Born on February 16, 1959, in Ossining, New York, this politician completed his high school education in Ossining before earning an A.B. from Princeton University in 1981. Following his undergraduate studies, he earned a J.D. from the University of Wyoming in 1985. His professional journey includes notable roles such as a staff member for the United States House of Representatives Select Committee to Investigate Covert Arms Transactions with Iran, a federal attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice, and serving as District Attorney for Weld County, Colorado, from 2005 to 2014. He was first elected as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015 and was re-elected to four subsequent Congresses until his resignation on March 22, 2024.
Throughout his legislative career, he has been involved in numerous committees and has sponsored a variety of bills addressing issues from public health to national security. His legislative priorities reflect a strong commitment to financial transparency, public safety, and conservative principles regarding personal liberties.
One significant piece of legislation he co-sponsored is the Limiting Emergency Powers Act of 2023, which aims to curtail the duration of national emergencies declared by the President by mandating that any declaration must end after 30 days unless explicitly renewed by Congress. This bill represents his perspective that executive powers should be checked by legislative oversight.
Another notable piece is the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2023, which seeks to enhance accountability by requiring the Government Accountability Office to conduct comprehensive audits of the Federal Reserve Board and federal banks. This proposal indicates his focus on financial oversight and governance.
His commitment to conservative values is further demonstrated through several other initiatives, particularly those aimed at protecting Second Amendment rights and restricting abortion access. For instance, he has supported the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which intends to standardize the carry of concealed firearms across state lines, ensuring that individuals can exercise their right to bear arms without facing discrepancies from state regulations. Additionally, he sponsored the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which mandates specific care for infants who survive an abortion.
His legislative agenda also addresses broader public policy issues, as evidenced by his support for the Protecting Life on College Campus Act, which limits federal funding to educational institutions based on their affiliations with abortion services. This highlights his focus on aligning federal funding with moral and ethical considerations regarding healthcare.
In terms of political leanings, he can be characterized as a staunch conservative, focused on limiting government power, ensuring fiscal responsibility, defending individual liberties, and advocating for traditional family values. His active involvement in proposing and supporting bill measures related to public health, national security, and civil liberties showcases his dedication toward crafting policies that favor conservative principles.
While he remains strong in his convictions, he is also aware of community sentiment, demonstrated through legislation that promotes local economic development, reflected in bills like the Clifton Opportunities Now for Vibrant Economic Yields Act (CONVEY Act), aiming to transfer federal land to local governance to spur growth in Mesa County, Colorado.
Despite his legislative commitment, he maintains a focus on community engagement through open interactions with constituents. He is married and has a family, indicating a personal investment in both his community and the ideals he champions on the legislative floor. His diverse background in law, business, and public service informs his approach to policy-making, blending practical insights with a principled stand on matters that affect the public sphere.