Henry A. Waxman
| Henry Waxman | |
| Occupation | Representative, California's 30th Congressional District |
|---|---|
| Employer | US Congress, House of Representatives |
| Location | Washington |
| Website | www.house.gov/waxman/about.htm |
Rep. Henry Waxman represents California's 30th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. A Democrat, he has been a Congressman since 1974.
Waxman has risen to become one of the most influential members of Congress. He became key political leader in U.S. climate policy in November 2008 when he was elected chairman of the powerful Committee on Energy and Commerce over senior congressional veteran Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.)[1] The Committee on Energy and Commerce will oversee climate change legislation.[2]
Background[edit]
Waxman is known for his work to oppose efforts by the Bush Administration to block Congressional oversight and roll back health and environmental laws. He launched investigations into White House ties to Enron, contract abuses in Iraq and political abuse of scientific reports.
In 2007, Rep. Waxman became Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the principal investigative committee in the House. From 1997 to 2006, Rep. Waxman served as Ranking Member of the Committee, conducting investigations into a wide range of topics from the high cost of prescription drugs to waste, fraud, and abuse in government contracting. He formed a Special Investigations Division that prepared hundreds of investigative reports on local and national topics for Members of Congress.
From 1979 to 1994, Rep. Waxman chaired the Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health and the Environment. He served as the Subcommittee's Ranking Member in 1995 and 1996. Rep. Waxman has also served on the Energy and Commerce Committee and sat on the Subcommittee on Health, the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Waxman served three terms in the California State Assembly, where he was chairman of the Health Committee, the Committee on Elections and Reapportionment, and the Select Committee on Medical Malpractice.
Education[edit]
Waxman holds a bachelor's degree in political science from UCLA and a J.D. from the UCLA Law School
References[edit]
- ↑ Rep. Waxman's Biography. Henry Waxman.
- ↑ Boxer, Waxman will lead climate debate in Congress. AP.