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| education = [[Tufts University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[University of Oregon]] ([[Master of Arts|MA]]) |
| education = [[Tufts University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[University of Oregon]] ([[Master of Arts|MA]]) |
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| signature = Peter DeFazio signature.gif |
| signature = Peter DeFazio signature.gif |
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| website = {{ |
| website = {{URL|defazio.house.gov|House website}} |
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| allegiance = {{flag|United States}} |
| allegiance = {{flag|United States}} |
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| branch = {{flag|United States Air Force}} |
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==Early life, education, and pre-congressional career== |
==Early life, education, and pre-congressional career== |
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DeFazio was born in 1947 in [[Needham, Massachusetts]],<ref name="cong"/> a suburb of [[Boston]].<ref name="cong"/> He credits his great-uncle with shaping his politics; that great-uncle almost never said "Republican" without adding "bastard" (or "bastud", as it sounded in a [[Boston accent]]).<ref name=DeFazioBio>{{cite web |url=http://defazioforcongress.org/biography.htm |title=Biography page at archive of DeFazio campaign site |accessdate=2017-12-14 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030205032020/http://defazioforcongress.org/biography.htm |archivedate=February 5, 2003 }}</ref> He served in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1967 to 1971.<ref name="votesmart">{{cite web|url=http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=H3341103|title=DeFazio's profile|website=Vote-smart.org|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107010206/http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=H3341103|archive-date=7 January 2007|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He received a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree from [[Tufts University]] in 1969<ref name="cong"/> and a [[Master's degree|Master of Arts]] degree in [[gerontology]] from the [[University of Oregon]] in 1977.<ref name="cong"/> |
DeFazio was born in 1947 in [[Needham, Massachusetts]],<ref name="cong"/> a suburb of [[Boston]], graduating from [[Needham High School]] in 1965.<ref name="cong"/> He credits his great-uncle with shaping his politics; that great-uncle almost never said "Republican" without adding "bastard" (or "bastud", as it sounded in a [[Boston accent]]).<ref name=DeFazioBio>{{cite web |url=http://defazioforcongress.org/biography.htm |title=Biography page at archive of DeFazio campaign site |accessdate=2017-12-14 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030205032020/http://defazioforcongress.org/biography.htm |archivedate=February 5, 2003 }}</ref> He served in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1967 to 1971.<ref name="votesmart">{{cite web|url=http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=H3341103|title=DeFazio's profile|website=Vote-smart.org|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107010206/http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=H3341103|archive-date=7 January 2007|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He received a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree from [[Tufts University]] in 1969<ref name="cong"/> and a [[Master's degree|Master of Arts]] degree in [[gerontology]] from the [[University of Oregon]] in 1977.<ref name="cong"/> |
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From 1977 to 1982, DeFazio worked as an aide to U.S. Representative [[Jim Weaver (Oregon politician)|Jim Weaver]].<ref name="cong">[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=d000191 DeFazio's biography] in the ''[[Biographical Directory of the United States Congress]]''</ref> He was elected as a [[Lane County, Oregon|Lane County]] Commissioner in 1983 and served as chairman from 1985 to 1986.<ref name="cong"/> |
From 1977 to 1982, DeFazio worked as an aide to U.S. Representative [[Jim Weaver (Oregon politician)|Jim Weaver]].<ref name="cong">[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=d000191 DeFazio's biography] in the ''[[Biographical Directory of the United States Congress]]''</ref> He was elected as a [[Lane County, Oregon|Lane County]] Commissioner in 1983 and served as chairman from 1985 to 1986.<ref name="cong"/> |
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==U.S. House of Representatives== |
==U.S. House of Representatives== |
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===Elections=== |
===Elections=== |
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[[File:Peter DeFazio 105th Congress.jpg|thumb|left|180px|DeFazio during the <br>[[105th United States Congress|105th Congress]]]] |
[[File:Peter DeFazio 105th Congress.jpg|thumb|left|180px|DeFazio during the <br>[[105th United States Congress|105th Congress]] (1997–1999)]] |
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In 1986, DeFazio ran for the U.S. House from [[Oregon's 4th congressional district]], upon the retirement of [[incumbent]] Democratic congressman [[Jim Weaver (Oregon politician)|Jim Weaver]].<ref name="cong"/> DeFazio narrowly won a competitive three-way primary against State Senators [[Bill Bradbury]] and Margie Hendriksen, 34%–33%-31%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=749083|title=Our Campaigns – OR District 4 – D Primary Race – May 20, 1986|website=Ourcampaigns.com|access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref> He won the general election with 54% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=52177|title=Our Campaigns – OR District 4 Race – Nov 04, 1986|website=Ourcampaigns.com|access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref> |
In 1986, DeFazio ran for the U.S. House from [[Oregon's 4th congressional district]], upon the retirement of [[incumbent]] Democratic congressman [[Jim Weaver (Oregon politician)|Jim Weaver]].<ref name="cong"/> DeFazio narrowly won a competitive three-way primary against State Senators [[Bill Bradbury]] and Margie Hendriksen, 34%–33%-31%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=749083|title=Our Campaigns – OR District 4 – D Primary Race – May 20, 1986|website=Ourcampaigns.com|access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref> He won the general election with 54% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=52177|title=Our Campaigns – OR District 4 Race – Nov 04, 1986|website=Ourcampaigns.com|access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref> |
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DeFazio won 82% of the vote over two minor-party candidates. |
DeFazio won 82% of the vote over two minor-party candidates. |
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Earlier, he reportedly considered and reconsidered running against [[Gordon H. Smith]] in the [[Oregon United States Senate election, 2008|2008 Senate election]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Aaron |last=Blake |date=January 4, 2007|title=Rep. DeFazio pulls name from 2008 Senate-bid speculations |url= |
Earlier, he reportedly considered and reconsidered running against [[Gordon H. Smith]] in the [[Oregon United States Senate election, 2008|2008 Senate election]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Aaron |last=Blake |date=January 4, 2007|title=Rep. DeFazio pulls name from 2008 Senate-bid speculations |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/136-rep-defazio-pulls-name-from-2008-senate-bid-speculations/ |newspaper=The Hill |location=Washington, D.C. |access-date=2007-03-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/3/26/17030/2078|title=OR-Sen: DeFazio beats Smith – DSCC poll|website=Dailykos.com|access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref><ref name="dietz">{{cite news |first=Diane |last=Dietz |date=April 3, 2007 |title=DeFazio ponders U.S. Senate run |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=4pF9x-cDGsoC&dat=20070403&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |newspaper=[[Eugene Register-Guard]] |access-date=2007-04-03}}</ref> On April 20, 2007, DeFazio announced he would not run for Smith's seat.<ref name="defazio">{{cite web|title=DeFazio will not run for Senate|url=http://blog.oregonlive.com/politics/2007/04/defazio_will_not_run_for_senat.html|work=OregonLive.com|date=April 20, 2007|access-date=2007-04-20}}</ref> |
