Born on February 12, 1971, in Torrance, Los Angeles County, California, this member of Congress has cultivated an impressive career marked by significant public service and academic achievements. They earned a Bachelor of Arts from George Washington University in 1994, followed by an MBA from Regis University in 2002, and a Master of Arts from Brown University in 2015. Serving in the United States Navy from 1994 to 2004, they transitioned into corporate management and later held an executive role in the non-profit sector.

Their political career began with an election as a Democrat to the One Hundred Sixteenth Congress in 2019. Although they were unsuccessful in their bid for re-election in the One Hundred Seventeenth Congress in 2020, their public service continued as they took on the role of Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness in the Department of Defense from 2021 to 2023. They returned to Congress as a member of the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress in January 2025.

Legislative Activities

This Congress member is an active participant in shaping significant policy through their role on the Armed Services Committee and the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee. Their legislative efforts focus on a variety of areas, including health, education, and civil rights.

Notable legislation they have co-sponsored includes the Washington, D.C. Admission Act (HB51), aimed at providing for Washington, D.C.'s admission into the Union, and the Capitol Remembrance Act (HB212), which mandates the establishment of an exhibit depicting the events surrounding the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Another significant bill is the American Dream and Promise Act of 2025 (HB1589), which seeks to provide a pathway to citizenship for certain immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. Their sponsorship of the Taxpayer Data Protection Act (HB1101) indicates a commitment to enhancing cybersecurity and ensuring the integrity of government financial systems.

As a proponent of small business interests, this member also co-sponsored the Small Business Procurement and Utilization Reform Act (HB818), which aims to boost opportunities for underrepresented businesses in federal contracting processes. Additionally, their focus on the education sector is evident through their support for the Safe Schools Improvement Act (HB1810) which addresses safety and anti-bullying measures in schools.

Political Leanings

This Congress member's legislative actions reflect a strong alignment with progressive Democratic values, emphasizing social justice, civil rights, and military readiness. Their support for measures aimed at enhancing veterans’ benefits and protecting immigrant rights aligns with the broader Democratic agenda of inclusivity and equity. Furthermore, their initiatives aimed at enhancing public health funding and educational reforms signal a comprehensive approach to governance that prioritizes community well-being and access to essential services.

The member's active participation in co-sponsoring various bills demonstrates a commitment to addressing contemporary societal issues while advocating for greater representation and support for marginalized communities. Overall, their legislative portfolio suggests a focus on leveraging government action to create lasting reforms that benefit individuals and promote social equity.