Kevin Hern is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Oklahoma's 1st congressional district since November 2018. Born on December 4, 1961, Hern grew up in Dover, Arkansas, where he graduated high school in 1980. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas Tech University in 1986 and an MBA from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1999. Hern has a diverse professional background that includes experience as an aerospace engineer, computer programmer, real estate broker, farmer, and entrepreneur.

Hern was appointed to Congress to fill the vacancy left by Jim Bridenstine, who resigned to become Administrator of NASA. He has been re-elected in subsequent Congresses and is an active legislator focusing on several key issues.

Legislative Focus and Committees

Hern serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, which is primarily responsible for taxation and revenue-related measures. He is also a member of the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare. His legislative agenda includes a focus on health, education, and regulatory reform.

He has sponsored and co-sponsored several notable bills, particularly in the healthcare sector. For instance, he introduced the Student Empowerment Act (HB939) which aims to expand the use of 529 accounts to cover kindergarten through 12th-grade educational expenses. This bill is significant as it seeks to promote educational choice and alleviate financial burdens on families pursuing various education models.

In the realm of health policy, Hern introduced the Securing Access to Care for Seniors in Critical Condition Act (HB1924), which seeks to amend Medicare payment structures for long-term care hospitals, reflecting his commitment to improving healthcare access for seniors. Any potential changes in these areas could be indicative of his efforts to ensure better health policy frameworks at the national level.

Hern has also participated in gun legislation, as seen in his co-sponsorship of the No Frivolous Application for Short-Barreled Shotguns Act (HB151), which aims to ease restrictions on certain firearms. This bill aligns with a broader Republican emphasis on protecting Second Amendment rights.

Political Leanings

Hern's political leanings are accurately characterized as conservative, reflecting the priorities of his constituency in Oklahoma. His legislative activities indicate strong support for individual liberties, economic empowerment through education, and healthcare reforms that favor patient and provider autonomy. His involvement with bills aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, especially in taxation and healthcare access, showcases a commitment to fiscal responsibility and improving the efficiency of governmental programs.

On social issues, his support for legislation reflecting conservative values suggests alignment with traditional Republican platforms, such as the promotion of parental rights in education and strengthening the integrity of the immigration system.

Personal Life

In addition to his public service, Hern has a vested interest in entrepreneurship and investment in local economies, reflecting his personal commitment to fostering economic growth. He actively engages with his community and emphasizes the importance of business development in creating jobs.

Hern is a family man, with personal values rooted in his upbringing and faith, which likely informs his political priorities and community interactions.

Overall, Kevin Hern's career in Congress is marked by a focus on key issues like healthcare access, educational choice, and fiscal conservatism. His work within committees and on legislation showcases his dedication to serving his constituents while aligning with broader Republican aims at the federal level.