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After [[Barack Obama]] was elected president in 2008, it was reported that DeFazio was under consideration for [[United States Secretary of Transportation|Secretary of Transportation]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.trafficworld.com/newssection/government.asp?id=48725|title=Transportation's Obama Factor}}</ref> U.S. Representative [[Ray LaHood]] was named to the post in December 2008. |
After [[Barack Obama]] was elected president in 2008, it was reported that DeFazio was under consideration for [[United States Secretary of Transportation|Secretary of Transportation]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.trafficworld.com/newssection/government.asp?id=48725|title=Transportation's Obama Factor}}</ref> U.S. Representative [[Ray LaHood]] was named to the post in December 2008. |
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==== 2010 ==== |
==== 2010 ==== |
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{{Main|2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon#District 4}} |
{{Main|2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon#District 4}} |
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In 2010, DeFazio was challenged by Republican [[Arthur B. Robinson|Art Robinson]] and Pacific Green candidate Michael Beilstein. As permitted by ''[[Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission]]'', a [[Political action committee|Super PAC]] group called The Concerned Taxpayers of America paid $300,000 for ads attacking DeFazio. It was not revealed until the mid-October 2010 quarterly [[Federal Election Commission|FEC]] filings that the group was solely funded by Daniel G. Schuster Inc., a concrete firm in [[Owings Mills, Maryland]], and New York hedge fund executive [[Robert Mercer (businessman)|Robert Mercer]], the co-head of Renaissance Technologies of [[Setauket, New York]]. According to [[Dan Eggen]] at ''[[The Washington Post]]'', the group said "it was formed in September 'to engage citizens from every walk of life and political affiliation' in the fight against 'runaway spending.'" The only expenditures were for the ads attacking DeFazio and Democratic Representative [[Frank Kratovil]] of Maryland.<ref>{{cite news |author=Karen Tumulty |author-link=Karen Tumulty |date=September 25, 2010 |title=DeFazio tries to find out who is behind mysterious attack ads |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/24/AR2010092406094.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref><ref>[http://blog.oregonlive.com/mapesonpolitics/2010/10/wealthy_financier_is_mysteriou.html Wealthy financier is mysterious funder of ads attacking DeFazio], Jeff Mapes, ''[[The Oregonian]]'', October 15, 2010</ref><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/16/AR2010101603822.html Concerned Taxpayers group is powered by only two donors], [[Dan Eggen]], ''[[The Washington Post]]'', October 17, 2010</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Scott Patterson and Jenny Strasburg |date=March 16, 2010 |title=Pioneering Fund Stages Second Act |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703494404575082000779302566 |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]}}</ref> |
In 2010, DeFazio was challenged by Republican [[Arthur B. Robinson|Art Robinson]] and Pacific Green candidate Michael Beilstein. As permitted by ''[[Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission]]'', a [[Political action committee|Super PAC]] group called The Concerned Taxpayers of America paid $300,000 for ads attacking DeFazio. It was not revealed until the mid-October 2010 quarterly [[Federal Election Commission|FEC]] filings that the group was solely funded by Daniel G. Schuster Inc., a concrete firm in [[Owings Mills, Maryland]], and New York hedge fund executive [[Robert Mercer (businessman)|Robert Mercer]], the co-head of Renaissance Technologies of [[Setauket, New York]]. According to [[Dan Eggen]] at ''[[The Washington Post]]'', the group said "it was formed in September 'to engage citizens from every walk of life and political affiliation' in the fight against 'runaway spending.'" The only expenditures were for the ads attacking DeFazio and Democratic Representative [[Frank Kratovil]] of Maryland.<ref>{{cite news |author=Karen Tumulty |author-link=Karen Tumulty |date=September 25, 2010 |title=DeFazio tries to find out who is behind mysterious attack ads |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/24/AR2010092406094.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref><ref>[http://blog.oregonlive.com/mapesonpolitics/2010/10/wealthy_financier_is_mysteriou.html Wealthy financier is mysterious funder of ads attacking DeFazio], Jeff Mapes, ''[[The Oregonian]]'', October 15, 2010.</ref><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/16/AR2010101603822.html Concerned Taxpayers group is powered by only two donors], [[Dan Eggen]], ''[[The Washington Post]]'', October 17, 2010.</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Scott Patterson and Jenny Strasburg |date=March 16, 2010 |title=Pioneering Fund Stages Second Act |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703494404575082000779302566 |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]}}</ref> |
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DeFazio won with 54.5% of the vote, his lowest winning percentage since he was first elected in 1986.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=510934|title=Our Campaigns – OR – District 04 Race – Nov 02, 2010|website=Ourcampaigns.com|access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref> ''The Oregonian'' said that DeFazio's reelection to his 13th term was notable more for the amount of outside money spent on the campaign than for the candidates themselves.<ref> |
DeFazio won with 54.5% of the vote, his lowest winning percentage since he was first elected in 1986.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=510934|title=Our Campaigns – OR – District 04 Race – Nov 02, 2010|website=Ourcampaigns.com|access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref> ''The Oregonian'' said that DeFazio's reelection to his 13th term was notable more for the amount of outside money spent on the campaign than for the candidates themselves.<ref> |
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| date = November 2, 2010 |
| date = November 2, 2010 |
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| access-date = March 30, 2018 |
| access-date = March 30, 2018 |
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}}{{ |
}}{{open access}}</ref> |
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==== 2012 ==== |
==== 2012 ==== |
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===== Investigation into Boeing and 737 MAX crashes ===== |
===== Investigation into Boeing and 737 MAX crashes ===== |
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As chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, DeFazio led an investigation into the causes of the |
As chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, DeFazio led an investigation into the causes of the crashes of two [[Boeing 737 MAX]] planes, which resulted in 346 deaths. DeFazio's 18-month investigation laid out serious flaws and missteps in the design, development, and certification of the aircraft. The committee's Majority Staff prepared a 238-page report<ref>{{Cite web |title=Final Committee Report - The Design, Development & Certification of the Boeing 737 MAX |url=https://transportation.house.gov/imo/media/doc/2020.09.15%20FINAL%20737%20MAX%20Report%20for%20Public%20Release.pdf}}</ref> outlining the repeated and serious failures made by [[Boeing]] and the [[Federal Aviation Administration]]. |
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DeFazio helped pass comprehensive aircraft certification reform and safety legislation in the wake of his committee's report<ref>{{Cite web |title=House T&I and Senate Commerce Committee Leaders Applaud Passage of Comprehensive Aircraft Certification Reform and Safety Legislation {{!}} The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure |url=https://transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-tandi-and-senate-commerce-committee-leaders-applaud-passage-of_comprehensive-aircraft-certification-reform-and-safety-legislation |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=transportation.house.gov |language=en}}</ref> as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/133/text}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=Marc |date=2020-12-22 |title=Congress Passes "Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act" |url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/congress-passes-aircraft-certification-safety-and-accountability-act/ |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=AVweb |language=en-US}}</ref> which [[Donald Trump|President Donald Trump]] signed into law on December 27, 2020. |
DeFazio helped pass comprehensive aircraft certification reform and safety legislation in the wake of his committee's report<ref>{{Cite web |title=House T&I and Senate Commerce Committee Leaders Applaud Passage of Comprehensive Aircraft Certification Reform and Safety Legislation {{!}} The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure |url=https://transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-tandi-and-senate-commerce-committee-leaders-applaud-passage-of_comprehensive-aircraft-certification-reform-and-safety-legislation |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=transportation.house.gov |language=en}}</ref> as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/133/text}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=Marc |date=2020-12-22 |title=Congress Passes "Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act" |url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/congress-passes-aircraft-certification-safety-and-accountability-act/ |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=AVweb |language=en-US}}</ref> which [[Donald Trump|President Donald Trump]] signed into law on December 27, 2020. |
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=====Israel and Palestine===== |
=====Israel and Palestine===== |
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In 2015, DeFazio was one of 19 members of Congress to sign a letter urging Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] to "prioritize the human rights of Palestinian children living in the [[Occupied West Bank]] in the bilateral relationship with the Government of Israel." The letter called Israel's treatment of Palestinian children "cruel, inhumane and degrading" and an "anomaly in the world". |
In 2015, DeFazio was one of 19 members of Congress to sign a letter urging Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] to "prioritize the human rights of Palestinian children living in the [[Occupied West Bank]] in the bilateral relationship with the Government of Israel." The letter called Israel's treatment of Palestinian children "cruel, inhumane and degrading" and an "anomaly in the world".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bery |first1=Sunjeev |title=Did your Member of Congress Stand Up for Palestinian Children? |url=https://blog.amnestyusa.org/middle-east/did-your-member-of-congress-stand-up-for-palestinian-children/ |website=Amnesty International |date=22 June 2015 |access-date=31 August 2018}}</ref> In 2017, he was one of 10 members of Congress to introduce a bill that would "require the Secretary of State to certify that United States funds do not support military detention, interrogation, abuse, or ill-treatment of Palestinian children".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tibon |first1=Amir |title=Democrats Push Bill to Block U.S. Aid to Israel From Being Used to Detain Palestinian Minors |url=https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/.premium-democrats-bill-block-aid-to-israel-from-helping-detain-palestinian-kids-1.5465547 |website=Haaretz |access-date=31 August 2018}}</ref> |
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=====Financial===== |
=====Financial===== |
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In 2009, DeFazio [[Let Wall Street Pay for the Restoration of Main Street Bill|proposed a financial transaction tax]].<ref name="calls for">{{cite web |url= http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/12/defazio_calls_for_tax_on_high.html|title=DeFazio calls for tax on financial transactions but critics abound |author=Charles Pope |date=December 2009 |publisher= [[The Oregonian]], OregonLive.com|access-date=2010-01-04}}</ref> |
In 2009, DeFazio [[Let Wall Street Pay for the Restoration of Main Street Bill|proposed a financial transaction tax]].<ref name="calls for">{{cite web |url= http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/12/defazio_calls_for_tax_on_high.html|title=DeFazio calls for tax on financial transactions but critics abound |author=Charles Pope |date=December 2009 |publisher= [[The Oregonian]], OregonLive.com|access-date=2010-01-04}}</ref> |
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During his tenure, DeFazio has butted heads with fellow Democratic politicians, including Obama, on key Democratic legislation. In December 2010, he told CNN that the White House was "putting on tremendous pressure" about legislation extending the [[Bush tax cuts]], with Obama "making phone calls saying this is the end of his presidency if he doesn't get this bad deal." White House spokesman [[Tommy Vietor]] told ''[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]'' that Obama hadn't "said anything remotely like that" and had "never spoken with Mr. DeFazio about the issue".<ref>{{cite news |first=Jordan|last=Fabian |date=December 15, 2010 |title=Obama tells lawmakers not passing tax deal could end presidency, Dem says |url= |
During his tenure, DeFazio has butted heads with fellow Democratic politicians, including Obama, on key Democratic legislation. In December 2010, he told CNN that the White House was "putting on tremendous pressure" about legislation extending the [[Bush tax cuts]], with Obama "making phone calls saying this is the end of his presidency if he doesn't get this bad deal." White House spokesman [[Tommy Vietor]] told ''[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]'' that Obama hadn't "said anything remotely like that" and had "never spoken with Mr. DeFazio about the issue".<ref>{{cite news |first=Jordan|last=Fabian |date=December 15, 2010 |title=Obama tells lawmakers not passing tax deal could end presidency, Dem says |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/77633-obama-tells-lawmakers-not-passing-tax-deal-could-end-presidency-dem-says/ |newspaper=The Hill |location=Washington, D.C. |access-date=21 May 2012}}</ref> |
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=====Occupy Wall Street===== |
=====Occupy Wall Street===== |
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=====Fuel prices===== |
=====Fuel prices===== |
