A Representative from Ohio, born in Cincinnati on June 17, 1958, this member of Congress graduated from St. Xavier High School in Finneytown, Ohio, in 1976. They furthered their education at the University of Cincinnati, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980, followed by a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 1985. Their professional background includes service as a physician, and they served in the United States Army Reserve from 1998 until 2022, including deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2005 to 2006.

This representative began their political career as a Republican and was first elected to the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress in January 2013. They have been re-elected through five succeeding Congresses, set to serve until January 2025. Notably, they opted not to seek re-election for the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress in 2024.

Legislative Contributions and Political Leanings

During their tenure, this congressperson has been actively involved in various legislative initiatives that reflect a conservative political orientation, particularly in areas related to reproductive health and gun rights. For example, they are a co-sponsor of the Pharmacist Conscience Protection Act (HB 279), which aims to protect pharmacists from being compelled to engage in practices related to abortion due to their personal beliefs. This legislation underscores a commitment to uphold the rights of individuals—including healthcare providers—who object to abortion on moral or religious grounds. It emphasizes the tension between personal conscience rights and access to reproductive healthcare, a significant topic of debate in contemporary American politics.

Another crucial piece of legislation co-sponsored by this representative is the Firearm Industry Non-Discrimination Act (HB 53), which seeks to prohibit the federal government from contracting with entities that discriminate against firearm businesses. This bill reflects their staunch defense of Second Amendment rights and interests aligned with the firearm industry, catering to a constituency that values gun ownership and related rights.

Additionally, this representative’s legislative portfolio includes impacts on governmental accountability and operational efficiency, as seen in the Military Housing Transparency and Accountability Act (HB 3165), which aims to enhance oversight of military housing conditions. This initiative indicates an interest in improving the welfare of military personnel and their families, which aligns with their service history and advocacy for veterans.

Conclusion

In summary, this Ohio representative embodies a commitment to conservative values, particularly focusing on issues related to personal conscience in healthcare, gun rights, and improving conditions for military families. With a professional background in medicine and military service, they bring personal experience to their legislative efforts, attempting to address the needs of constituents across various domains from healthcare to veterans' affairs. Their decision not to run for re-election in 2024 marks a significant shift, closing a chapter on their legislative journey that has deeply impacted their constituents and the broader legislative landscape in Ohio and beyond.