[Member] is a Democratic Representative from Maryland, elected to the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress in January 2023. Born on February 27, 1961, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, she graduated from Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, in 1979. She pursued higher education at Princeton University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983, followed by a Juris Doctor from Harvard University in 1986.
Before entering Congress, [Member] built a distinguished career in public service and law. She worked as a lawyer in private practice and served as an adjunct professor. Early in her career, she held various positions related to law and policy, including working as a staff member for U.S. Representative John Conyers Jr. and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Her experience also includes serving as a U.S. attorney from 1990 to 1994, chairing the Maryland Public Service Commission from 1998 to 2000, and being the State's Attorney for Prince George's County from 2003 to 2011.
In addition to her professional work, [Member] was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 2004, and she has made several attempts to secure a congressional seat, ultimately succeeding in 2023 after an unsuccessful bid for the One Hundred Fifteenth Congress in 2016.
Throughout her time in office, [Member] has demonstrated a commitment to social welfare, healthcare equity, and civil rights, as evidenced by her sponsorship and co-sponsorship of key legislation. Notably, she has contributed to the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2023 (HB235), which aims to fund research and develop educational resources regarding triple-negative breast cancer, particularly impacting minority women. This bill reflects her advocacy for health issues affecting marginalized communities and highlights her intention to improve health literacy surrounding critical medical challenges.
Another significant piece of legislation she is associated with is the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 (HB14), which seeks to enhance voter protections and accessibility. This bill aligns with her strong advocacy for civil rights and equitable access to the electoral process, particularly in the face of perceived voter suppression.
In the context of economic and labor rights, [Member] has co-sponsored the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act (HB1989), aiming to enhance job security for probationary employees, further showcasing her commitment to workforce rights and protections.
Her legislative priorities also extend to significant social issues, as seen with her involvement in the Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution (HR23), which proposes a modification of House voting procedures to accommodate new parents, reflecting a progressive stance on family issues and inclusivity in governance.
Moreover, her commitment to public health and safety is evident in her support for bills focused on healthcare access, community safety, and reducing gun violence. For instance, the Ethan's Law (HB1564) advocates for secure firearm storage to prevent access by minors, indicating her proactive approach to addressing gun safety legislation.
In summary, [Member] is characterized by her strong advocacy for civil rights and social justice, health equity, and inclusive governance. Her legislative efforts reflect a commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents, especially within historically marginalized groups, and fostering a fairer society.