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DeFazio opposed the [[Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America That Works Act of 2014 (H.R. 4899; 113th Congress)]], a bill that would revise existing laws and policies regarding the development of [[petroleum|oil]] and [[natural gas|gas]] resources on the [[Outer Continental Shelf]].<ref name=cbo4899>{{cite web|title=CBO – H.R. 4899|url=http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/hr4899.pdf|publisher=Congressional Budget Office|access-date=26 June 2014}}</ref> The bill was intended to increase domestic energy production and lower gas prices.<ref name="HousePassesMarcos"/><ref name="GraeberUPI"/> DeFazio argued that the bill would not solve the true cause of high gas prices, which he blamed on "[[Big Oil]] in the United States and speculation on Wall Street".<ref name=HousePassesMarcos>{{cite news|last1=Marcos|first1=Cristina|title=House passes bill to increase offshore energy projects|url= |
DeFazio opposed the [[Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America That Works Act of 2014 (H.R. 4899; 113th Congress)]], a bill that would revise existing laws and policies regarding the development of [[petroleum|oil]] and [[natural gas|gas]] resources on the [[Outer Continental Shelf]].<ref name=cbo4899>{{cite web|title=CBO – H.R. 4899|url=http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/hr4899.pdf|publisher=Congressional Budget Office|access-date=26 June 2014}}</ref> The bill was intended to increase domestic energy production and lower gas prices.<ref name="HousePassesMarcos"/><ref name="GraeberUPI"/> DeFazio argued that the bill would not solve the true cause of high gas prices, which he blamed on "[[Big Oil]] in the United States and speculation on Wall Street".<ref name=HousePassesMarcos>{{cite news|last1=Marcos|first1=Cristina|title=House passes bill to increase offshore energy projects|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/210690-house-passes-bill-to-increase-offshore-energy-projects/|access-date=26 June 2014|work=The Hill|date=26 June 2014}}</ref> DeFazio called the bill the "drill everywhere" bill.<ref name=GraeberUPI>{{cite news|last1=Graeber|first1=Daniel J.|title=House measure on gas aimed at lower prices|url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2014/06/27/House-measure-on-gas-aimed-at-lower-prices/9031403872288/|access-date=27 June 2014|publisher=UPI|date=27 June 2014}}</ref> |
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In 2022, following a report from Accountable.US that showed the largest oil and gas companies in the United States made a record $205 billion profit in 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exploitation: Oil Giants Set Record Profits While Taking Advantage Of Inflation and the Crisis In Ukraine – The American People Pay The Price |url=https://2n36z24d9zdc4aq2uv1wn19p-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/20220307-UPDATED-Oil-And-Gas-2021-Profits-1.pdf}}</ref> DeFazio introduced the Stop Gas Price Gouging Tax and Rebate Act. This legislation would impose a windfall profits tax on excessive corporate profits and return the revenue to Americans in monthly payments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-16 |title=Rep. DeFazio Introduces Bill to Fight Big Oil's Greed and Provide Rebates to American Consumers |url=https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-defazio-introduces-bill-to-fight-big-oil-s-greed-and-provide-rebates |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=Congressman Peter DeFazio |language=en}}</ref> |
In 2022, following a report from Accountable.US that showed the largest oil and gas companies in the United States made a record $205 billion profit in 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exploitation: Oil Giants Set Record Profits While Taking Advantage Of Inflation and the Crisis In Ukraine – The American People Pay The Price |url=https://2n36z24d9zdc4aq2uv1wn19p-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/20220307-UPDATED-Oil-And-Gas-2021-Profits-1.pdf}}</ref> DeFazio introduced the Stop Gas Price Gouging Tax and Rebate Act. This legislation would impose a windfall profits tax on excessive corporate profits and return the revenue to Americans in monthly payments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-16 |title=Rep. DeFazio Introduces Bill to Fight Big Oil's Greed and Provide Rebates to American Consumers |url=https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-defazio-introduces-bill-to-fight-big-oil-s-greed-and-provide-rebates |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=Congressman Peter DeFazio |language=en}}</ref> |
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===2008=== |
===2008=== |
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DeFazio again considered running for the [[United States Senate]]. At the time he was considered a top-tier candidate, but he later defused such talk, citing seniority and monetary concerns about a potential campaign.<ref>{{Cite |
DeFazio again considered running for the [[United States Senate]]. At the time he was considered a top-tier candidate, but he later defused such talk, citing seniority and monetary concerns about a potential campaign.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/136-rep-defazio-pulls-name-from-2008-senate-bid-speculations/|title = Rep. DeFazio pulls name from 2008 Senate-bid speculations| newspaper=The Hill |date = 4 January 2007 | last1=Blake | first1=Aaron }}</ref> |
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== Personal life == |
== Personal life == |
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|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
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|{{party shading/Democratic}} |105,697 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''105,697''' |
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|{{party shading/Democratic}} |54% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''54%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |Bruce Long |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |Bruce Long |
||
Line 266: | Line 266: | ||
|[[United States House election, 1988|1988]] |
|[[United States House election, 1988|1988]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |108,483 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''108,483''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |72% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''72%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |Jim Howard |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |Jim Howard |
||
Line 289: | Line 289: | ||
|[[United States House election, 1990|1990]] |
|[[United States House election, 1990|1990]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |162,494 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''162,494''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |86% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''86%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |''No candidate'' |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |''No candidate'' |
||
Line 312: | Line 312: | ||
|[[United States House election, 1992|1992]] |
|[[United States House election, 1992|1992]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |199,372 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''199,372''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |71% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''71%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |Richard Schulz |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |Richard Schulz |
||
Line 335: | Line 335: | ||
|[[United States House election, 1994|1994]] |
|[[United States House election, 1994|1994]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |158,981 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''158,981''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |67% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''67%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |John Newkirk |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |John Newkirk |
||
Line 358: | Line 358: | ||
|[[United States House election, 1996|1996]] |
