Born on January 24, 1951, in St. Helena, Napa County, California, this representative has dedicated a significant portion of their life to public service. After graduating from St. Helena High School, they continued their education at California State University, Chico, where they obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1982 and a Master of Arts in 1996. Their commitment to service extended to the United States Army, where they served from 1969 to 1972.
Entering the realm of politics, they began their career as a California State Assembly Fellow from 1982 to 1983, subsequently serving in the California State Senate from 1990 to 1998. They were then elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat in January 1999 and have maintained their position in subsequent Congresses to the present day.
In the current congressional session, the member is actively participating in various committees, including the Committee on Education and Workforce, the Committee on Natural Resources, the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce. These roles indicate a strong focus on sectors such as education, environmental policy, and economic development.
The member has sponsored several notable pieces of legislation. One significant bill is the Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2025, aimed at improving the enrollment process for Medicare recipients while ensuring their needs are met. They also co-sponsored the Tim’s Act Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act, which seeks to enhance the pay and benefits of federal wildland firefighters, demonstrating a commitment to improving the working conditions for essential workers in the face of environmental challenges.
They are also involved in initiatives to secure agricultural land from foreign control through the Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act, which reflects their environmental and national security concerns, particularly in relation to maintaining local control over food resources.
A review of the legislation sponsored or co-sponsored by this representative reveals a focus on social and economic equity, environmental protection, and health care reform. For instance, bills like the Paycheck Fairness Act highlight their commitment to addressing wage disparities, while the Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025 suggests an interest in enhancing legislative power over trade negotiations.
Politically, this member leans towards progressive policies, focusing on social equity issues such as wage fairness and healthcare accessibility, alongside agricultural and environmental safeguards. Their legislative efforts reflect a commitment to bolster community resilience against economic and environmental challenges, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these issues in their policymaking approach.
Information regarding their personal life and familial background remains limited in the available data; however, their extensive career trajectory indicates a profound commitment to serving their constituents and addressing pressing national issues through legislative action.