Gina, married 39 yearsSons — Will and JohnTwo precious granddaughters and a grandson
Susan Brooks, (R) Indiana1030 Longworth House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515Phone: 202-225-2276Fax: 202-225-0016
Committees & caucuses:
Energy and Commerce Committee
Oversight and Investigations
Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks represents the 5th District of Indiana, which spans eight urban, suburban and rural counties in Central Indiana, including the north side of Indianapolis. She uses her background as a Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis, a U.S. Attorney and a community college administrator to improve education, jobs, health and homeland security. She currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is a member of the Communications and Technology, the Health, and the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittees. Through her membership on the Energy and Commerce Committee, she is working on mental health, substance abuse,
Subcommittee
Communications and Technology Subcommittee
Health Subcommittee
House Committee on Ethics (Chairwoman)
Co-chair of the following caucuses:Women's High Tech CoalitionCongressional Caucus for Women’s Issues (CCWI)Congressional Access to Civil Legal Services CaucusSchool Safety CaucusMakers CaucusGirl Scout Troop Capitol HillRipon Society's Honorary Congressional Advisory BoardHonorary vice-chair of the Diabetes Caucus Congressional Sportsman's CaucusBipartisan Takforce for Combating Anti-SemitismCongressional Addiction, Treatment and Recovery CaucusCongressional Career and Technical Education CaucusRepublican Women's Policy CommitteeCongressional Fire Services CaucusWorking Group on Policing StrategiesCongressional Dyslexia CaucusCongressional Automotive CaucusRepublican Israel CaucusRural Telecom Working Group
biodefense and Medicaid reform issues. As Chairwoman of the House Committee on Ethics, she works with her colleagues to restore confidence in Congress.
Her strong background in both the public and private sectors includes experience as a proven difference maker in areas such as public safety, homeland security, counter-terrorism and economic development. Susan previously served on the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi. In the 113th Congress, she was a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the House Homeland Security Committee where she served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications.
Job CreationBefore joining the House of Representatives, Susan served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Ivy Tech Community College from 2007 - 2012. Collaborating with a wide network of stakeholders, she implemented workforce development strategies aiming to enhance job training and placement for thousands of Hoosier residents.Public Service
In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Susan as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. Serving as the chief federal law enforcement officer for a majority of the Hoosier state until 2007, she received bi-partisan acclaim for efforts to battle mortgage fraud, gun violence, drug trafficking, gangs, child exploitation and identity theft.
Susan also earned recognition as Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis during the Steve Goldsmith administration, where she provided oversight of public safety operations and drove community dialogue on vital civic issues. Over her tenure, she managed police, fire and emergency response efforts while serving on boards related to criminal justice, community corrections, violence reduction and race relations.
Private Sector ExperienceSusan practiced law at the Indianapolis firm of Ice Miller and also served as a criminal defense
Guard and Reserve CaucusRPC Millennial Task ForceHouse RPC Law Enforcement Task ForceU.S. - Japan Congressional CaucusWomen in the 21st Century Workforce Working GroupFriends of a Free, Stable and Democratic Syria CaucusAuto Industry Pension TaskforceGeneral AviationCongressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus House Municipal Finance CaucusSchool Choice Caucus Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) CaucusPublic-Private Partnership (P3) CaucusHouse Democracy PartnershipCongressional Caucus on Hellenic IssuesCongressional Caucus on U.S. Turkey Relations and Turkish AmericansCongressional Grid Innovation CaucusHorse CaucusI-69 Congressional CaucusCongressional Robotics CaucusToy CaucusReligious Miniorities in the Middle East CaucusDiversifying Technology CaucusCongressional Internet CaucusPhilanthropy CaucusIndependent Women's Forum
attorney for Indianapolis based McClure, McClure and Kammen.
Awards and RecognitionSusan received the inaugural Congressional Biosecurity Champion from the Alliance for Biosecurity for her work to improve our readiness for chemical and biological threats like Ebola and anthrax. The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America honored her with the Congressional Leadership Award for her work to address the heroin and opioid epidemic. She was also named the Indiana Chamber of Commerce 2014 Government Leader of the Year and is the recipient of the Nancy A. Maloley Outstanding Public Servant Award from the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series. In addition, she received the “Spirit of Enterprise” Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce each year she has served in Congress and the Nathan Hale Award from the Indiana Reserve Officers Association.
Family & EducationSusan was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Susan earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Susan received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Marian University in Indianapolis, an Honorary Degree from Wabash College, an Honorary Associate of Science in College and Community Service from Ivy Tech Community College, and an Honorary J.D. from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. She resides in Carmel, Indiana, with her husband, David. They have two young adult children.
E-Tech CaucusChris Collins, (R) New York1117 Longworth House Office BuildingWashington, DC20515Phone: 202-225-5265Fax: 202-225-5910
Committees & caucuses:
House Energy and Commerce CommitteeCommunications and Technology SubcommitteeHealth SubcommitteeOversight and Investigations Subcommittee
Communications and Technology: The C&T Subcommittee has focused on creating jobs and spurring investment and innovation in this growing sector while fighting counterproductive regulation of the Internet domestically and abroad. Its legislative accomplishments include landmark spectrum reforms to expand Americans’ access to high-speed Internet and ‘good government’ improvements to the work of the FCC.
Health: The Health Subcommittee has developed key reforms to promote medical advancement, support market-based improvements to our health care system and reject heavy-handed government control.
Congressman Chris Collins represents New York’s 27th Congressional District in the House of Representatives. The 27th District of New York includes 105 towns spread out over eight counties in Western New York and the Finger Lakes. The residents of NY-27 first elected Mr. Collins to Congress in November of 2012 and he won reelection in November of 2016.
Congressman Collins is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee where he serves on three subcommittees: Health, Communications and Technology, and Oversight and Investigations.
Previously, Congressman Collins served on the House Small Business, Agriculture and Science, Space and Technology committees.
Chris comes to Capitol Hill with extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. Before serving as Erie County Executive, Chris built a career as a business owner and entrepreneur, creating and saving hundreds of American jobs.
Private Sector BusinessmanChris Collins is a successful small businessman with 36 years in the private sector, saving and creating hundreds of good-paying jobs in Erie, Niagara, and Monroe counties. His current companies include:
Bloch Industries – Kitchen cabinet and commercial casework companyEasom Automation - Automation systems including conveyors and liftsInnate Immunotherapeutics - Pharmaceutical (Secondary Progressive MS)Mead Supply – Equipment rental companyOxygen Generating Systems Intl. (OGSI) – Oxygen generation machinerySchlyer Machine - Custom design of vivarium cage and bottle washersVolland Electric – Electric repair shop, crane & hoist and electrical distributorZeptoMetrix Corporation – Biotechnology (infectious disease)
The key to success at all of these companies is the implementation of Lean Six Sigma, which drives
Oversight and Investigations: With its responsibility to oversee all agencies and programs within the committee's jurisdiction, the O&I Subcommittee has launched investigations into a broad range of topics and uncovered major instances of government waste, fraud, and abuse. This includes high-profile investigations into Solyndra, the health care law, Medicare fraud and abuse, wasteful grant programs, and numerous other inquiries ultimately designed to protect taxpayers.
Caucuses:Auto Industry Pension Task ForceAutomotive Performance and Motorsports CaucusBattery Storage Caucus (Co-Chairman)Canada-U.S. CaucusDairy Farmer CaucusDiabetes CaucusFire Services CaucusFriends of the Job Corps CaucusGeneral Aviation CaucusInternational Conservation CaucusJob Creators CaucusLaw Enforcement CaucusManufacturing Caucus Medicaid Task ForceMitochondrial Disease CaucusMorocco CaucusNational Guard and Reserve Components CaucusNatural Gas CaucusNew York Defense Working GroupNorthern Border Caucus
efficiency and quality.
The Congressman began his professional career with Westinghouse Electric in 1972, spending eleven years with the company in various positions of increasing responsibility including Manager of the Westinghouse Gear Division. When Westinghouse announced it was closing its Buffalo facility, Collins purchased the assets of the Gear Division and founded Niagara Falls based industrial gear manufacturer Nutall Gear Corporation in 1983.
Erie County ExecutiveIn 2007, Chris Collins was elected Erie County Executive despite a voter enrollment of almost two Democrats for every one Republican. He took over the largest county in Upstate New York with a $1.2 billion budget and 5,000+ employees. At the time, Erie County was effectively bankrupt; having a state imposed control board, no case surplus, runaway debt, and many roads, bridges, parks, and beaches inoperative. Remarkably, Collins’ business mentality and implementation of Lean Six Sigma resulted in a staggering turnaround for Erie County. In 4 years, Erie was transformed from a county in the worst financial shape of any county in New York State to one with financial prospects and upward trajectory. During his tenure, Collins’ accomplishments included:
Reduced overall debt by over $120 millionCreated a cash surplus in excess of $100 millionReduced county employment by over 1,200 employees (22%) saving $72 million per yearReopened every bridge, road, park and beach that was closed and even rebuilt the historic toboggan runsOne of the few large counties to fully pay state imposed pension costs without borrowingGot rid of the State imposed fiscal control authority in 18 months and got approval for a 4 year plan (2012-2015) that would further reduce county debt by another $100 millionCore ValuesIn Erie County, Collins articulated 6 core values that formed the basis for his decision-making. Now, he carries these core values to Washington as the Congressman for New York’s 27th Congressional District.Smaller Government – reforming the tax code
Pilot CaucusPropane CaucusRepublican Israel CaucusRepublican Study CommitteeRural Telecommunications Working GroupScouting Caucus (Co-Chairman)Small Brewers CaucusSmall Business CaucusSmall Business Information Technology CaucusSpecialty Crop Caucus (Co-Chairman)Sportsmen’s CaucusSTEM Education CaucusTaiwan CaucusTechnology Transfer CaucusThe Internet of Things CaucusToy CaucusUpstate New York Caucus
lowering rates and eliminating loopholesPersonal Accountability – refusing to increase entitlement programsLocal Decision Making – stopping Washington from telling us how to live our livesFiscal Discipline – balancing the federal budget in 10 yearsGovernment that Serves Taxpayers – implementing programs that serve individuals, not interestsRespecting Future Generations – ensuring a bright future for our children and grandchildren
Leadership in times of emergencyIn February 2008, Erie County experienced a Hepatitis A emergency when an infected employee handled produce at a popular supermarket. Over the course of several days, the County vaccinated and inoculated 10,000 people to protect the public. The event was one of the largest vaccination events in the history of the United States.