|[[United States House election, 1996|1996]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |177,270 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''177,270''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |66% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''66%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |John Newkirk |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |John Newkirk |
||
Line 381: | Line 381: | ||
|[[United States House election, 1998|1998]] |
|[[United States House election, 1998|1998]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |157,524 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''157,524''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |70% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''70%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |Steve Webb |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |Steve Webb |
||
Line 404: | Line 404: | ||
|[[United States House election, 2000|2000]] |
|[[United States House election, 2000|2000]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |197,998 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''197,998''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |68% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''68%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |John Lindsey |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |John Lindsey |
||
Line 427: | Line 427: | ||
|[[United States House election, 2002|2002]] |
|[[United States House election, 2002|2002]] |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |168,150 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''168,150''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |64% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''64%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Liz VanLeeuwen]] |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Liz VanLeeuwen]] |
||
Line 450: | Line 450: | ||
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2004#District 4|2004]] |
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2004#District 4|2004]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |228,611 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''228,611''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |61% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''61%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |Jim Feldkamp |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |Jim Feldkamp |
||
Line 473: | Line 473: | ||
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2006#District 4|2006]] |
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2006#District 4|2006]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |180,607 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''180,607''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |62% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''62%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |Jim Feldkamp |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |Jim Feldkamp |
||
Line 496: | Line 496: | ||
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2008#District 4|2008]] |
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2008#District 4|2008]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |275,133 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''275,133''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |82% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''82%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |''No candidate'' |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |''No candidate'' |
||
Line 519: | Line 519: | ||
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2010#District 4|2010]] |
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2010#District 4|2010]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |162,416 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''162,416''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |54% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''54%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Art Robinson]] |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Art Robinson]] |
||
Line 542: | Line 542: | ||
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2012#District 4|2012]] |
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2012#District 4|2012]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |212,866 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''212,866''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |59% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''59%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Art Robinson]] |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Art Robinson]] |
||
Line 565: | Line 565: | ||
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2014#District 4|2014]] |
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2014#District 4|2014]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |181,624 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''181,624''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |59% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''59%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Art Robinson]] |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Art Robinson]] |
||
Line 588: | Line 588: | ||
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2016#District 4|2016]] |
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2016#District 4|2016]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |220,628 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''220,628''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |55% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''55%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Art Robinson]] |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Art Robinson]] |
||
Line 611: | Line 611: | ||
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2018#District 4|2018]] |
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2018#District 4|2018]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |208,710 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''208,710''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |56% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''56%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Art Robinson]] |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Art Robinson]] |
||
Line 634: | Line 634: | ||
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2020#District 4|2020]] |
|[[United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon, 2020#District 4|2020]] |
||
|| |
|| |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''Peter DeFazio''' '''(incumbent)''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |240,950 |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''240,950''' |
||
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |52% |
|{{party shading/Democratic}} |'''52%''' |
||
| |
| |
||
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Alek Skarlatos]] |
|{{party shading/Republican}} |[[Alek Skarlatos]] |
||
Line 671: | Line 671: | ||
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the [[List of United States representatives from Oregon|U.S. House of Representatives]]<br>from [[Oregon's 4th congressional district]]|years=1987–2023}} |
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the [[List of United States representatives from Oregon|U.S. House of Representatives]]<br>from [[Oregon's 4th congressional district]]|years=1987–2023}} |
||
{{s-aft|after=[[Val Hoyle]]}} |
{{s-aft|after=[[Val Hoyle]]}} |
||
|- |
|||
⚫ | |||
{{s-ttl|title=Ranking Member of the [[United States House Committee on Natural Resources|House Natural Resources Committee]]|years=2013–2015}} |
|||
{{s-aft|after=[[Raúl Grijalva]]}} |
|||
|- |
|||
{{s-bef|before=[[Nick Rahall]]}} |
|||
{{s-ttl|title=Ranking Member of the [[United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure|House Transportation Committee]]|years=2015–2019}} |
|||
