Hillary Scholten is a representative from Michigan, born on February 22, 1982. She graduated from Unity Christian High School in Hudsonville, Michigan, in 2000, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, in 2004. Scholten later obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law in 2011. Prior to her current role in Congress, she worked as a social worker and a lawyer in private practice. Additionally, she served as a law clerk for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and was part of the United States Department of Justice from 2013 to 2017. After an unsuccessful run for the One Hundred Seventeenth Congress in 2020, she was elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress which began on January 3, 2023.
As a member of the House of Representatives, Scholten is involved in several committees. Notable among them is her role on the Committee on Education and Workforce. This involvement is indicative of her focus on issues regarding education and labor, especially in light of contemporary challenges faced by both sectors.
Throughout her congressional career, Scholten has sponsored and co-sponsored various pieces of legislation. Among these is the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act, which aims to enhance wildlife conservation education by increasing authorized funding levels for the program and ensuring its longevity through reauthorization until 2031. This initiative demonstrates her commitment to environmental conservation and education, particularly for youth.
Another significant piece of legislation is the Access to Family Building Act, which seeks to prohibit limitations on access to assisted reproductive technology and related medical care. This legislation reflects her support for reproductive rights and healthcare access, underscoring her progressive values in healthcare policy.
Additionally, Scholten co-sponsored the CLEAR Act, aimed at enhancing public access to records held by federal entities. This legislation highlights her focus on transparency and accountability in government, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement and informed citizenry.
While Scholten has shown strong support for environmental issues, reproductive rights, and government transparency, her legislative agenda also extends to healthcare and education. Her efforts on the Veterans Fellowship Act are aimed at providing support for veterans, indicating her dedication to those who have served the country.
Scholten's political leanings appear to align with progressive values, as evidenced by her sponsorship of bills that advocate for environmental conservation, healthcare access, reproductive rights, and transparency in governance. Her work often seeks to address systemic inequalities and enhance public welfare, revealing a consistent focus on social justice and community support.
Outside of her professional life, Scholten's personal background as a lawyer and social worker enriches her perspective as a legislator, likely informing her approaches to policy and community engagement.
In conclusion, Hillary Scholten embodies a blend of legal expertise, community service, and proactive legislative action. Her efforts focus on significant societal issues, reflecting her priorities as a member of Congress while illustrating a commitment to the constituents she represents in Michigan.