One year later, tragedy struck Erie County when Continental Flight 3407 crashed in a residential neighborhood, killing all 49 passengers and crew on board, and one person on the ground in Clarence Center. Collins was one of the first public officials on the ground and immediately declared the situation a State of Emergency. Throughout the night and over the next several days, Collins worked to ensure the cooperation of Erie County departments and other government agencies in the recovery, investigation and family support efforts.
In the summer of 2009, flooding devastated Southern regions of Erie County. Dozens of homeowners lost the contents of their basements and first floors. Collins mobilized the County’s Emergency Services and Public Works departments to assist local governments in their recovery efforts. Erie County also successfully lobbied the Federal government to provide FEMA aid dollars to both local governments and individual homeowners.
Chris lives in Clarence, NY with his wife Mary. He has 3 children and 4 grandchildren. He has a BS Mechanical Engineering from NC State and an MBA in Finance from University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a life-long member of Boy
Scouts, an Assistant Scoutmaster, an Eagle Scout, a member of the Executive Board – Greater Niagara Frontier Council (GNFC) and chairman of the GNFC National Jamboree for 2001, 2005, 2010, and 2013 as well as the World Jamboree for 2007. Chris is the recipient of the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for service to scouting and named 2005 Horizon Citizen of the Year.
Kevin Cramer, (R) North Dakota1717 Longworth House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515Phone: 202-225-2611
Committees & caucuses:
House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Subcommittee on Energy
Subcommittee on Environment
Kevin Cramer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on November 6, 2012. He serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has the broadest jurisdiction of any committee in Congress. Cramer is assigned to three subcommittees: Communications and Technology, Energy, and Environment. In November 2016, Cramer was elevated to the influential House Republican Steering Committee – as the Small State Representative. The Steering Committee determines all committee assignments and chairmanships.
He is Co-Chairman of the House Rural Broadband Caucus, which develops policy solutions addressing Rural America’s digital divide, and the Northern Border Caucus, which fosters continued growth in the relationship between the United States and Canada. He is also a founding Chair of the Congressional Kid’s Safety Caucus.
He is North Dakota’s only member of the House of Representatives. Cramer has made constituent outreach a top priority, describing interacting with the public as “the best part of public service.” According to Legistorm, the Capitol Hill government issues website, since becoming a Member of Congress, Cramer has held more town halls than any other Member.
Cramer has had a distinguished career in public service. In 1991, he was elected Chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party, making him the youngest member of the Republican National Committee. From 1993 to 2000, he served in Governor Ed Schafer’s cabinet, first as State Tourism Director from 1993 to 1997, then as State Economic Development & Finance Director from 1997 to 2000. From 2000 to 2003, he was Executive Director of the Harold Schafer Leadership Foundation, which connects emerging
leaders from the University of Mary in Bismarck with community business leaders. In 2003, then-Governor John Hoeven appointed Cramer to the Public Service Commission, and in 2004 he was elected to the position.
As North Dakota Public Service Commissioner, Cramer helped oversee the most dynamic economy in the nation. He worked to ensure North Dakotans enjoy some of the lowest utility rates in the nation, enhancing their competitive position in the global marketplace. An energy policy expert, Cramer understands America’s energy security is integral to national and economic security.
A strong advocate for the free market system, Cramer has a proven record of cutting and balancing budgets, encouraging the private sector through limited, common sense regulations and limited government.
Cramer has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, and was conferred the degree of Doctor of Leadership, honoris causa, by the University of Mary on May 4, 2013.
He is a native of Kindred, North Dakota, where he received all of his primary and secondary education. Kevin and his wife, Kris, have two adult sons, Ian and Isaac; two adult daughters, Rachel and Anne; a ten-year-old son, Abel; one granddaughter, Lyla; and three grandsons, Beau, Nico and Chet.
Mimi Walters, (R) California215 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-5611Fax: (202) 225-9177
Committees & caucuses:
House Energy and Commerce Committee:
Subcommittee on Communications and
Congresswoman Mimi Walters represents the 45th Congressional District of California and currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. She previously served in the California State Senate from 2008-2014, where she represented California's 37th State Senate District. Prior to serving in the Senate, she served two two-year terms in the State Assembly.
Mimi began her career in public service as a member of the Laguna Niguel City Council in 1996, where she was a leading voice for fiscally responsible government and local control. She also served as the City’s mayor in 2000.
Technology
Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, Vice- Chair
Mimi possesses a background in both business and local government. Her professional career has included time with the firm of Drexel, Burnham & Lambert as an Investment Executive, and Kidder Peabody & Company.
She is a founder of the California Women’s Leadership Association (CWLA) and has served on the Boards of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the Laguna Niguel Republican Women Federated, the American Cancer Society, and the South Coast Medical Center Foundation.
A champion for job creation, lower taxes, less intrusive government, and fiscal responsibility, Mimi has been active in conservative causes for many years. In 2006, she led the fight against eminent domain abuse by serving as the Honorary Statewide Chair for the Protect Our Homes Coalition. The Orange County Republican Party has awarded her with three honors: Local Elected Official of the Year in 1997; Volunteer of the Year in 1998; and Legislator of the Year in 2005.
In the State Senate, she served as Vice Chair of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Public Employment & Retirement. She also served as a member of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee.
Mimi graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. She and her husband, David, have four children.
Ryan Costello, (R) Pennsylvania326 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-4315
Committees & caucuses:
House Energy and Commerce CommitteeCommunications and Technology SubcommitteeDigital Commerce and Consumer Protection
Congressman Ryan A. Costello was elected to serve the people of the Sixth District of Pennsylvania in November 2014. As a freshman member, he serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Ryan is a life-long resident of Chester County, where he lives with his wife, Christine, and their son, Ryan Jr. A graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School in Pottstown, Ryan earned his undergraduate degree from Ursinus College in Collegeville and his J.D. from the Villanova University School of Law.
Prior to winning election to Congress, Ryan
SubcommitteeOversight and Investigations Subcommittee Caucuses 21st Century Skills Caucus (21CS Caucus) -- Reestablished by Congressman Costello Allergy & Asthma CaucusAnimal Protection CaucusAssisting Caregivers Today CaucusAutism Caucus/Coalition on Autism Research and Education (CARE)Career Technical Education (CTE) CaucusCaucus on Addiction, Treatment and RecoveryCaucus on the Deadliest CancersCement Caucus Chemistry CaucusChildhood Cancer CaucusClimate Solutions CaucusCongressional Cancer Prevention CaucusCongressional Candy CaucusCongressional Caucus on Youth SportsCongressional Children's Health Care CaucusCongressional Crohn's and Colitis CaucusCongressional Friend of the National Park Service CentennialCongressional Ovarian Cancer CaucusCystic Fibrosis CaucusDiabetes CaucusDyslexia CaucusEarth and Space Science CaucusEMS Caucus E-TECH CaucusFriends of Ireland CaucusGaming Caucus German-American Caucus
served the residents of Chester County as the Recorder of Deeds and on the Board of Commissioners. He was selected chairman of the Board of Commissioners in 2013. While still in law school, Ryan won a seat on the East Vincent Township Board of Supervisors, serving as Chairman for four years.
Since arriving in Congress in January 2015, Ryan has made an immediate impact in several areas, including returning control over education policy to parents and teachers, rolling back job-killing taxes on Pennsylvania’s life sciences innovators, and fighting for Pennsylvania workers and families to keep and maintain quality health coverage. In addition, in his first year in office, Ryan re-established the House Land Conservation Caucus to promote the preservation and protection of our country’s scenic open spaces and supported efforts to extend and make permanent the conservation easement tax incentive.
The son of two Pennsylvania public school teachers, Ryan places a high value on giving local educators the support and flexibility needed to prepare all students for a lifetime of success. From Day One, he has worked to reduce the power Washington bureaucrats have in our classrooms and roll back one-size-fits-all standardized-testing mandates. He was instrumental in the enactment of the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which overhauled the flawed No Child Left Behind Act, eliminated duplicative and costly standardized testing requirements, and restored decision-making over curriculum and instruction to parents, teachers, and administrators. As a member of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus and the Republican co-Chair of the 21st Century Skills Caucus, Ryan is committed to working across the aisle to find commonsense solutions to ensure our students have the financial aid and in-demand skills needed to achieve successful careers in the modern job market.
Serving on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Ryan has been a tireless advocate for our nation’s veterans and their families. To help our veterans get the medical care, education benefits, and other services they’ve earned, Ryan
Green Schools Caucus -- Reestablished by Congressman CostelloHearing Health Caucus Historic Preservation CaucusHuman Trafficking CaucusInternational Religious Freedom CaucusIsrael Allies CaucusItalian American Caucus Kidney Caucus Land Conservation Caucus -- Established by Congressman Costello Lung Cancer CaucusLupus CaucusMitochondrial Disease CaucusMultiple Sclerosis CaucusNational Park CaucusNational Guard and Reserve CaucusNursing Caucus Organ and Tissue Donation CaucusOrganic CaucusPropane CaucusPublic Broadcasting CaucusPublic Service Loan Forgiveness Caucus -- Established by Congressman CostelloPublic Works & Infrastructure Caucus -- Established by Congressman CostelloRare Disease CaucusSkin Cancer CaucusSmall Brewers Caucus Sports CaucusSTEAM Caucus (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Steel CaucusSTEM Caucus (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Submarine CaucusTask Force on Alzheimer's
introduced legislation aimed at restoring accountability at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (H.R. 1038, the Ensuring VA Employee Accountability Act, which passed the House with unanimous support on May 18, 2015) and creating a more veteran-friendly process for filing claims and receiving assistance (H.R. 3936, the VET Act, which Ryan introduced on November 5, 2015).
