David Kustoff is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, serving Tennessee's 8th congressional district since January 3, 2017. Born on October 8, 1966, in Memphis, Kustoff has deep roots in the region, graduating from White Station High School and later earning a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis. Prior to his congressional career, he worked as a lawyer in private practice and served as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee from 2006 to 2008.
Kustoff's legislative priorities reflect a conservative agenda, aligning with the broader Republican focus on taxation, economic development, and business interests. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee and the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, Kustoff plays a key role in shaping fiscal policy. He has sponsored and co-sponsored several significant pieces of legislation, with a particular emphasis on economic growth, tax reform, and local community support.
Among his notable bills is the Protecting American Savers and Retirees Act (HB 684), introduced on January 23, 2025, which seeks to repeal the excise tax on corporate stock buybacks. This measure aims to promote corporate investment and enhance shareholder value, although it has faced criticism for its potential to exacerbate economic inequalities. Furthermore, Kustoff introduced the Hatchie River Wild and Scenic River Study Act (HB 949) on February 4, 2025, which endeavors to evaluate the environmental and community benefits of designating a segment of the Hatchie River in Tennessee as part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Kustoff has also been active in supporting small businesses, sponsoring the Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act (HB 2782) on April 9, 2025, aimed at easing tax burdens for small business owners. Another bill of note is the Investing in Our Communities Act (HB 1255), which focuses on reinstating advance refunding bonds to facilitate financing for local projects.
Kustoff's political leanings can be characterized as fiscally conservative, often prioritizing legislation that favors corporate interests and economic development while also addressing the needs of small businesses. His support for the repeal of certain taxes, regulatory reforms, and initiatives aimed at enhancing corporate reinvestment in the community align with the broader Republican platform that emphasizes limited government intervention in the market.
In his personal life, David Kustoff maintains a balance between his political career and family. He resides in Germantown, Tennessee, with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children. His background in law and business informs his approach to governance, where he advocates for policies that he believes will benefit the economic landscape of Tennessee and the nation as a whole.
Overall, Kustoff's commitment to fiscal responsibility and support for community initiatives combine to define his service in Congress, making him a significant voice for his constituents and the Republican Party.