US Representative

Mike Gallagher

Biography

A Representative from Wisconsin, this politician was born on March 3, 1984, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He completed his high school education at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, graduating in 2002. He earned an A.B. from Princeton University in 2006, followed by multiple advanced degrees from Georgetown University, culminating in a Ph.D. in 2015. His professional background includes serving in the United States Marine Corps from 2006 to 2013, where he gained significant experience in leadership and strategic operations.

Before entering Congress, he worked as staff on the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 2013 to 2015 and was involved in Scott Walker's presidential campaign in 2015. Elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, he continued to serve through the 118th Congress until his resignation on April 24, 2024. He has played a crucial role as the chair of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party.

Throughout his legislative career, he has sponsored and co-sponsored a variety of bills that reflect a focus on national security, economic integrity, and veterans' affairs. One notable measure is the Significant Transnational Criminal Organization Designation Act (HB334), which seeks to enhance national security by imposing penalties for membership in significant transnational criminal organizations and restricting illegal immigration. This bill illustrates his commitment to border security and crime prevention.

Another significant legislative effort is the American Workforce Empowerment Act (HB329), which proposes to allow tax-preferred college savings plans (529 plans) to cover vocational and technical education expenses. This initiative aims to adapt to the changing labor market and facilitate greater access to skilled trades—a measure that reflects his prioritization of workforce development.

His involvement in several key committees has shaped his political leanings. He has actively engaged in issues concerning immigration, national defense, and economic resilience. For instance, the Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act (HB562) seeks to improve the accessibility of veterans to Congressional services, highlighting his advocacy for veterans' rights and support systems.

Additionally, he has shown interest in bipartisan initiatives aimed at improving legislative transparency and integrity. His support for the Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act (HB155) emphasizes his commitment to accountability in government, advocating for a single-subject rule in legislative proposals to ensure clarity and reduce complexity in the lawmaking process.

Reflecting on his political stances, the bills he has championed demonstrate a focus on enhancing national security, supporting economic growth through workforce education, and ensuring the integrity and accountability of legislative processes. These efforts align him closely with mainstream Republican views on governance while also indicating a willingness to address complex social issues like veterans' access and workforce training.

Overall, his legislative record illustrates a commitment to addressing pressing national challenges while maintaining a firm focus on security and economic stability. As he transitions out of Congress, his legacy will likely be shaped by the impact of his sponsored legislation and his strategic leadership on important committees.