Another priority during his first term has been building a safe and reliable transportation network that creates jobs and protects economic opportunity. Ryan helped enact a fully-paid, 5-year transportation funding package that will bring more than $770 million back to Pennsylvania for bridges, roads, and passenger and freight rail improvements. This effort, also known as the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, streamlined the project-approval process and included a provision Ryan authored to allow short-line railroads to compete for federal grants to improve safety at road crossings.
Renowned national political commentator Stuart Rothenberg described Ryan as “a pragmatic conservative” while Reading Eagle columnist Ron Southwick noted Ryan’s enthusiasm for the job, predicting that the freshman lawmaker would be engaged and not simply “an anonymous lawmaker who merely keeps a seat warm.”
DiseaseTrails CaucusUkrainian Caucus Veterans Jobs CaucusWildlife Refuge Caucus Task ForcesCongressional Brain Injury Task ForceCongressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease Delaware River Basin Task ForceMillennial Task ForceTask Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic
Michael F. Doyle, (D) Pennsylvania, Ranking Member239 Cannon HOBWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-2135Fax: (202) 225-3084
Committees & caucuses:
House Energy and Commerce Committee
Subcommittees on: 1) Energy 2) Communications and Technology.
House Democratic Caucus and the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus, also known as the Coalition for Autism Research and Education (C.A.R.E.)
One of the founders and co-chairs of the House Distributed Generation Caucus
House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus
Issues: Energy and the Environment, Job Creation and Economic Growth, Medicare and Medicaid, Telecommunications and the Internet
Mike Doyle is currently serving his twelfth term in Congress representing the 14th District of Pennsylvania, which includes the city of Pittsburgh as well as communities in the western, southern, and eastern portions of Allegheny County and in northwestern Westmoreland County.
His top priorities include creating jobs and revitalizing communities in the 14th District through economic development and high-tech initiatives, reforming health care, providing better public education, establishing a comprehensive long-term national energy strategy that creates green jobs and addresses global warming, and fostering a better climate for our high-tech community.
Congressman Doyle serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which is one of only four exclusive committees in the House. There he sits on the subcommittees on: 1) Energy and 2) Communications and Technology. As of January 2017, Congressman Doyle serves as the Ranking Democratic Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee.
Congressman Doyle has been working aggressively on the Energy and Commerce Committee to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign
Co-founded and chairs the House Robotics Caucus
Steel Caucus
Human Rights Caucus
Internet Caucus
oil supplies through the development of new, more energy-efficient technology and alternative and renewable sources of energy. He is also actively involved in efforts to draft energy policies that will halt global warming without destroying or outsourcing American jobs. He has also been working hard on the Energy and Commerce Committee to promote the availability of reliable, affordable, high-speed broadband internet service for all Americans.
Congressman Doyle is a member in the House Democratic Caucusand the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus, also known as the Coalition for Autism Research and Education (C.A.R.E.).
He is also one of the founders and co-chairs of the House Distributed Generation Caucus, which works to promote the widespread adoption of decentralized power generation technology that is both fuel efficient and environmentally friendly and reduces peak demands on our nation's over-utilized electricity transmission grid – and he is a member of the House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, which promotes hydrogen and fuel cells as alternatives to overseas petroleum.
Congressman Doyle also co-founded and chairs the House Robotics Caucus, which works to ensure that our nation remains globally competitive in the field of robotics.
Doyle also serves on several other important Caucuses, such as Steel, Human Rights, and the Internet.
He is also a member of the Leadership Pittsburgh Alumni Organization, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), and the Penn State Alumni Association.
Doyle is a graduate of Penn State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Development in 1975. Prior to serving in Congress, Doyle was a small business owner and the Chief of Staff for State Senator Frank Pecora. Doyle and his wife, Susan, reside in Forest Hills and have four children: Michael, David, Kevin, and Alexandra.
Peter Welch, (D) Vermont2303 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, DC20515Phone: (202) 225-4115
Committees & caucuses:
Committee on Energy and CommerceCommittee on Oversight and Government ReformHouse Democratic Steering and Policy Committee
Congressional Dairy Farmers Caucus, Co-Chair and FounderCongressional Affordable Medicines Caucus, Co-Chair and FounderEnergy Savings Performance Caucus, Co-Chair and FounderCongressional Community Pharmacy Caucus, Co-ChairSafe Climate CaucusClimate Solutions CaucusRural Health Care CoalitionProgressive CaucusCongressional Arts CaucusBrain Injury Task ForceNational Guard and Reserve Components CaucusNorthern Border CaucusNortheast Agriculture CaucusHouse Hunger CaucusLGBT CaucusHistoric Preservation CaucusMultiple Sclerosis CaucusSustainable Energy and Environmental CaucusCystic Fibrosis Congressional Caucus
Congressman Peter Welch has been a champion of working Vermonters throughout his distinguished career. Since his election to Congress in 2006, he has been widely recognized as a skillful legislator who chooses governing over gridlock.
Peter was born in Springfield, Massachusetts and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross. As one of the country’s first Robert F. Kennedy Fellows, he fought housing discrimination in Chicago and went on to earn a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley. He settled in Vermont’s Upper Valley and worked as a public defender before founding a small law practice.
He was first elected to the Vermont Senate in 1980 and later was selected by his colleagues to lead the chamber, becoming the first Democrat in Vermont history to hold the position of Senate President Pro Tempore.
After a break from electoral politics during the 1990s, Peter returned to the Vermont Senate in 2002. He was quickly selected by his colleagues to once again lead the Senate.
In 2006, he was elected to Vermont’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. His campaign gained nationwide attention for being the only contested congressional race in the country where both candidates refused to air negative ads. Vermonters have returned him to the House by wide margins in subsequent elections.
Peter’s accomplishments in Congress reflect his strong commitment to bringing people together to find common ground on the challenges facing our nation. In an era of partisanship, he has worked across the aisle to create jobs, invest in energy efficiency, increase access to affordable education and health care, protect our national security and civil liberties, and care for our veterans.
Welch is a Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus and a member of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. He serves on the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Travel and Tourism CaucusSmall Brewers CaucusOut of Afghanistan CaucusLivable Communities Task ForceCongressional Victims' Rights CaucusNortheast-Midwest Congressional CoalitionCongressional Green Schools CaucusHigh Speed Rail CaucusCommunity Health Center CaucusDyslexia CaucusCongressional Internet CaucusNext Generation 9-1-1 CaucusNortheast Water, Air, and Waste Management CaucusCreative Rights CaucusCongressional Task Force on Alzheimer'sCongressional High-Performance Buildings CaucusCongressional Sportsmen's CaucusProblem Solvers CaucusCongressional STARBASE CaucusPro-Choice CaucusGrid Innovation CaucusNational Parks CaucusGreen Schools CaucusAccess to Civil Legal Services CaucusOutdoor Recreation CaucusSpecialty Crop CaucusDistributed Generation Caucus
Peter is married to Margaret Cheney, commissioner of the Vermont Public Utility Commission. They share a home in Norwich, Vermont.
Yvette Clarke, (D) New York2058 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-6231Fax: (202) 226-0112
Committees & caucuses:
Energy and Commerce Committee
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
Small Business Committee
Ethics Committee
Multicultural Media Caucus, Chair
Black Women & Girls Caucus, Co-Chair
Caribbean Caucus, Co-Chair
Congressional Black Caucus
Congressional Progressive Caucus
A Brooklyn native proud of her Jamaican heritage, attended the New York City public schools, graduated from Oberlin College, and was a recipient of the prestigious APPAM/Sloan Fellowship in Public Policy and Policy Analysis.
Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Clarke served on the New York City Council, representing the Fortieth District in Brooklyn.She succeeded her pioneering mother, former City Council Member Dr. Una S. T. Clarke, making them the first mother-daughter succession in the history of the City Council.
As the representative of the Ninth Congressional District of New York, she has dedicated herself to continuing the legacy of excellence established by the late Honorable Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman and Caribbean American elected to Congress.
As an activist, a community organizer and now as a legislator, Congresswoman Clarke’s boldness, compassion and love for the people has allowed her to become an effective leader and an outspoken advocate on numerous issues of great importance to her constituents.
In the 115th Congress, Congresswoman Clarke serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Committee on Small Business, and the Ethics Committee.
Congresswoman Clarke has demonstrated her capacity for leadership as Chair of the Multicultural Media Caucus, dedicated to eliminating stereotypes in the media and expanding ownership to include communities of color, and as Co-Chair of the Black Women & Girls Caucus, which develops programs to support the aspirations of African American women of all ages, and an At-Large member of the Congressional Black Caucus Executive Committee.
In addition, Congresswoman Clarke serves as Co-Chair of the Caribbean Caucus, where she has works to build the relationship between the United States and the Caribbean community (CARICOM) on matters of trade, immigration reform, and direct investment through
development programs.
Congresswoman Clarke currently resides in the neighborhood where she grew up, in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn.
