A Representative from Rhode Island, this politician was born in Providence on July 15, 1961. He graduated from Narragansett High School in 1979, before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University in 1983 and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University in 1986. His professional career began as a public defender in Washington, D.C. from 1986 to 1987, followed by a role in private practice and public advocacy. He also served as a faculty member at Roger Williams Law School in Bristol, Rhode Island.

His political career commenced with an unsuccessful bid for the Rhode Island State Senate in 1992, evolving into more significant roles as he became a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003. He later served as the Mayor of Providence from 2003 until 2011 and was elected as a Democrat to the House of Representatives in 2011, serving through to his resignation on May 31, 2023. Notably, he was appointed as a manager by the House to conduct the impeachment proceedings against former President Donald J. Trump in 2021.

Throughout his congressional career, he engaged in various legislative efforts, sponsoring and co-sponsoring several significant bills. Among these, he is a co-sponsor of the Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2023 (H.R. 33) which aims to provide comprehensive Medicare coverage for dental, vision, and hearing care, an initiative reflecting a focus on expanding healthcare accessibility. He also co-sponsored the Close the Medigap Act of 2023 (H.R. 35), designed to enhance guaranteed issue rights regarding Medigap insurance policies for Medicare beneficiaries.

Additionally, he played a role in the Women's Health Protection Act of 2023 (H.R. 12), which seeks to safeguard access to abortion services, indicating a commitment to reproductive rights. He was also a co-sponsor of the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (H.R. 82), which addresses significant provisions affecting Social Security benefits for individuals receiving pensions from government jobs, aimed at enhancing financial security for retirees.

His involvement in the Banning Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act (H.R. 293) and the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act (H.R. 396) highlights an attention to national security and gun control issues. Furthermore, he has expressed support for issues related to racial justice, as demonstrated by involvement in legislation that condemns the Great Replacement Theory and promotes equality.

His political stances indicate a generally progressive ideology, focusing on healthcare, social justice, and environmental issues, aligning with the Democratic Party's platform. His legislative efforts suggest an emphasis on expanding social programs, healthcare access, and protective measures for marginalized communities.

Personally, he maintains a degree of privacy regarding his family life; however, his professional and legislative actions reflect a dedication to public service and advocacy, shaped by his academic and civic background.