A Representative from Oregon, this member was born on January 12, 1952, in Salem, Marion County, Oregon. He graduated from Regis High School in Stayton in 1970 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Oregon State College in 1974, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from Lewis and Clark College in 1977. A rancher and farmer by profession, he also worked as a lawyer in private practice. His political experience includes serving on the Oregon Water Resources Commission from 1988 to 1996, and as Chairman from 1994 to 1996. He was a member of the Oregon State House of Representatives from 2008 to 2018 and then a member of the Oregon State Senate from 2018 to 2020 before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican in 2021.

In Congress, this member is active on several important committees that address a range of topics. He serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Natural Resources Committee, and is involved in subcommittees focused on Communications and Technology, Health, and Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries. His participation in these committees highlights his commitment to issues related to energy, public health, and environmental concerns, reflecting his background and experience in both agricultural and legal fields.

Throughout his congressional tenure, he has sponsored and co-sponsored a series of bills aimed at enhancing efficiency and addressing various issues related to environmental management and resource utilization. For instance, he was a co-sponsor of the Action Versus No Action Act (HB189), aimed at limiting the scope of environmental assessments regarding forest management activities. This bill emphasizes evaluating only the effects of management activities versus the alternative of no action, indicating a focus on resource management that also considers public safety concerns related to lands susceptible to fire and disease.

Another significant piece of legislation he supported is the Water Supply Permitting Coordination Act (HB186), which seeks to streamline the permitting process for surface-water storage projects, making the Bureau of Reclamation the lead federal agency for coordination. This reflects a proactive approach to addressing pressing water resource issues facing his district and the broader western states.

He has also shown a keen interest in education and health, as seen in his sponsorship of initiatives such as the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (HB649). His legislative agenda includes balancing the needs of rural communities with the necessity for environmental protections, showcasing his commitment to his constituents’ welfare.

His political leanings appear to align with traditional Republican values, focusing on efficient government, economic growth, and resource management while still recognizing the importance of environmental concerns. The bills he has engaged with typically align with a pro-business and resource-utilization perspective, while also addressing the needs for oversight and coordination in public resource management.

Regarding personal life, he maintains a professional balance between his political commitments and his life as a rancher and lawyer. This blend of experience in agriculture, law, and public service likely informs his legislative priorities and interactions with constituents.

Overall, his biography reflects a longstanding dedication to public service within the context of Oregon's unique agricultural and environmental landscape, underpinned by a comprehensive legal education and experience in managing public resources.