David Loebsack, (D) Iowa1527 Longworth House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-6576Fax: (202) 226-0757
Committees & caucuses:
House Energy and Commerce Committee
Center Aisle Caucus
Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine
Congressional Rural Caucus
Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues
Congressional Military Families Caucus
House Manufacturing Caucus
Congressional Missing and Exploited Children’s Caucus
Congressman Dave Loebsack, who grew up in poverty and was raised by a single parent, is living proof of how community support can make a difference in people’s lives. He faced many challenges but with hard work and help from teachers, friends and mentors he was able to overcome his many hardships. As a result, Dave has dedicated his adult life to helping people find opportunity and hope.
Dave grew up in Sioux City, where he attended East High School. After graduation, Dave attended Iowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree. Dave then went on to earn a PhD from the University of California, Davis. In 1982, Dave moved back to Iowa and became a teacher at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon. Today, Dave has the honor to serve as a Professor Emeritus at Cornell College.
Dave and his wife Terry, a retired school teacher after 35 years, are the proud parents of four grown children. Jennifer, a graduate of Beloit College, earned her Masters in Library Science at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and now works for a library software company in Seattle. Sarah, a graduate of Kirkwood Community College, is now a nurse at Unity Point in Cedar Rapids. Marcos Melendez III, Terry’s son, and his wife Michelle are both Naval Academy graduates (class of 2000) and are assigned to Camp Pendleton in California. Madeleine Melendez, Terry’s daughter, attended Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls and now resides in Springfield, Missouri. Dave and Terry are also the proud grandparents of three grandchildren.
Dave is currently serving his sixth term in the United States House of Representatives. He represents Iowa’s Second Congressional District which encompasses much of Eastern and Southern Iowa. Since being elected by the Second District, Dave has been a relentless advocate for Iowans, addressing critical issues that are facing hard-working, Iowa families.
In 2015, Dave began serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which is the oldest standing committee in the House. It has jurisdiction over a wide range of issues, including energy policy; healthcare policy; trade policy; telecommunications and the internet; environment and air quality; and consumer affairs and protection. Having a seat on this committee will allow Dave to make a greater impact on job creation, growing the economy, making sound investments in renewable energy such as wind, solar and biofuels and growing the Middle Class in Iowa and across the country. Previously, Dave served as a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the House Armed Services Committee.
Dave is committed to job creation, growing our middle class by ensuring that our children receive a first-class education, ensuring higher education is available to all those who wish to pursue it, and focusing on training for Iowa workers. He has also worked to ensure that our troops have the training and equipment necessary to safely complete their missions, that our military families receive the support they deserve, and that our nation’s veterans are served by a grateful nation with the same dignity and honor with which they served our country. He has worked tirelessly in support of the Iowa National Guard to improve training facilities, invest in equipment, and ensure they receive the benefits they and their families deserve
He is also a member of the Center Aisle Caucus; the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine; the Congressional Rural Caucus; the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues; the Congressional Military Families Caucus; the House Manufacturing Caucus; and the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children’s Caucus, amongst others.
Raul Ruiz, (D) California1319 Longworth HOBWashington,DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-5330Fax: (202) 225-1238
Committees & caucuses:
House Energy and Commerce Committee
House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment
House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D., grew up in the community of Coachella, California, where both of his parents were farmworkers.
Dr. Ruiz achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a physician through public education. After graduating from Coachella Valley High School, Dr. Ruiz graduated magna cum laude from UCLA. He went on to Harvard University, where he earned his Medical Degree, as well as a Masters of Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government and a Masters of Public Health from the School of Public Health, becoming the first Latino to earn three graduate degrees from Harvard University. He completed his Residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and a Fellowship in International Emergency Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. During his training, Dr. Ruiz served as a consultant to the Ministries of Health of both Serbia and El Salvador.
Dr. Ruiz returned home after completing his medical training and began working as an Emergency Room doctor at Eisenhower Medical Center. Recognizing the physician shortage crisis in the Coachella Valley, Dr. Ruiz started a pre-medical mentorship program for young aspiring doctors, which has grown to include over 100 local students.
The program became part of the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, where Dr. Ruiz served as a Senior Associate Dean. Through the group Volunteers in Medicine, he helped to open a free clinic to help underserved communities in the Coachella Valley.
In 2010, Dr. Ruiz started the Coachella Valley Healthcare Initiative, which brought together stakeholders from across the region to address the local healthcare crisis. He has also worked internationally in the medical community. In 2010, Dr. Ruiz flew to Haiti immediately following the 2010 earthquake and served as the Medical Director for the J/P Haitian Relief Organization. The U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne awarded him the Commanders Award for Public Service for his work.
Dr. Ruiz continued his work as an Emergency Room Doctor until he was elected to the U.S.
House of Representatives in 2012. He represents California’s 36th District, which includes the entire Coachella Valley, as well as the cities of Banning, Beaumont, Blythe, Hemet and San Jacinto. He resides in Palm Desert, CA.
Debbie Dingell, (D) Michigan116 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-4071Fax: (202) 226-0371
Committees & caucuses:
House Committee on Energy and CommerceSubcommittee on Communications and TechnologySubcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer ProtectionSubcommittee on the Environment.
Agriculture and Rural America Task ForceAuto Care CaucusBipartisan Congressional Task Force to Combat Identity Theft and FraudBipartisan Heroin Task ForceBipartisan Taskforce for Combatting Anti-SemitismCancer Survivors Caucus21st Century Skills CaucusAccess to Civil Legal Service CaucusAddiction, Treatment and Recovery CaucusAir Force CaucusAluminum CaucusAnimal Protection CaucusArts CaucusArthritis CaucusAssisting Caregivers Today CaucusAsthma and Allergy
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell represents the 12th District of Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives. Before being elected to Congress, Debbie was the Chair of the Wayne State University (WSU) Board of Governors. An active civic and community leader, she is a recognized national advocate for women and children.
For more than 30 years Debbie served one of Michigan’s largest employers, the General Motors (GM) Corporation, where she was President of the GM Foundation and a senior executive responsible for public affairs. In her commitment to job creation, Debbie led the effort to bring the 10,000 Small Businesses initiative, a $20 million partnership designed to help create jobs and economic growth, to southeast Michigan. She is a past chair of the Manufacturing Initiative at the American Automotive Policy Council.
With values instilled by her Catholic education, Debbie’s activism took root in her passion for issues important to women and children. She successfully fought to have women included in federally-funded health research, and advocated for greater awareness of issues directly related to women’s health, including breast cancer and women's heart health. She is a founder and past chair of the National Women’s Health Resource Center and the Children's Inn at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She has served on numerous boards related to women’s issues including the advisory boards for the NIH Panel for Women’s Research, the Michigan Women's Economic Club, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the board of the Michigan Women's Foundation. She was a co-founder of both the first Race for the Cures in Michigan and in Washington, D.C.
Debbie has led a number of efforts and initiatives related to young people and education stemming from her role as a WSU Governor and co-chair of the Children's Leadership Council, a business-led advocacy group that promotes investment in early
CaucusBiomedical Research CaucusBlue Collar CaucusBrain Injury Task ForceBuilding Trades CaucusBuy American CaucusCaucus for Women's IssuesCaucus on Deadliest CancersCaucus on International Exchange and StudyCaucus on Maternity CareCaucus on Macedonia and Macedonian-Americans, Co-ChairCaucus on PolandCaucus on Prescription Drug AbuseCaucus on Public-Private Partnerships Chemistry CaucusChildhood Cancer CaucusChildren's Health Care CaucusCoast Guard CaucusCooperative Business CaucusCyber Security CaucusCystic Fibrosis CaucusCzech Caucus, Co-ChairEmergency Medical Services (EMS) CaucusFire Services CaucusFood Safety CaucusHearing Health CaucusHeart and Stroke CaucusHomelessness CaucusHouse Cancer CaucusHouse Manufacturing CaucusHungarian Caucus, Co-ChairInvasive Species CaucusInventions CaucusLabor and Working Families CaucusLGBT Equality CaucusLung Cancer CaucusLupus CaucusMilitary Family Caucus
childhood education. She chaired the Michigan Infant Mortality Task Force, the Baby Your Baby public education campaign that reduced infant mortality rates in Michigan, and has served on the board of Michigan’s Children, the only statewide independent voice working to ensure that public policies are made in the best interest of children from cradle to career. She was appointed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve on the Early Childhood Investment Corporation and the Cherry Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth.
Much of Debbie's recent work has been focused on ethical issues and social responsibility as they relate to government and business. She co-chaired One United Michigan, which sought to preserve and support programs that ensure equal opportunity in Michigan. She chairs the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, a statewide organization that brings business, labor and government together to find commonality on issues. She continues to serve on the Parade Company board of directors of which she is past chair, where she helped save America’s Thanksgiving Parade, an important Detroit tradition. A known “bridge-builder,” she continues to promote and lead efforts toward greater understanding among people of differing points of views and backgrounds.
Debbie is a respected voice in Michigan. She co-hosted Detroit Public Television’s “Am I Right,” regularly served as a panelist on “Flashpoint,” a public affairs program on WDIV-TV4 Detroit, and was named one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan by Crain’s Detroit Business.
Debbie resides in Dearborn with her husband, retired Congressman John D. Dingell of Michigan. She holds both a B.S.F.S. in Foreign Services and an M.S. in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University.
