Member, Chesapeake Bay Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Chicken Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Coal Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Marcellus Shale Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Natural Gas Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Northeast Agriculture Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Port Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Sportsmens Caucus, present
Member, General Aviation Caucus, present
Member, Republican Israel Caucus, present
Member, The Congressional Boating Caucus, present
Former Member, Committee on Natural Resources
Former Member, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Former Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Former Member, Homeland Security Subcommittee, United States House of Representatives
Member, Hungarian-American Caucus
Former Member, Maryland Veterans Caucus
Former Member, Taxpayers Protection Caucus
Member, Chesapeake Bay Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Chicken Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Coal Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Marcellus Shale Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Natural Gas Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Northeast Agriculture Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Port Caucus, present
Member, Congressional Sportsmens Caucus, present
Member, General Aviation Caucus, present
Member, Republican Israel Caucus, present
Member, The Congressional Boating Caucus, present
Former Member, Committee on Natural Resources
Former Member, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Former Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Former Member, Homeland Security Subcommittee, United States House of Representatives
Member, Hungarian-American Caucus
Former Member, Maryland Veterans Caucus
Former Member, Taxpayers Protection Caucus
Member, Committee on Appropriations
Member, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Member, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
— Awards:
Hobbies or Special Talents:
Spending time on the bay with his family and repairing old cars with his sons
Repairing old cars
Names of Grandchildren:
Charles, Abigail, Arthur
— Number of Grandchildren:
1. Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
- Pro-life
1. In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
- No
2. Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
- No
1. Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
- Unknown Position
Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
- Unknown Position
Do you support increasing defense spending?
- Unknown Position
1. Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
- Yes
2. Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
- Yes
3. Do you support providing financial relief to businesses AND/OR corporations negatively impacted by the state of national emergency for COVID-19?
- Yes
1. Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
- No
1. Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
- No
2. Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
- No
1. Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
- No
1. Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
- Yes
2. Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
- Yes
1. Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
- Yes
2. Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
- Yes
1. Should the United States use military force to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a weapon of mass destruction (for example: nuclear, biological, chemical)?
- Yes
2. Do you support reducing military intervention in Middle East conflicts?
- Unknown Position
Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
- Yes
1. Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
- Pro-life
1. In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
- No
Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
- No Answer
1. Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
- No
2. Do you support lowering taxes as a way of promoting growth in the economy?
- Yes
3. Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
- No Answer
1. Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline?
- Yes
2. Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?
- Yes
Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
- No Answer
1. Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
- No
1. Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
- Yes
1. Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
- Yes
Do you support same-sex marriage?
- No
1. Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
- Yes
2. Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the United States from possessing a nuclear weapon?
- Yes
Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?
- Yes
1. Agriculture
- No Answer
2. Arts
- No Answer
3. Defense
- No Answer
4. Education
- No Answer
5. Environment
- No Answer
6. Homeland Security
- No Answer
7. International aid
- No Answer
8. Medical Research
- No Answer
9. Scientific Research
- No Answer
10. Space exploration
- No Answer
11. United Nations
- No Answer
12. Welfare
- No Answer
13. Other or expanded categories
- No Answer
14. Capital gains taxes
- No Answer
15. Corporate taxes
- No Answer
16. Excise taxes (alcohol)
- No Answer
17. Excise taxes (cigarettes)
- No Answer
18. Excise taxes (transportation fuel)
- No Answer
19. Income taxes (low-income families)
- No Answer
20. Income taxes (middle-income families)
- No Answer
21. Income taxes (high-income families)
- No Answer
22. Inheritance taxes
- Eliminate
23. Payroll taxes
- No Answer
1. Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
- Pro-life
1. In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
- No
2. In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
- No
1. Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
- Unknown Position
1. Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
- No
2. Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
- Yes
1. Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
- No
1. Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
- Unknown Position
2. Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
- Unknown Position
1. Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
- Unknown Position
1. Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
- Yes
1. Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
- Yes
2. Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
- Yes
Do you support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes?