{{s-aft|rows=2|after=[[Sam Graves]]}} |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
{{s-bef|before=[[Bill Shuster]]}} |
{{s-bef|before=[[Bill Shuster]]}} |
||
{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure|House Transportation Committee]]|years=2019–2023}} |
{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure|House Transportation Committee]]|years=2019–2023}} |
||
⚫ | |||
|- |
|- |
||
{{s-ppo}} |
{{s-ppo}} |
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Line 719: | Line 726: | ||
[[Category:County commissioners in Oregon]] |
[[Category:County commissioners in Oregon]] |
||
[[Category:Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Oregon]] |
[[Category:Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Oregon]] |
||
[[Category:Left-wing populism in the United States]] |
|||
[[Category:Living people]] |
[[Category:Living people]] |
||
[[Category:Military personnel from Massachusetts]] |
[[Category:Military personnel from Massachusetts]] |
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Line 726: | Line 732: | ||
[[Category:Tufts University alumni]] |
[[Category:Tufts University alumni]] |
||
[[Category:University of Oregon alumni]] |
[[Category:University of Oregon alumni]] |
||
[[Category:United States congressional aides]] |
Peter DeFazio
| |
---|---|
Chair of the House Transportation Committee | |
In office January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2023 | |
Preceded by | Bill Shuster |
Succeeded by | Sam Graves |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oregon's 4th district | |
In office January 3, 1987 – January 3, 2023 | |
Preceded by | Jim Weaver |
Succeeded by | Val Hoyle |
Personal details | |
Born | Peter Anthony DeFazio (1947-05-27) May 27, 1947 (age 77) Needham, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Myrnie Daut |
Education | Tufts University (BA) University of Oregon (MA) |
Signature | |
Website | House website |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States |
Branch/service | United States Air Force |
Years of service | 1967–1971 |
Unit | Air Force Reserve Command |
DeFazio, as chair of the House Transportation Committee, on legislation mandating aircraft safety standards after the Boeing 737 MAX groundings Recorded November 17, 2020 | |
|
Peter Anthony DeFazio (/dɪˈfɑːzioʊ/; born May 27, 1947) is an American politician who served as the U.S. representative for Oregon's 4th congressional district from 1987 to 2023. He is a member of the Democratic Party and is a founder of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. A native of Massachusetts and a veteran of the United States Air Force Reserve, he previously served as a county commissioner in Lane County, Oregon. On December 1, 2021, DeFazio announced he would not seek reelection in 2022.[1]
DeFazio was born in 1947 in Needham, Massachusetts,[2] a suburb of Boston, graduating from Needham High School in 1965.[2] He credits his great-uncle with shaping his politics; that great-uncle almost never said "Republican" without adding "bastard" (or "bastud", as it sounded in a Boston accent).[3] He served in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1967 to 1971.[4] He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University in 1969[2] and a Master of Arts degree in gerontology from the University of Oregon in 1977.[2]
From 1977 to 1982, DeFazio worked as an aide to U.S. Representative Jim Weaver.[2] He was elected as a Lane County Commissioner in 1983 and served as chairman from 1985 to 1986.[2]
In 1986, DeFazio ran for the U.S. House from Oregon's 4th congressional district, upon the retirement of incumbent Democratic congressman Jim Weaver.[2] DeFazio narrowly won a competitive three-way primary against State Senators Bill Bradbury and Margie Hendriksen, 34%–33%-31%.[5] He won the general election with 54% of the vote.[6]
DeFazio did not face another contest nearly that close until 2010, winning every election before then with at least 61% of the vote.[7] He has forged a nearly unbreakable hold on a district that is only marginally Democratic on paper. This is due almost entirely to the presence of his base in Lane County, which has almost half the district's population. The district narrowly voted for George W. Bush in 2000, John Kerry in 2004, and Hillary Clinton by 0.1 percentage point in 2016. In 2020, DeFazio defeated Alek Skarlatos by over 25,000 votes (5.4%). Pacific Green Party candidate Daniel Hoffay finished third with 2.2% of the vote.[8]
DeFazio won 82% of the vote over two minor-party candidates.
Earlier, he reportedly considered and reconsidered running against Gordon H. Smith in the 2008 Senate election.[9][10][11] On April 20, 2007, DeFazio announced he would not run for Smith's seat.[12]
After Barack Obama was elected president in 2008, it was reported that DeFazio was under consideration for Secretary of Transportation.[13] U.S. Representative Ray LaHood was named to the post in December 2008.
In 2010, DeFazio was challenged by Republican Art Robinson and Pacific Green candidate Michael Beilstein. As permitted by Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, a Super PAC group called The Concerned Taxpayers of America paid $300,000 for ads attacking DeFazio. It was not revealed until the mid-October 2010 quarterly FEC filings that the group was solely funded by Daniel G. Schuster Inc., a concrete firm in Owings Mills, Maryland, and New York hedge fund executive Robert Mercer, the co-head of Renaissance Technologies of Setauket, New York. According to Dan EggenatThe Washington Post, the group said "it was formed in September 'to engage citizens from every walk of life and political affiliation' in the fight against 'runaway spending.'" The only expenditures were for the ads attacking DeFazio and Democratic Representative Frank Kratovil of Maryland.[14][15][16][17]
DeFazio won with 54.5% of the vote, his lowest winning percentage since he was first elected in 1986.[18] The Oregonian said that DeFazio's reelection to his 13th term was notable more for the amount of outside money spent on the campaign than for the candidates themselves.[19]
In September 2011, the National Journal cited DeFazio as an example of "swing-district Democrats seeking reelection in 2012", and who, in "begin[ning] to focus on their reelection bids after Labor Day...are increasingly calculating how close is too close to an unpopular President Obama." It also noted that DeFazio's district "nearly went for Republican George W. Bush in 2004."[20]
Redistricting made the 4th slightly friendlier for DeFazio. He picked up almost all of Benton County, including all of Corvallis, home to Oregon State University.
DeFazio faced a challenge in 2020 from Alek Skarlatos, a Roseburg High School graduate, a former Oregon National Guard soldier who helped subdue a terrorist in the 2015 Thalys train attack. DeFazio won the election by 5.3 points, his narrowest victory since taking office.[21][22]
DeFazio has a progressive voting record. In 1992, he co-founded the Congressional Progressive Caucus with Bernie Sanders, Ron Dellums, Lane Evans, Thomas Andrews, and Maxine Waters,[23] and was its chair from 2003 to 2005. During the 1999 World Trade Organization meetings in Seattle, DeFazio marched with protesters who opposed the WTO's new economic globalization policies.[24]
DeFazio spent his entire career on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, becoming its chairman when Democrats won the House in 2018. During his time on the committee, he has served as chair or ranking member of four of the six subcommittees: Aviation, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, Highways and Transit, and Water Resources and Environment.[25]
In 2020, DeFazio sponsored H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act.[26] This bill invested $1.5 trillion in highways, rail, transit, airports, ports and harbors, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure, brownfields, broadband, and more.