Military Mental Health Care CaucusMilitary Sexual Assualt Prevention CaucusMotorsports CaucusNASA CaucusNational Parks CaucusNeuroscience CaucusPension Protection for Working Families CaucusPre-K CaucusPrivacy CaucusPublic Health CaucusPublic Transportation CaucusScouting CaucusSkin Cancer CaucusSmall Business CaucusSmart Transportation Caucus, Co-ChairSocial Work CaucusSportsmen's CaucusUS-China Working GroupVeterans Jobs CaucusVictims' Rights CaucusWildlife Refuge CaucusFriends of Finland Caucus, Co-ChairHouse Automotive CaucusHouse Sugar CaucusHydrogen and Fuell Cell CaucusMedical Technology CaucusNational Service CaucusNorthern Border CaucusPublic Works and Infrastructure CaucusSmall Brewers Caucus Cancer Prevention Caucus, Co-Chair Bobby Rush, (D) Illinois2188 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515-1301Phone: (202) 225-4372Fax: (202) 226-0333
Committees & caucuses:
Committee on Energy and
United States Representative Bobby L. Rush is a transcendent American leader who keeps his legislative and policy interests sharply focused on the needs of his constituents — especially the most vulnerable. He believes in the redemptive power of the human spirit. He believes in human ingenuity and tenacity. He knows the power of a made up mind. As a member of Congress, Rush stands on the shoulders of a long line of patriots and public servants who have gone before him and who are ardent believers in our Constitution.
Commerce
Subcommittee on Energy (Ranking Democratic Member)
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Bipartisan Congressional Privacy Caucus
Community College Caucus, co-chair
Asthma and Allergy Caucus
Bicameral High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Caucus
Black Caucus
Caucus on Access to Capital and Credit, co-chair
Caucus on Community Health Centers
Caucus on Crime Prevention and Youth Development
Caucus on the Deadliest Cancers
Caucus on Educating, Engaging, and Employing America’s Youth, co-chair
Caucus on Green Jobs
Caucus on India and Indian Americans
Collegiate Sports Caucus, co-chair
Creative Rights Caucus
His life is an example of our nation’s fundamental promise and his work reflects a deep determination to bend the arc of government resources and innovation towards the needs of every American — whether they live on our nation’s main streets or its side streets.
Chicago and her surrounding communities are a microcosm of America. While large parts of Rush’s district include communities that can boast world-class health and educational institutions and a diverse array of businesses, there are others where youth unemployment and acts of violence are far too common. Rush is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Army and an ordained minister with a Master’s Degree in Theology. In addition to his congressional responsibilities, Rush is the pastor of the Beloved Community Christian Church of God in Christ in Chicago. Rush listens to his constituents with a pastor’s ear and acts on their needs with a politician’s skill.He and his late wife, Carolyn, have a blended family with seven children including a son who lost his life to gun violence in 1999.
Legislative HighlightsFrom his very first year in office, Rush focused on issues of importance to low- and middle-income families and communities. In 1993, as a freshman in the 103rd Congress, Rush introduced bills on issues as diverse as Conflict Resolution and Mediation toPublic Pensions and Community Development.
Rush’s track record of leadership on energy issues and his support for small business while serving as an alderman in the Chicago City Council paved the way for him to gain a seat on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee in his second term.Rush’s attention to detail in crafting national legislation inspired his peers to elect him Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection during the 111th Congress. Under Rush’s watch, important pieces of legislation became law including the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-314). Signed into law by President George W. Bush, this statute is a landmark piece of legislation that provided an effective congressional response to
Diabetes Caucus
Direct Selling Caucus
Energy Caucus, co-chair
Entertainment Technology Caucus
Labor and Working Families Caucus
National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Caucus
Natural Gas Caucus
Pakistan Caucus
Peace Corps Caucus
Soccer Caucus
Travel and Tourism Caucus
Ukrainian Caucus
Veterans Job Caucus
Financial and Economic Literacy Caucus
Great Lakes Task Force
House Army Caucus
House Cancer Caucus
House General Aviation Caucus
House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus
House Small Brewers Caucus
Midwest High Speed Rail Congressional Caucus
an unprecedented wave of consumer product safety recalls between 2006 and 2007.
Key pieces of legislation that Rush crafted surrounding postpartum depression, women’s health (Sec. 2951 and Sec. 2952 of Subtitle L), and prescription drug offsets (Sec. 7101 and Sec. 7102 of Subtitle B) were adopted in the landmark health care legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148), signed into law by President Barack Obama.
Because of Rush’s leadership over the years on a range of small business issues and community-based lending, Rush was chosen to serve as a conferee as part of the final, bipartisan deliberative process that led to the passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (P.L. 111-203). Rush fought hard to help ensure that low- and middle-income consumers would never again fall prey to the ill-conceived, predatory financial practices that led to the near epic collapse of U. S. financial markets in 2008.
In 1996, Rush served as a conferee on the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-104). This law, the first major overhaul of U.S. telecommunications law in almost 62 years, marked the first time the Internet was included in the broadcasting spectrum allotment and paved the way for the growth of cable and Internet accessibility throughout the nation.
During his tenure, Rush has brought more than one billion dollars to the 1st Congressional District. Through his determined advocacy, he has led efforts to fund major infrastructure projects in the district such as the reconstruction of the Dan Ryan Expressway, the Lovana S. ‘Lou’ Jones/Bronzeville Metra Station, the CREATE Englewood Flyover, the CTA Red Line Reconstruction, and the CTA Red Line 95th Street Station Renovation. Over the years, he has obtained millions of dollars in grants for libraries, museums, municipalities, police departments, hospitals, schools and programs that support the arts.
Since the convening of the 112th Congress in 2011, Rush has served as the Ranking Democratic Member of the House Energy &
Northeast Midwest Congressional Coalition
Congressional Task Force on Manufacturing
Northeast Midwest Congressional Coalition
Great Lakes Task Force
Out of Poverty Caucus
Peace Corps Caucus
U.S.-China Working Group
Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee. As Ranking Member, one of Rush’s top priorities has been to increase opportunities for minorities within all sectors of the energy industry. In this Congress, Rush has introduced the 21st Century Energy Workforce Development Jobs Initiative Act of 2014 (H.R. 4526). This bipartisan bill establishes a comprehensive program to improve the education and training of workers for energy-related jobs, with an emphasis on increasing the number of skilled minorities and women trained to work in such jobs.
Continuing to place a high priority on ensuring access to quality healthcare, Rush introduced the Trauma Relief Access for Urgent Medical Assistance of 2014 (H.R. 4181). In addition to increasing funding for research in emergency medical care systems and emergency medicine, this bill establishes grants for regionalized systems for emergency care response, trauma care centers, to promote access to trauma care services, and grants for demonstration projects for the expansion and improvement of emergency medical services for children. The United States recently received a D+ for trauma preparedness with a few states receiving an F in a study conducted by the American College of Emergency Medical Physicians. This bill seeks to improve on this national epidemic by providing the necessary resources to reduce the effects of Trauma Deserts on our urban and rural communities.
Today, Rush continues to carve an effective course of sound legislative leadership that protects consumers, supports our military personnel, creates jobs, expands businesses, and promotes America’s national energy policy. As Rush looks to the future, the needs and interests of the people he serves in the 1st Congressional District of Illinois remain front and center.
Anna Eshoo, (D) California241 Cannon BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515Telephone: (202) 225-8104Fax: (202) 225-8890
Committees & caucuses:
House Committee on Energy and CommerceSubcommittee on Communications and TechnologyHealth Subcommittee
Congressional Internet Caucus, Co-Chair and Founding MemberCaucus on Religious Minorities in the Middle East, Co-Chair and Founding MemberNextGen 9-1-1 Caucus (formerly Congressional E-911 Caucus), Co-Chair House Medical Technology Caucus , Co-Chair and Founding MemberArthritis Caucus, Co-ChairPublic Broadcasting CaucusBicameral Congressional Caucus on Parkinson’s DiseaseBipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s DiseaseCalifornia Democratic Congressional DelegationCancer Survivors CaucusCongressional Arts CaucusCongressional Biomedical Research CaucusCongressional Caucus for Women’s IssuesCongressional Caucus on Armenian Issues
Like the Silicon Valley region she represents, Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo exemplifies innovation. She’s creative, boundary breaking and productive. She is a problem solver and a consensus builder. In Rep. Eshoo’s two decades in Congress, she has defended consumers, promoted American competitiveness and innovation, fought for access to health care for families and children, protected the environment, and encouraged development of clean energy technology.
Rep. Eshoo’s work consistently earns the highest approval from a wide range of organizations, including the League of Conservation Voters, the Humane Society, the American Association of University Women, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the Science Coalition. The San Jose Mercury News named her one of the ten most powerful women in Silicon Valley “because she sits on committees that oversee the Internet and biotech—areas vital to the valley’s interests”
RecordUnderlying Rep. Eshoo’s tenacity to serve her constituents are her achievements. Following the tragic losses on 9/11, Rep. Eshoo recognized critical gaps in our nation’s public safety communications network. As Ranking Member of the powerful House Communications and Technology Subcommittee, Eshoo was uniquely positioned to address this issue. Working from recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission Report, Eshoo led a charge in the House to create America’s first nationwide, interoperable public safety communications network and to appropriate significant funding for Next Generation 9-1-1 technology. In February 2012, Congress passed legislation to do just that. The nation’s first responders from local to federal levels will soon have the critical interoperable airwaves needed to effectively communicate in the event of an emergency.
In the wake of the nation’s housing crisis which put extraordinary strain on the California housing market, Rep. Eshoo broke new ground for homeowners. Families in her district were struggling to keep up with their mortgages,
Congressional Caucus on Hellenic IssuesCongressional Caucus on India and Indian AmericansCongressional Coast Guard CaucusCongressional Diabetes CaucusCongressional Taiwan CaucusCongressional Wildlife Refuge CaucusBiomedical Research CaucusCongressional Caucus on Deadliest CancersCongressional High Tech CaucusHouse National Marine Sanctuary CaucusHouse Oceans CaucusCongressional Privacy CaucusCongressional Wireless CaucusAmerican Sikh Congressional CaucusCongressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC)
forcing many to give up their dream of owning a home. Eshoo created consensus around inclusion of a “Homeowner Bill of Rights” in the 50-State Settlement—a $25 billion settlement for mortgage servicing abuses perpetrated by the largest servicers. Eshoo’s new borrower safeguards put an end to “dual tracking,” a practice in which borrowers are foreclosed upon even as they negotiate the terms of a modification. The new rules also guarantee a single point of contact for borrowers seeking information about their loans. The American dream of owning one’s home was severely threatened, and Rep. Eshoo took up the cause of defending it.