- Unknown Position
1. Should the United States use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a nuclear weapon?
- Unknown Position
2. Do you support increased American intervention in Middle Eastern conflicts beyond air support?
- Unknown Position
Latest Action: House - 06/19/2019 Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Tracker:Latest Action: House - 06/03/2019 Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Tracker:Latest Action: House - 05/23/2019 Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Tracker:By Brad Wenstrup, Andy Harris, Michael Burgess and Mariannette Miller-Meeks Democratic leaders have spent months promising to "listen to the scientists;" however, when it comes to reopening schools and getting children back to in-person learning, their actions do not match their words. Being both physicians and members of Congress with direct patient care experience, we have closely followed the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and the scientific data and studies compiled over the last year. Thankfully, given the emergency authorization of two vaccines and potentially more on the way under Operation Warp Speed, we are closer than ever to getting life back to normal. Over the course of the past year, we have studied and learned more about this virus and have similarly improved on how we respond to and adjust to this "new normal" in a safe and healthy manner. Unfortunately, while many restaurants and other businesses have managed to reopen safely, many schools remain closed since last spring, despite risk-assessment evidence to the contrary. According to the data available -- and the current administration's own recent public statements -- schools can, and should, safely reopen for the overall health and well-being of our children. Just a few hours after President Biden's newly appointed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) declared that "vaccination of teachers is not a prerequisite for safe reopening of schools," the White House walked back the scientist's statement, claiming it was not official CDC guidance. Clearly, that scientific answer was simply inconvenient for President Biden and Democrats. Teachers unions across America are pushing back on any calls for reopening and are resisting all efforts to take steps in that direction. Coupled with mounting parental frustration, local leaders are feeling pressure on all sides. Even some of our nation's most liberal cities have reached a breaking point -- Chicago's mayor, while calling for schools to reopen, says discussions with the local union have gone "backward." San Francisco's city attorney is suing its own school board and district over their reopening plan, calling it "ambiguous, empty rhetoric." Amongst the heated and contentious conversations, scientific facts should guide our solutions, and here's what we know. First, children are not at great risk for severe illness or death from COVID-19. Second, while Democrats call for billions in new funding to help schools reopen, there are still billions in unspent funding for educational services from the previous COVID-19 relief packages, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Congress most recently provided an additional $82 billion for the Education Stabilization Fund in the December relief package. Third, and most critical to getting students and teachers back in the classroom, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Wolensky stated just this past week that the data -- the science -- supports the notion that schools can reopen even without teacher vaccinations. The data is clear. Unfortunately, some of our nation's public schools are failing our children. Virtual learning yields subpar results, and many students are falling further behind, especially those in low-income and underprivileged communities. Additionally, Clark County, Nevada, serves as a glaring example of the serious mental anguish children are enduring, as they have already had double the number of student suicides compared to last year. Unfortunately, the detrimental effects of keeping kids home are great, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics has stressed the importance of students returning to in-person learning.We should never allow teachers unions or any other entity to make unscientific decisions that affect the health and well-being of our children. We must listen to the scientists and reopen our schools immediately. Dr. Brad Wenstrup specializes in podiatric medicine and surgery and is a co-chair of the GOP Doctor's Caucus. He is an Iraq War veteran and currently serves as a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Dr. Andy Harris specializes in anesthesiology and is the former head of obstetric anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins University. He serves as co-chair of the GOP Doctor's Caucus. Dr. Michael Burgess specializes in obstetrics and gynecology and practiced medicine in North Texas. He was recently elected a co-chair of the GOP Doctor's Caucus for the 117th Congress. Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks specializes in ophthalmology, served as president of the Iowa Medical Society, and is a former member of the Army Reserve. She was just elected to Congress to represent Iowa's 2nd Congressional District and is a member of the GOP Doctor's Caucus.
By Brian Babin As medical professionals and members of Congress, we have serious concern over the global spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. Since the disease emerged in Wuhan, China, widespread outbreaks have occurred in South Korea, Iran, Italy and Japan. The number of cases in the United States continues to increase and will likely increase substantially as widespread testing begins. This isn't our first experience dealing with an epidemic, and as medical professionals, we believe the U.S. is prepared to effectively combat the virus. As is being widely reported, good hygiene will help combat the community spread of this virus. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if you haven't washed your hands. Avoid handshakes and, instead, try to bump elbows. Sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Stay home if you're ill. Disinfect commonly touched surfaces. Postpone travel. Stay home as much as possible and avoid publicly congregating in order to flatten the curve and protect everyone, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. These are all commonsense measures to help prevent more widespread transmission. However, good hygiene isn't enough. This pandemic has been compared to influenza, both in terms of the virus' spread and symptoms. But there are key differences. Most significantly, we haven't yet developed medications or vaccines to fight this disease. Most Americans today consider the spread of the flu as potentially dangerous, yet manageable. The flu impacted 35 million Americans last year, causing over 490,000 hospitalizations and over 34,000 deaths. Without medicine or a vaccine, coronavirus has the potential to be more widespread and deadly than the flu. That's why we must take this threat seriously. Most individuals who contract COVID-19 will have mild to severe symptoms that resemble a cold or flu and will recover. However, a significant number will also require hospitalization. If these hospitalizations occur rapidly, it has the potential to overwhelm our hospitals. For instance, emergency room visits or necessary cancer care may be disrupted if our system is overcapacity. Therefore, we must limit the spread. Congress provided $8.3 billion in emergency funding to prepare for this epidemic. This funding will greatly expand the availability of test kits that are vital in our efforts to stop this illness. We can't fight the disease if we don't know where it is and who has it. Testing availability is expanding rapidly. Funding will also ensure our public health departments have resources to set priorities locally and will help develop vaccines and treatments to combat this disease. It is amazing that, in under two months, private companies already are developing vaccines -- a process that typically takes years -- with one already in the beginning trials of human testing. Yet, it may still take a year to bring a safe and effective vaccine to the public. Businesses and community institutions can also help reduce the rapid spread of the virus. For those staying open, easy steps include encouraging people to wash their hands; ensuring access to hand sanitizer; and sanitizing work areas and tools frequently. Businesses and organizers of sporting events and concerts should think about postponing or canceling large events -- if they have not already. Churches and civic clubs should discourage close-quarter contact or consider broadcasting services online. Businesses that allow telework should proactively encourage it and any schools that are still open should plan for closures. We are better prepared today for the COVID-19 outbreak because of the lessons we learned and incorporated from previous pandemics. In June 2019, President Trump signed the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act, which reauthorized public health and preparedness and response programs to give our health officials tools they need to quickly and effectively respond to an emergency. In addition, Congress substantially increased funding for key public health government agencies over the last five years. But more will still need to be done. This is a rapidly changing situation, so check in with health officials frequently for situational updates. With all the challenges associated with a pandemic, there is no country more capable to manage a health crisis than the United States of America. The authors are members of the GOP Doctors Caucus, which is composed of medical providers in Congress who utilize their medical expertise to develop patient-centered health care policy: Phil Roe, who represents Tennessee's First District; Andy Harris, who represents Maryland's First District; Buddy Carter, who represents Georgia's First District; Roger Marshall, who represents Kansas' First District; Scott DeJarlais, who represents Tennessee's Fourth District; Greg Murphy, who represents North Carolina's Third District; Brad Wenstrup, who represents Ohio's Second District; Brian Babin, who represents Texas' 36th District; Drew Ferguson, who represents Georgia's Third District; and John Joyce, who represents Pennsylvania's 13th District.