Born on August 16, 1948, in Portland, Oregon, this member of the House of Representatives has a notable background in public service and politics. After graduating from Centennial High School in 1966, they earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lewis and Clark College in 1970 and later obtained a Juris Doctor from Lewis and Clark Law School in 1976. Their early career included a role as an assistant to the president of Portland State University (1970-1977) and several positions in local government, including a member of the Oregon State House of Representatives from 1973 to 1978, a Multnomah County Commissioner from 1978 to 1985, and a Portland City Commissioner from 1986 to 1996.

Elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election on May 21, 1996, they have since been re-elected to fourteen consecutive terms and are set to serve until January 3, 2025. Their extensive legislative experience is complemented by their involvement in various local, state, and national educational and public service initiatives.

In Congress, this member has been an active participant in several influential committees, including the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Judiciary Committee. Their legislative work reflects a strong focus on social justice, healthcare access, housing, and voting rights.

Among the significant bills they have sponsored or co-sponsored is the Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2023, which aims to expand Medicare coverage to include essential dental, vision, and hearing care. This reflects a commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes for seniors. Additionally, they co-sponsored the Keep Americans Safe Act, aimed at enhancing gun safety measures, and the Youth Voting Rights Act, which endeavors to ensure that young people have greater access to voting.

The member has also shown a commitment to social and economic equity through their support of numerous bills targeting issues such as affordable housing, climate change, and the rights of immigrants and marginalized communities, including the Farm System Reform Act and the Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families Act of 2023. This portfolio indicates a progressive political stance, particularly regarding social welfare and environmental sustainability.

In terms of personal life, the member's family background and prior business endeavors were not provided in the documentation, focusing primarily on their political journey and legislative work.

Overall, their career is characterized by longstanding dedication to public service, legislative effectiveness, and advocacy for critical issues impacting their constituents and the broader public. As they continue to serve in the House, they maintain a reputation as a committed champion for healthcare reform, social equity, and civic engagement.