As the Bay Area population continues to grow from booming economic growth, significant strain has been placed on the region’s transportation networks, especially Caltrain. In 2012, Caltrain reached record ridership levels with 50,000 riders every week day. Rep. Eshoo has long advocated for a modernized Caltrain to meet growing demands. She knows that a 21st century Caltrain will support economic growth, create jobs and help the environment. Earlier this year, the California state legislature approved funding to modernize Caltrain. The plan is part of a $1.5 billion funding agreement to electrify the rail line, increasing safety and energy efficiency, as well as stabilize the agency’s operating budget. This was an historic moment born out of Rep. Eshoo’s vision of a lasting future for the spine of the Peninsula’s transportation system.
No matter the call, Rep. Eshoo has always answered.
Personal StoryRep. Eshoo was born in New Britain, Connecticut, of Assyrian and Armenian heritage. She is the proud mother of two children, Karen and Paul.
Eshoo is a graduate of Cañada College and the CORO Foundation. She was awarded an Honorary Degree by Menlo College and was elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 1982. She served on the County Board for ten years before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992.
Eliot Engel, (D) New York2462 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2464Fax: (202) 225-5513
Committees & caucuses:
House Committee on Foreign Affairs (Ranking Member)House Committee on Energy and CommerceSubcommittee on HealthSubcommittee on Energy and Power
Oil & National Security Caucus, co-chairEU Caucus, co-chairAlbanian Issues Caucus, co-chairAd-Hoc Committee for Irish Affairs, co-chairFragile X Caucus, co-chairTuberculosis Elimination Caucus, co-chairAllergy & Asthma Caucus, co-chairNew Democrat CoalitionAnimal Protection CaucusRenewable and Energy Efficiency CaucusCommission on Human RightsPro-Choice CaucusMissing and Exploited Children's CaucusLong Island Sound CaucusTask Force on Anti-SemitismHIV/AIDS CaucusLGBT CaucusArts CaucusDiabetes Caucus
Congressman Engel is the Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee including the Subcommittee on Health, and the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. He is the founder and Co-Chair of the House Oil and National Security Caucus, which is seeking clean, energy efficient alternatives to America's over-reliance on oil. He also sits on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, the Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism, the HIV/AIDS Caucus, the Long Island Sound Caucus, and the Animal Protection Caucus, among others.
Congressman Engel was born in the Bronx on February 18, 1947. He grew up in a city housing project and attended New York City public schools. In 1969, he graduated from Hunter-Lehman College with a B.A. in History and received a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1973 from Herbert H. Lehman College of the City University of New York. In 1987, he received a law degree from New York Law School.
For twelve years prior to his election to Congress, Mr. Engel served in the New York State Assembly (1977-1988), where he chaired the Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, as well as the Subcommittee on Mitchell-Lama Housing. Prior to that, he was a teacher and guidance counselor in the New York City public school system.
A lifelong resident of the Bronx, Congressman Engel is married to Pat Engel. They have three children.
G.K. Butterfield, (D) North Carolina2080 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, DC20515Phone: (202) 225-3101
Committees & caucuses:
Energy and Commerce Committee
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Subcommittee on Health
Subcommittee on Energy
House Democratic Caucus, Chief Deputy Whip
Congressional Black Caucus, Immediate Past Chair
Out-of Poverty Caucus, Co-Chair
State Medical Expansion Caucus, Co-Chair
Caucuses & Task Forces:
Childhood Cancer
Community College
Congressional African Partnership for Economic Growth
Congressional Boating
Congressional Caucus on Community Health Centers
Congressional Coast Guard
Belief in Equal Opportunity - Congressman G. K. Butterfield believes that if you work hard and play by the rules you deserve a fair shot at achieving the American Dream. But for many Americans, this dream seems out of reach. Too many North Carolinians are struggling to make ends meet. That is why Congressman Butterfield is working to expand opportunity to all Americans and ensure the poor and middle class have a seat at the decision making table. From the courts to Congress, G. K. Butterfield has always fought for equality of opportunity.
North Carolina Roots - Congressman Butterfield’s roots in Wilson, N.C. taught him the values of hard work and responsibility. His father, Dr. G. K. Butterfield Sr., was a respected dentist and elected official. Dr. Butterfield graduated from Meharry Dental College and practiced dentistry for 50 years in the poor, segregated community of East Wilson. Many of his patients had never received dental services because they were unable to afford care. However, Dr. Butterfield did not turn anyone away because they were unable to pay. To him, access to care was a right for everyone, not a privilege for the few.
Congressman Butterfield’s mother, Addie, was passionate about education. She taught elementary school for 48 years in some of the poorest communities in North Carolina. Mrs. Butterfield was keenly focused on making sure her students learned to read--a right that was denied to many Blacks in the South.
Congressman Butterfield’s parents led by example and instilled in him the importance of serving your community and working to give people the opportunity to succeed.
Front Row Seat to Civil Rights Movement - Growing up in the segregated city of Wilson, N.C. gave Congressman Butterfield a front-row seat to the fight for civil rights in the South. In the late 1940s, Dr. Butterfield helped found the Wilson Branch of the NAACP, which was formed to register Black voters in the county. In 1953, Congressman Butterfield’s father became the first African American elected to the city council in Wilson, and the first Black elected official in eastern North Carolina since
Congressional Diabetes
Congressional Glaucoma
Congressional Historic Preservation
Congressional International Anti-Piracy
Congressional Joint Strike Fighter
Congressional Motorcycle
Congressional Native American
Congressional Oral Health
Congressional Rural Housing
Congressional Submarine
Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease
Congressional Textile
Congressional Travel & Tourism
Congressional Vision
Disabilities
Diversity and Innovation, Co-Chair
Friends of Job Corps
House Bike Caucus
House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus
National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus
Reconstruction.
The other council members were upset with Dr. Butterfield for his voter registration efforts and wanted to ensure he was not reelected. So, the city council called an emergency meeting to change the method of electing its members while the Butterfield family was traveling out of state. Under the new system, council members would be elected at-large instead of being elected from districts. The change diluted Black voting strength and forced Dr. Butterfield to run citywide as opposed to running in a majority black district. As a result, Congressman Butterfield’s father was defeated in the 1957 election. Congressman Butterfield witnessed firsthand the abuse of political power used to weaken voting rights. This experience formed a lasting impression on him and fueled his desire to become a lawyer and advocate for civil rights.
Fighting for Civil Rights - After graduating from Charles H. Darden High School in Wilson, Congressman Butterfield earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from North Carolina Central University (NCCU). During his time at NCCU, Congressman Butterfield was active in organizing voter registration drives in Durham. After the enactment of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, Butterfield organized a student march from the State Capital in Raleigh to the Wilson County Courthouse to draw attention to the importance of voter registration. At the conclusion of the march, Congressman Butterfield registered to vote for the first time.
In 1965, workers at Duke University were organizing to demand improved working conditions. Congressman Butterfield, who once served as intern and orderly at Duke University Hospital, joined hospital employees in their fight for workers’ rights. The employees would eventually form the Local 77 chapter of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union.
During his junior year at NCCU, Congressman Butterfield was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg Army installation in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was later honorably discharged from the Army
and returned to NCCU to complete his undergraduate degree. Following his graduation, he attended NCCU School of Law. While in law school, Congressman Butterfield focused on learning how the law could be used to protect peoples' rights as opposed to limiting them.
After completing law school, Congressman Butterfield began his distinguished legal career as a civil rights attorney. For 14 years, Butterfield practiced law across eastern North Carolina representing mostly low-income clients who needed legal services. He also focused on protecting civil rights, winning several voting rights cases that earned him the reputation of a principled litigator. Butterfield’s litigation work helped to preserve the ability of several African American communities to elect candidates of their choice to public office.
Judge Butterfield - Congressman Butterfield was elected Resident Superior Court Judge for the First Judicial Division. For 13 years, he presided over civil and criminal courts in 46 counties throughout North Carolina.
In February 2001, then-Governor Mike Easley appointed Butterfield to the North Carolina Supreme Court. While serving on the highest court in the state, Congressman Butterfield authored more than 15 opinions on cases involving judicial sentencing procedures, eminent domain, and the application of capital punishment.
Despite running an aggressive statewide campaign, Butterfield lost reelection to the Court in November 2002. Following that loss, he was reappointed to the Superior Court bench and resumed his duties as a trial judge. His judicial service spanned a total of 15 years.
Advocate for the People - In 2004, G. K. Butterfield retired from the bench to run in a special election to fill the unexpired term of Congressman Frank Ballance (NC-01). Congressman Butterfield won a crowded primary election to fill the seat, where he captured 71 percent of the vote.
Upon taking office in July 2004, Congressman Butterfield was determined to be a strong
advocate for the people in eastern North Carolina. Recognizing the importance of agriculture and nutrition programs to the First District, Congressman Butterfield initially joined the House Agriculture Committee. He also served on the House Armed Services Committee where he was an advocate for our military, which has a strong presence throughout North Carolina. Congressman Butterfield also served on the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (Ethics Committee).
Currently, Congressman Butterfield is a member of the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee. On the Committee, he has been an advocate for access to quality healthcare, rural broadband expansion, protecting consumer privacy, promoting renewable energies, and reducing energy rates in low income communities. Congressman Butterfield sits on the Subcommittees on Communications and Technology; Energy; and Health. Previously he served as Ranking Member of the Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee.
