US Representative

Erica Lee Carter Biography

Biography

Born on February 2, 1980, this member of the U.S. House of Representatives hails from Texas. They graduated from Bellaire High School in 1998 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 2002, followed by a Master of Public Policy from Duke University in 2006. The representative has a diverse professional history, having worked as a teacher, policy analyst, and nonprofit executive. From 2013 to 2019, they served on the Harris County, Texas, Department of Education.

Elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress through a special election to fill the vacancy left by the late Sheila Jackson Lee, the representative served from November 5, 2024, until January 3, 2025. They chose not to seek reelection for the subsequent Congress.

Legislative Involvement

The representative has been active in sponsoring and co-sponsoring important legislation focused primarily on socio-economic issues and public safety. Key bills include:

  1. Women's Health Protection Act of 2023 (HB12): This bill aims to ensure access to abortion services by prohibiting government restrictions before fetal viability. It includes provisions such as allowing telemedicine services and limiting unnecessary in-person visits for patients. The bill emphasizes protecting a patient's health and recognizes the right to interstate travel for abortion services. It was referred to the Subcommittee on Health, indicating its entry into the legislative process.

  2. Sheila Jackson Lee Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act (HB10228): This proposed legislation seeks to enhance penalties for human trafficking, coercion, and other sexual exploitation offenses against minors in school zones. The bill aims to impose an additional five years of consecutive sentencing for violators, highlighting a legislative intent to protect children in educational environments.

Political Leanings

The representative's sponsorship and co-sponsorship of bills align with progressive views, particularly in the realms of healthcare and child protection. The focus on the Women's Health Protection Act underscores a commitment to reproductive rights and gender equality in healthcare access, while the initiative against human trafficking reflects a strong stance on protecting vulnerable populations, particularly minors.

These legislative actions depict a member who is aligned with contemporary Democratic priorities, advocating for comprehensive approaches to issues affecting women’s health and child safety.

Personal Life

While specific personal details such as family information or private business endeavors are not disclosed in the provided data, it is evident that the representative’s professional background and public service reflect a dedication to education and community welfare in Texas.

This combination of educational achievements, expertise in policy analysis, and active legislative participation marks this individual as a significant player in the current legislative landscape.