A Representative from Virginia, born in Washington, D.C., on April 30, 1947, has built an extensive career in law and politics. After graduating from Groton School and earning an A.B. from Harvard University, he obtained a J.D. from Boston College School of Law. Following his education, he served in the United States Army Reserve and the Massachusetts Army National Guard before beginning his legal career in private practice.

His political involvement began in the Virginia state house of delegates from 1978 to 1983, followed by a tenure in the Virginia state senate until 1993. Since entering the U.S. House in 1993 as a Democrat, he has been elected to 16 consecutive Congresses, highlighting his sustained support within his district. He currently serves as the chair of the Committee on Education and Labor, having also occupied this position in the previous two Congresses.

Over the course of his legislative career, he has co-sponsored various significant bills addressing a range of issues. Notably, he co-sponsored the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act (H.R. 52), which aims to establish best practices for safe firearm storage, reflecting a focus on public safety and education on firearm storage. He also backed the Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act (H.R. 475), which seeks to provide grants to enhance witness protection programs at local levels. This legislative effort underscores his commitment to improving safety for witnesses in serious criminal cases, thereby contributing to the integrity of the judicial process.

His sponsorship of the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 16), which provides pathways to permanent residency for specific non-U.S. nationals, highlights his support for comprehensive immigration reform. Additionally, he has shown a commitment to labor issues through his co-sponsorship of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act which aims to bolster unionization efforts and worker protections, indicative of his strong pro-labor stance.

His political philosophy leans towards progressive values, as evidenced by his support for various social justice initiatives, environmental conservation laws, and efforts to enhance workforce protections. The diversity of the legislation he has co-sponsored reflects a prioritization of education, community safety, and support for vulnerable populations, including immigrants and workers across various sectors.

In personal regard, he maintains a balance between his demanding career and family life, though specific details about his family or business ventures are less public. His legal background, combined with substantial political experience, may influence his effective advocacy and representation of his constituents' concerns in the House.

As he continues to serve in Congress, he remains deeply involved in shaping policies that impact education, labor rights, and public safety, indicative of his commitment to ensuring a responsive and equitable governance framework.