In addition to his work in Congress, the Congressman also serves on the Board of Visitors for the North Carolina Central University School of Law, his alma mater, and on the Board of Trustees for Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
Leader in Congress - In January 2007, Congressman Butterfield was appointed a Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, a position in which he continues to serve. As a Chief Deputy Whip, Butterfield works with the Democratic leadership to help formulate policy and rally support for the Caucus’ legislative priorities on the House Floor. Congressman Butterfield is the first Democrat from North Carolina to serve in this role.
In November 2014, Congressman Butterfield was unanimously elected Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) for the 114th Congress. As a member of the CBC, Congressman Butterfield focused on promoting anti-poverty programs, expanding economic development and job creation, protecting voting rights, advocating for the appointment of African American to judgeships and senior
Administration positions, and increasing diversity in leadership positions in corporate America. He has been an outspoken member of the CBC since his election in 2004.
Fighter for the First District - Since coming to Congress, Congressman Butterfield has been a tireless advocate and champion for his constituents. He has worked to improve the lives of his constituents by proposing strong legislative initiatives, helping to direct more than $100 million in federal dollars to the First District, and by prioritizing constituent service. He has consistently supported projects in his district that work to increase student achievement and expand opportunities for his constituents. Congressman Butterfield has successfully fought for funding for transportation and redevelopment projects and has secured funding to support important health care programs in the First District. He serves on the committee that was a key architect of the Affordable Care Act, is an outspoken opponent of any attempts to repeal the law. In addition, Congressman Butterfield fights for his constituents on many other fronts including: advocating for the equipping of first responders and municipalities with the tools they need to protect their citizenry; bringing in more than $14 million in federal dollars to the First District to protect North Carolina’s natural resources in an effort to protect the environment for future generations; and securing funding for veterans, servicemembers, and military bases throughout eastern North Carolina.
Grounded in Faith and Family - Congressman Butterfield is a lifelong member of Jackson Chapel First Missionary Baptist Church in Wilson, N.C. He is the father of three adult daughters, Valeisha, Lenai and Tunya, and a proud grandfather of three grandsons.
Doris Matsui, (D) CaliforniaRayburn Building 2311 Washington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-7163Fax: (202) 225-0566
Committees & caucuses:ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE
Congresswoman Doris Matsui has represented the city of Sacramento and its surrounding areas since 2005. As a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, she serves on the Health, Communications & Technology, Environment, and Digital Commerce & Consumer Protection subcommittees. She is committed to strengthening Sacramento’s flood protection, ensuring quality, affordable health care for all, promoting a clean energy economy, and creating a vibrant region where families can
The Subcommittee on HealthThe Subcommittee on Communications & TechnologyThe Subcommittee on EnvironmentThe Subcommittee on Digital Commerce & Consumer Protection
CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUSESCONGRESSWOMAN MATSUI’S CAUCUS LEADERSHIPCongressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, Co-ChairCongressional High-Tech Caucus, Co-ChairNational Service Congressional Caucus, Co-ChairCongressional Caucus to Cure Blood Cancers and Other Blood Disorders, Co-ChairThe Congressional Task Force on Seniors, Co-ChairSustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), Co-Chair CONGRESSWOMAN MATSUI’S CAUCUS MEMBERSHIPArthritis CaucusArts CaucusAutism CaucusCalifornia Democratic Congressional DelegationCoast Guard CaucusCongressional Anti-Bullying CaucusCongressional Asian Pacific American CaucusCongressional Academic Medicine CaucusCongressional Bike
live, work, and play.
Sitting at the confluence of two rivers, the Sacramento area has one of the highest flood risks in the country. Congresswoman Matsui is a stalwart champion for increased flood protection, levee improvements and keeping flood insurance rates affordable. She is at the forefront of the effort to build the Joint Federal Project at Folsom Dam, a $1 billion project that is a model of cooperation and efficiency. She also fights to preserve the region’s water rights and resources within the ongoing Bay Delta Conservation Plan.Congresswoman Matsui passionately works to increase public transportation options in Sacramento. She is engaged in the planning and execution of an intermodal transportation center in downtown Sacramento, was instrumental in securing federal funds to extend Sacramento’s light rail system, and is a leading proponent and has helped secure critical federal resources for a streetcar system linking Sacramento and West Sacramento.
She has worked tirelessly to improve access to high quality health care in Sacramento and across the nation. Through her committee work, Congresswoman Matsui helped author the Affordable Care Act, and she continues to advocate for access to high quality health care services. She is a champion in Congress for improving our nation’s mental health care system, and secured passage of landmark bipartisan legislation, the Excellence in Mental Health Act, which provides $1 billion to strengthen the mental health safety net.Congresswoman Matsui has been a leader in Congress on promoting policies which address the effects of a changing climate, serving as a co-chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC). She has authored a number of legislative proposals aimed at boosting clean energy manufacturing and financing to help smaller clean energy companies grow and create jobs. Thanks in large part to her efforts, the Sacramento region has been transforming into a clean-tech capitol, with over 200 companies in the region.
Congresswoman Matsui is also a leader on technology and telecom policy. She is a leading proponent of net neutrality and ensuring access to
CaucusCongressional Caucus for Women’s IssuesCongressional Caucus on VietnamCongressional Fire Services CaucusCongressional High-Performance Buildings CaucusCongressional Mental Health CaucusCongressional Nurse CaucusCongressional Research & Development CaucusCongressional Task Force Against Anti-SemitismCongressional Water CaucusCongressional Wildlife Refuge CaucusCybersecurity Working GroupDiabetes CaucusGlobal Warming CaucusGreen Schools CaucusHumanities CaucusLife Sciences CaucusLupus CaucusMaternity Care CaucusMedical Technology CaucusNational Service Caucus, Co-ChairNative American CaucusOut of Poverty CaucusPublic Health CaucusRenewable Energy & Energy Efficiency CaucusRep. Berman’s Entertainment Task ForceRock & Roll CaucusSmall Brewers CaucusSTARBASESTEM Education caucus (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics)Tom Lantos Human Rights CommissionTri-Caucus (comprised of
the free and open Internet, authoring legislation that would prohibit so-called Internet fast lanes from harming consumers, small businesses and innovators. As the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional High Tech Caucus, she advocates for policies to expand the innovative use of technology across every sector of the economy. She also is an ardent supporter of advancing STEM education, especially for women and girls.
During the 114th Congress, Congresswoman Matsui was elected by her peers to serve as a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues. As co-chair, she worked closely with the 88 women Members of the House to advance issues that matter most to women in the United States. In addition, she chaired the Democratic Women’s Working Group, which advocates for an economic agenda for women and families.After growing up on a farm in California’s Central Valley, Congresswoman Matsui met her husband, the late Congressman Bob Matsui, while attending the University of California at Berkeley. During President Clinton’s first term in office, she served as one of eight members of the President’s transition board. She later served for six years as Deputy Assistant to the President in the White House Office of Public Liaison.
Congresswoman Matsui has a son Brian Matsui and a daughter-in-law Amy Matsui. She has two grandchildren, Anna and Robby.
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, & the Congressional Black Caucus)United Kingdom CaucusVictims Rights CaucusJerry McNerney, (D) California2265 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-1947Fax: (202) 225-4060
Committees & caucuses:
House Committee on Energy & Commerce
Subcommittee on Energy
Subcommittee on Communications & Technology
Subcommittee on Environment
House Committee on Science, Space & Technology
Subcommittee on Energy
Subcommittee on Oversight
Adult Literacy CaucusAmerican Sikh Congressional CaucusAsian Pacific American CaucusBike CaucusCareer and Technical Education CaucusCampaign Finance Reform Caucus (Co-Chair)Caucus on Children’s Health Care
Congressman Jerry McNerney was sworn into office on January 4, 2007. He is proud to represent California’s 9th District, which includes a large portion of San Joaquin County in the Central Valley as well as parts of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties.
McNerney was inspired to run for Congress by his son Michael, who in response to the attacks of September 11, sought and received a commission in the Air Force. Michael suggested that his Dad serve his country by running for Congress. With a deep sense of duty and his family’s support, McNerney began his journey to Congress.
Congressman McNerney is honored to serve on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. The committee is vested with broad jurisdiction on a number of issues including telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health research, environmental quality, energy policy, and interstate and foreign commerce. The Congressman is also proud to be a member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.
McNerney, who has his Ph.D. in mathematics, served several years as an engineering contractor to Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico. In 1990 McNerney moved with his family to California, accepting a senior engineering position with U.S. Windpower, Kenetech. McNerney later began working as an energy consultant for PG&E, FloWind, the Electric Power Research Institute, and other utility companies. Prior to his election to Congress, he formed a start-up company to manufacture wind turbines.
During his career in wind energy, McNerney’s work contributed to saving the equivalent of approximately 30 million barrels of oil, or 8.3
Caucus on Prescription Drug AbuseCaucus on SoilCaucus on WineClimate Solutions CaucusCommunity College CaucusCongressional Animal Protection CaucusCongressional Artificial Intelligence CaucusCongressional Cannabis CaucusCongressional Caucus to Fight and Control MethamphetamineCongressional Caucus for the Humane BondCongressional Caucus on Foster YouthCongressional Caucus on India and Indian AmericansCongressional Diabetes CaucusCongressional Dyslexia CaucusCongressional Estuary CaucusCongressional Homeless CaucusCongressional Humanities CaucusCongressional Independent College CaucusCongressional Internet of Things CaucusCongressional LGBT Equality CaucusCongressional Neuroscience CaucusCongressional PORTS CaucusCongressional Pro-Choice CaucusCongressional Robotics CaucusCongressional TRIO CaucusCongressional Voting Rights Caucus
million tons of carbon dioxide.
