Born on August 15, 1979, in Grand Junction, Colorado, this representative has deep roots in her home state and a strong academic background, having graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1997. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame in 2001, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Denver in 2008, and later a Master of Laws from Columbia University in 2010. Before entering public office, she practiced law and served as a law clerk for the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
In addition to her legal career, she has been actively involved in her community, including her role as chair of the Board of Directors of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. This diverse experience has equipped her with knowledge of both legal and business matters, which she brings to her role in Congress. She is a member of the Republican Party and was elected to the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, starting her term on January 3, 2025.
In Congress, she serves on several key committees, including:
These committee assignments reflect her interest in topics ranging from infrastructure and technology to environmental issues and rural development.
Her legislative activity includes a variety of bills that indicate her policy interests and political priorities:
No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act (HB176) - This bill would impose stringent immigration penalties on non-U.S. nationals involved with terrorism against Israel, enacting laws that bar individuals associated with groups like Hamas from entering the U.S. This reflects her strong stance on national security and immigration policies.
Main Street Tax Certainty Act (HB703) - This bill aims to make the qualified business income deduction a permanent feature of the tax code, demonstrating her commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses.
Productive Public Lands Act (HB1997) - Through this legislation, she seeks to enhance management efficiency of public lands, illustrating her balance between resource management and environmental considerations.
Understanding and Preventing Agricultural Dependency on Foreign Adversaries Act (HB1576) - This bill focuses on protecting American agriculture from foreign threats, aligning with her national security priorities.
Pay Our Troops Act (HB1932) - This act aims to ensure timely payment for military personnel, highlighting her commitment to national defense and military personnel welfare.
Her legislative record indicates a strong alignment with conservative values, particularly in areas such as immigration control, business tax incentives, and national security. The emphasis on immigration penalties for terrorism-related activities suggests a hardline approach to national security. Her support for tax legislation aimed at businesses reflects a pro-business, economically conservative stance.
Moreover, her initiatives related to public lands management and agricultural security demonstrate a multifaceted approach to both environmental stewardship and economic development, aiming to balance resource utilization with conservation efforts. The breadth of her legislative focus reveals a commitment to promoting policies that support business growth and national security while engaging with complex environmental and rural issues.
Overall, her combination of legal expertise, community involvement, and legislative initiatives positions her as a proactive member of Congress, dedicated to representing the interests of her constituents and the state of Colorado.