DeFazio felt shunted aside when Senate negotiators secured a deal on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which became law largely without input from the House. He blasted the legislation in closed-door meetings, earning the moniker the "Tiger of the House".[27][28]
DeFazio eventually supported and helped pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and joined President Biden a number of times to promote it.[29][30]
As chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, DeFazio led an investigation into the causes of the crashes of two Boeing 737 MAX planes, which resulted in 346 deaths. DeFazio's 18-month investigation laid out serious flaws and missteps in the design, development, and certification of the aircraft. The committee's Majority Staff prepared a 238-page report[31] outlining the repeated and serious failures made by Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration.
DeFazio helped pass comprehensive aircraft certification reform and safety legislation in the wake of his committee's report[32] as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021,[33][34] which President Donald Trump signed into law on December 27, 2020.
In 2022, Netflix premiered Downfall: The Case Against Boeing, a documentary film by Rory Kennedy that details DeFazio's investigation.[35][36]
In October 2011, DeFazio demanded that the U.S. Department of Labor strengthen restrictions on the hiring of foreign guest workers for forestry jobs intended for unemployed U.S. citizens.[37]
DeFazio issued a statement condemning President Donald Trump's January 2017 executive order suspending all refugee admissions to the U.S. for 120 days and barring entry for 90 days to immigrants from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.[38]
In January 2018, DeFazio's guest for the State of the Union Address was Jesus Narvaez, a "Dreamer", DACA activist, and member of Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán (MEChA).[39]
In June 2018, DeFazio and other members of Congress from Oregon demanded that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) permit individuals held at a federal prison in Sheridan, Oregon, under the Trump administration's "zero-tolerance policy" to make free telephone calls to arrange legal representation.[40][41]
DeFazio supports legal abortion.[42]
DeFazio has voted against legislation that would increase U.S. military power. In 2000, he voted against legislation to create a national missile defense network, calling the system a "comic book fantasy".[43] He has consistently voted against the Patriot Act, including its inception after 9/11 and the recurring reauthorization bills, arguing that it infringes on Americans' civil rights.[44] He also voted against the USA Freedom Act,[45] which reauthorized certain provisions of the Patriot Act in modified form. He voted multiple times to set an itinerary for bringing U.S. troops home from Iraq.[46]
In 2013, DeFazio introduced the Postal Service Protection Act, a bipartisan proposal to comprehensively reform the United States Postal Service.[47] The legislation included a provision that would eliminate the retiree health benefits fund prefunding mandate, which required the Postal Service to set aside billions each year for retiree health benefits.[48]
In 2019, DeFazio introduced the USPS Fairness Act, which would have solely repealed the prefunding mandate.[49] In February 2020, the legislation passed the House, 309 to 106.[50]
U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney, chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, included DeFazio's provision to repeal the prefunding mandate in the Postal Service Reform Act,[51] which President Biden signed into law on April 6, 2022.
In 2015, DeFazio was one of 19 members of Congress to sign a letter urging Secretary of State John Kerry to "prioritize the human rights of Palestinian children living in the Occupied West Bank in the bilateral relationship with the Government of Israel." The letter called Israel's treatment of Palestinian children "cruel, inhumane and degrading" and an "anomaly in the world".[52] In 2017, he was one of 10 members of Congress to introduce a bill that would "require the Secretary of State to certify that United States funds do not support military detention, interrogation, abuse, or ill-treatment of Palestinian children".[53]
In 2008, DeFazio and Representative Pete Stark signed a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi proposing a 0.25% transaction tax on all trades in financial instruments, including stocks, options, and futures. Subsequently, DeFazio introduced the "No BAILOUT Act."[54][55]
Somewhat controversially, DeFazio declined to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, voting against it on February 13, 2009. He was one of only seven Democratic House members to vote against the bill.[56][57] DeFazio said that his vote was due to his frustration over compromises made to win support from moderate Republicans in the Senate. "I couldn't justify borrowing money for tax cuts", he said, referring to a bipartisan group's decision to cut funding for education and infrastructure initiatives he had supported in favor of steeper tax reductions.[58] He also advocated that the U.S. Senate change its cloture rules, doing away with the filibuster.[59]
DeFazio made headlines in mid-November 2009 when he suggested in an interview with MSNBC commentator Ed Schultz that Obama should fire Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers. "We may have to sacrifice just two more jobs to get back millions for Americans", DeFazio said.[60] The comment made top headlines at The Huffington Post.[61] DeFazio also suggested that a formal call by the Congressional Progressive Caucus for Geithner and Summers to be removed might be forthcoming. A year later he called for the impeachment of Chief Justice John Roberts because of the Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
In 2009, DeFazio proposed a financial transaction tax.[62]
During his tenure, DeFazio has butted heads with fellow Democratic politicians, including Obama, on key Democratic legislation. In December 2010, he told CNN that the White House was "putting on tremendous pressure" about legislation extending the Bush tax cuts, with Obama "making phone calls saying this is the end of his presidency if he doesn't get this bad deal." White House spokesman Tommy Vietor told The Hill that Obama hadn't "said anything remotely like that" and had "never spoken with Mr. DeFazio about the issue".[63]
In August 2011, DeFazio said that Obama lacked the fight to follow through on ending the Bush tax cuts, citing the pressure placed on him by the Republicans.[64] DeFazio, Representative Dennis Kucinich and Senator Bernie Sanders said that it would be good for the Democratic Party if Obama faced a meaningful primary in which all the issues would be aired out.[65]
In October 2011, Think Progress noted that DeFazio was echoing the demands of the Occupy Wall Street protesters by proposing to tax the trading of stocks, bonds, and derivatives.[66]