McNerney and Mary, his wife of 40 years, have three grown children. Their oldest son, Michael, is a reserve officer in the U.S. Air Force and a graduate of American University with a degree in law. Daughter Windy received a Ph.D. from Notre Dame in neuroscience and is now working on the biochemistry of neurodegenerative disorders as a fellow at the VA Palo Alto, and also teaches at Stanford University. Their youngest son, Greg, received his Ph.D. in biophysics and is working as an engineer at Intel Corporation.
Congressional Writers CaucusCongressional Youth ChalleNGe CaucusCybersecurity CaucusDairy Farmers CaucusDigital Trade CaucusGreen Schools CaucusGrid Innovation Caucus (Co-Chair)High Tech CaucusHouse Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education CaucusInternational Conservation CaucusKids' Safety CaucusMilitary Depot, Arsenal, Ammunition Plant, and Industrial Facilities CaucusMilitary Veterans CaucusPublic Education CaucusRecycling CaucusSpecialty Crop CaucusSustainable Energy & Environment CoalitionU.S.-Mexico Friendship CaucusVictim’s Rights CaucusWireless CaucusTask Forces:Congressional Brain Injury Task ForceHouse Democratic Caucus Seniors Task ForceGreg Walden, (R) Oregon - Ex officio2185 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-6730Fax: (202) 225-5774
Committees & caucuses:
Committee on Energy and Commerce , Chairman
From Wiki:From 2010 to 2011,
U.S. Rep. Greg Walden represents the people of Oregon's Second Congressional District, which includes 20 counties in central, southern, and eastern Oregon. Walden, 60, is a lifelong Oregonian whose ancestors came to Oregon by wagon train in 1845.
He and his wife Mylene celebrated 35 years of marriage in August 2017, and make their home in Hood River where they’ve been small business owners since 1986. Their son, Anthony graduated from Hood River Valley High School and Wake Forest University. His parents are graduates of the University of Oregon.
Walden gave up his seat on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, at Republican leadership request so that Parker Griffith, who had recently switched parties, could take his spot on that committee.[9]
Walden founded the Small Brewers Caucus (see Alcohol in Oregon) and the Digital Television Caucus; as of 2007, he was a member of 39 congressional caucuses.[10]
Walden is also a member of the centrist Republican Main Street Partnership [12] and the Congressional Cement Caucus.
Walden and his wife spent more than two decades as radio station owners in the Gorge. He’s also a licensed amateur radio operator (W7EQI). He put that small business and technology experience to work as chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. In this role, he worked to pass legislation to grow American jobs by expanding access to wireless broadband, spur new U.S. technology and innovation, and protect the Internet from government control.
His work in support of Oregon’s rural farm and ranch economy has earned him local and national recognition. He’s helped write and pass bipartisan legislation to expedite treatment of fire-prone forests, and continues to work across the aisle to find natural resource solutions. The House has also passed bipartisan legislation Walden has championed to fix broken federal forest policy to restore forest health and put people back to work in the woods, as well as legislation (now law) to bring more water and power to Central Oregon for job creation.
Walden’s experience as a former member of the Hood River Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees and as a former member of the Oregon Health Sciences University Foundation Board have helped in his work to improve access to affordable health care, especially in rural communities. His successful efforts have earned him national and local awards. Walden has led the charge to request and secure a federal investigation into the failure of Cover Oregon, the state's health exchange. Oregon taxpayers deserve accountability for the failure of this disastrous project.
Walden has also worked hard to ensure that Oregon service members and veterans receive the benefits they have earned through years of brave service.
In November 2014, Walden’s House Republican colleagues unanimously reelected him to serve as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).In December 2016, Walden was selected as Chairman of the full Committee on Energy & Commerce. You can read about the Energy and Commerce Committee's history, legislative
jurisdiction, and members here.Frank Pallone, (D) New Jersey - Ex officio237 Cannon HOBWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-4671Fax: (202) 225-9665
Committees & caucuses:
CommitteesRanking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee
CaucusesCongressman Pallone also serves as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and the Congressional Coastal Caucus. He is also the co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans and Congressional Caucus on Sri Lanka. For more information on these and other caucuses on which he serves, please see below:Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues (co-chair)Congressional Caucus on Sri Lanka (founder)Congressional Coastal CaucusCongressional Recycling Caucus
Anti-Value Added Tax CaucusBi-Partisan Coalition for Combating Anti-SemitismBipartisan Congressional Caucus on Parkinson's DiseaseChildren's Environmental Health CaucusCoalition on Autism
On January 3, 2017, Frank Pallone, Jr. was sworn in for his 15th full term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Pallone represents New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District, which covers most of Middlesex County, as well as the Bayshore and oceanfront areas of Monmouth County.
Throughout his tenure in Congress, Pallone's legislative accomplishments have been geared to the protection and restoration of environmental resources and making health care more affordable and accessible.
Pallone is the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over issues pertaining to energy, environment, health care, commerce, and telecommunications.
From 2006 to 2014, Pallone served as the top Democrat on the Committee’s Subcommittee on Health. As Chairman during the 111th Congress, Pallone played a key role in authoring and passing the Affordable Care Act. The landmark law extends health care coverage to millions of Americans, while driving down health care costs and reigning in abusive tactics used by insurance companies to deny medical treatment. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 105 million Americans no longer have a lifetime limit on their coverage and 5.1 million seniors have saved $3.2 billion on their prescription drugs, to date.
During the 114th Congress, Pallone co-authored legislation to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act, which passed with major bipartisan support for the first time since its original passing in 1976. The TSCA Modernization Act improves the protection of human health and the environment, and gives the public greater confidence in American-made chemicals and the products that contain them.
Pallone has also been focused on fighting the opioid epidemic in New Jersey and throughout the country. He led democratic efforts to pass the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) of 2016, which improves the tools available to prescribers to prevent opioid abuse. CARA also expands access to lifesaving opioid overdose reversal drugs and Pallone helped
Research and Education (CARE)Congressional Animal Protection CaucusCongressional Anti-Bullying CaucusCongressional Arts CaucusCongressional Automotive CaucusCongressional Boating CaucusCongressional Brain Injury Task ForceCongressional Caucus for Freedom of the PressCongressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, Co-chairCongressional Caucus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisordersCongressional Caucus on Global Road SafetyCongressional Caucus on Hellenic IssuesCongressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Founder, former Co-chairCongressional Caucus on Missing, Exploited and Runaway ChildrenCongressional Caucus on Sri Lanka, FounderCongressional Caucus on Youth Drug PreventionCongressional Children's CaucusCongressional Coast Guard CaucusCongressional Coastal CaucusCongressional Cystic Fibrosis CaucusCongressional Diabetes CaucusCongressional Dietary Supplement CaucusCongressional Dyslexia CaucusCongressional Fire Services Caucus
secure an additional $1 billion to combat the opioid epidemic as part of the 21st Century Cures Act, which also passed in the 114th Congress. 21st Century Cures allocates billions towards cutting edge medical research and development of new treatments.
Over the years, Pallone has consistently fought to improve health outcomes for children specifically. In the 113th Congress, Pallone introduced legislation to extend funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides health care coverage to more than 8 million children living in low and middle-income households. An original author of CHIP, which was signed into law in 1997, Pallone has repeatedly pushed to expand health care coverage through the program to ensure that children have access to the care they need.
Pallone was also one of the main authors of food safety reform, which emphasizes prevention and safety measures that help to ensure food is safe before it reaches the kitchen tables of millions of families. In the 112th Congress, Pallone introduced the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Reform Act of 2012 to ensure that Americans have access to safe and effective drugs and medical devices.
Pallone has successfully worked throughout his career to stop ocean dumping and offshore oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. He has obtained millions of dollars for shore protection and beach replenishment work along a large stretch of the Jersey Coast, for dredging of the area's navigation channels and for the maintenance of his district's National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook. He has also championed issues important to the state's commercial and recreational fishing industries.
Pallone is a leader in protecting the integrity of the Medicare guarantee and Medicaid programs, ensuring food safety, strengthening the federal Superfund program to clean up toxic waste sites, strengthening the nation's clean water laws, and protecting our shores against the threat of offshore drilling.
Frank Pallone, Jr., was born in Long Branch, New Jersey, where he grew up and still resides.
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The son of a policeman, Pallone attended local public schools and earned an academic scholarship to Middlebury College. After graduating cum laude from Middlebury in 1973, Pallone received his master's degree in international relations at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He earned his law degree at Rutgers University in 1978, and has been admitted to the bar in four states: New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida.
Pallone began his political career in his home city of Long Branch, getting elected to the City Council in 1982 and winning re-election four years later. In 1983, Pallone was elected to the state Senate, representing the Monmouth County coastline. He was re-elected in 1987. During his tenure in the state Legislature, Pallone distinguished himself as an advocate for environmental issues and senior citizen concerns, and prioritized providing constituent services.
On November 8, 1988, Frank Pallone, Jr., was elected to the House of Representatives from New Jersey's former Third District, encompassing parts of Monmouth and Ocean counties. In March 1992, a new Congressional district map for New Jersey was adopted. Portions of the former Third District were merged with parts of two other districts to create the Sixth Congressional District, taking in large portions of Middlesex and Monmouth counties. Pallone was first elected to the Sixth District seat in November 1992.
Pallone's Central Jersey district is an ethnically diverse area with a wide range of business and industry. Light and heavy manufacturing facilities provide jobs for thousands of area residents. Central Jersey is on the cutting edge of high technology research and development. The district is home to Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey and Monmouth University. Tourism, primarily centered in the coastal areas, is vital to the regional economy. While the district has a predominantly suburban character, the cities of New Brunswick, Asbury Park and Perth Amboy are key urban centers.Pallone married the former Sarah Hospodor in 1992. They have three children, daughters Rose and Celeste, and a son, Frank.
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