DeFazio opposed the Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America That Works Act of 2014 (H.R. 4899; 113th Congress), a bill that would revise existing laws and policies regarding the development of oil and gas resources on the Outer Continental Shelf.[67] The bill was intended to increase domestic energy production and lower gas prices.[68][69] DeFazio argued that the bill would not solve the true cause of high gas prices, which he blamed on "Big Oil in the United States and speculation on Wall Street".[68] DeFazio called the bill the "drill everywhere" bill.[69]
In 2022, following a report from Accountable.US that showed the largest oil and gas companies in the United States made a record $205 billion profit in 2021,[70] DeFazio introduced the Stop Gas Price Gouging Tax and Rebate Act. This legislation would impose a windfall profits tax on excessive corporate profits and return the revenue to Americans in monthly payments.[71]
In 2020, DeFazio introduced legislation to repeal a law that allows insurance companies an exemption from antitrust enforcement. The Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act.[72] It gives the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission the authority to apply federal antitrust laws to any potential anti-competitive behavior by health insurance companies. President Trump signed the legislation into law in January 2021.[73]
In December 2020, DeFazio helped pass the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020. This legislation included a measure he fought for for decades which would allow Congress to appropriate any funds collected from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for authorized harbor maintenance needs.[74] This unlocked billions in already collected fees to support the infrastructure of federal ports and harbors.[75]
DeFazio and Senator Patrick Leahy are credited with helping establish the National Organic Program in the 1990 Farm Bill.[76]
DeFazio co-chairs the bipartisan House Organic Caucus.[77]
In 2022, following news of his retirement, the Organic Trade Association honored DeFazio with the Organic Champion Award for his career-long work to support a strong organic label.[78][79]
After Senator Bob Packwood resigned in early September 1995, DeFazio ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate in a special primary, losing to 3rd district Congressman Ron Wyden.[87]
DeFazio had been mentioned as a possible candidate for the seat of Senator Mark Hatfield, who announced after the special primary election that he would not seek reelection in 1996. Faced with the prospect of having to take on well-funded millionaires in both the primary and general election, DeFazio announced in February 1996 that he would not run.[citation needed]
DeFazio again considered running for the United States Senate. At the time he was considered a top-tier candidate, but he later defused such talk, citing seniority and monetary concerns about a potential campaign.[88]
DeFazio is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He and his wife, Myrnie L. Daut,[4] reside in Springfield.
Year | Democratic | Votes | % | Republican | Votes | % | Third Party | Party | Votes | % | Third Party | Party | Votes | % | Other | % | |||||
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1986 | Peter DeFazio | 105,697 | 54% | Bruce Long | 89,795 | 46% | 56 | 0% | |||||||||||||
1988 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 108,483 | 72% | Jim Howard | 42,220 | 28% | 32 | 0% | |||||||||||||
1990 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 162,494 | 86% | No candidate | Tonie Nathan | Libertarian | 26,432 | 14% | 426 | 0% | |||||||||||
1992 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 199,372 | 71% | Richard Schulz | 79,733 | 29% | 194 | 0% | |||||||||||||
1994 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 158,981 | 67% | John Newkirk | 78,947 | 33% | 273 | 0% | |||||||||||||
1996 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 177,270 | 66% | John Newkirk | 76,649 | 28% | Tonie Nathan | Libertarian | 4,919 | 2% | Bill Bonville | Reform | 3,960 | 1% | 7,058 | 3% | |||||
1998 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 157,524 | 70% | Steve Webb | 64,143 | 29% | Karl Sorg | Socialist | 2,694 | 1% | 276 | 0% | |||||||||
2000 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 197,998 | 68% | John Lindsey | 41,909 | 31% | David Duemler | Socialist | 3,696 | 1% | 421 | 0% | |||||||||
2002 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 168,150 | 64% | Liz VanLeeuwen | 90,523 | 34% | Chris Bigelow | Libertarian | 4,602 | 2% | 206 | 0% | |||||||||
2004 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 228,611 | 61% | Jim Feldkamp | 140,882 | 38% | Jacob Boone | Libertarian | 3,190 | 1% | Michael Marsh | Constitution | 1,799 | 0% | 427 | 0% | |||||
2006 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 180,607 | 62% | Jim Feldkamp | 109,105 | 38% | 532 | 0% | |||||||||||||
2008 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 275,133 | 82% | No candidate | Jaynee Germond | Constitution | 43,133 | 13% | Mike Beilstein | Pacific Green | 13,162 | 4% | 2,708 | 1% | |||||||
2010 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 162,416 | 54% | Art Robinson | 129,877 | 44% | Mike Beilstein | Pacific Green | 5,215 | 2% | 524 | 0% | |||||||||
2012 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 212,866 | 59% | Art Robinson | 140,549 | 39% | Chuck Huntting | Libertarian | 6,205 | 2% | 468 | 0% | |||||||||
2014 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 181,624 | 59% | Art Robinson | 116,534 | 38% | Mike Beilstein | Pacific Green | 6,863 | 2% | David L. Chester | Libertarian | 4,676 | 2% | 482 | 0% | |||||
2016 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 220,628 | 55% | Art Robinson | 157,743 | 40% | Mike Beilstein | Pacific Green | 12,194 | 3% | Gil Guthrie | Libertarian | 6,527 | 2% | 476 | 0% | |||||
2018 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 208,710 | 56% | Art Robinson | 152,414 | 41% | Mike Beilstein | Pacific Green | 5,956 | 2% | Richard Jacobson | Libertarian | 5,370 | 1% | 443 | 0% | |||||
2020 | Peter DeFazio (incumbent) | 240,950 | 52% | Alek Skarlatos | 216,018 | 46% | Daniel Hoffay | Pacific Green | 10,118 | 2% |
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U.S. House of Representatives | ||
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Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oregon's 4th congressional district 1987–2023 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee 2013–2015 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | Ranking Member of the House Transportation Committee 2015–2019 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | Chair of the House Transportation Committee 2019–2023 | |
Party political offices | ||
Preceded by | Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus 2003–2005 |
Succeeded by |
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial) | ||
Preceded by as Former US Representative | Order of precedence of the United States as Former US Representative |
Succeeded by as Former US Representative |
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