Devin Nunes (R-CA-21)

Devin Nunes California District 21

Devin Nunes, Biography from House.gov

Biography of Congressman Devin Nunes

Devin Nunes (born October 1, 1973) is the U.S. Representative for California’s 21st congressional district, serving since 2003. He and his wife have two daughters.

The 21st district, located in the San Joaquin Valley, includes all of Tulare County, as well as much of eastern Fresno County. He is also the author of the book Restoring the Republic which was published in September 2010. Time magazine named Nunes one of the rising stars of American politics, in their list of “40 under 40″; that is, the top forty civic leaders under 40 years of age. Nunes is a member of two of the most powerful committees in the House of Representatives, Ways and Means and Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Early life, Education, and Career

Nunes was born in Tulare, California. His family has operated a farm in Tulare County for three generations. The Nunes family is of Portuguese descent, immigrating from the Azores to California.

Nunes graduated from Tulare Union High School. He is the second Member of Congress to attend Tulare Union, following Olympic gold medalist Bob Mathias three-decades later, who served in House of Representatives from 1967-1975. After associate’s work at College of the Sequoias, Nunes graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and a master’s degree in agriculture.

Nunes was first elected to public office as one of California’s youngest community college trustees in state history at the age of 23. As a member of the College of the Sequoias Board from 1996-2002, he was an advocate for distance learning as well as the expansion of programs available to high school students. In 2001, he was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as California State Director for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development section. He left this post to run for the 21st congressional district.

Committee Assignment History

During the 108th Congress, Nunes’ first term in the House of Representatives, he served on the House Resources Committee, where he was chairman of its National Parks Subcommittee. He was also a member of the Agriculture and Veterans Affairs committees. In the 109th Congress, Nunes was named to the House Ways and Means Committee. He has served on the committee since then, where he is 6th in seniority, and a member of the Subcommittees on Trade and Health. He was also a member of the House Budget Committee during the 111th Congress. At the beginning of the 112th Congress, Nunes was named to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

SELECTED ISSUES

Energy

In 2006, Nunes authored the “American-Made Energy Freedom Act.” In July 2008, the Republican Conference introduced the American Energy Act, which was modeled in part on the Nunes proposal. The central feature of the Nunes plan is the establishment of a renewable energy trust fund from revenues generated by deep-ocean and Arctic coastal plain exploration. The funds from this account would be invested in alternative fuels and technology.

On July 28, 2010, Nunes introduced H.R. 5899, “A Roadmap for America’s Energy Future.” It accelerates the exploration and production of fossil fuel; supports the rapid development of market-based alternative energy supplies; and expands the number of nuclear reactors from the current 104 to 300 over the next 30 years.

Federal Spending, Healthcare, State Pensions

On July 22, 2008, Nunes became an original cosponsor of H.R. 6110, “A Roadmap for America’s Future,” sponsored by Paul Ryan (R-WI). The bill proposes major reforms of the U.S. health care system, Social Security, the federal tax code, job training, and the budget process. A key feature of the “Roadmap” is that the legislation offers permanent solutions to our nation’s budget challenges by revamping Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, and providing for their long-term financial solvency.

Also in 2009, Nunes co-authored the “Patients’ Choice Act” with Paul Ryan (R-WI) in the House, and Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Richard Burr (R-NC) in the Senate. The Patients’ Choice Act would establish a system of state health insurance exchanges and creates a Medi-Choice tax rebate for the purchase of health insurance. The bill also proposes extending choice to Medicaid recipients who would be afforded both the Medi-Choice rebate, as well as additional support to buy private health insurance. The Patients’ Choice Act was incorporated into A Roadmap for America’s Future in 2010.

On December 2, 2010, Nunes introduced H.R. 6484 the “Public Employee Pension Transparency Act.” The bill enhances transparency for state and local pensions, and would establish a clear federal prohibition on any future public pension bailouts by the federal government.

Transportation

In 2005, Nunes introduced H.R. 99, which designated State Route 99 as a congressional High Priority Corridor. The bill also provided federal authorization for Highway 99 to become part of the Interstate Highway System. The bill became law as part of H.R. 3 in August of 2005. On February 17, 2011, Nunes introduced H.R. 761, the “San Joaquin Valley Transportation Enhancement Act”, which would give the State of California the option to redirect federal high speed rail funds to finance improvements to Highway 99.

National Security/Veterans

Congressman Nunes has traveled extensively to war zones to meet with soldiers and examine first-hand their status. As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Nunes has oversight over the U.S. national security apparatus, including all of the classified activities of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Department of Defense, and many others.

Nunes is also the author of the Hubbard Act of 2008, H.R.5825, which was named in honor of the Hubbard brothers of California, Jared, Nathan, and Jason. Jared and Nathan lost their lives serving in Iraq. Jason Hubbard was discharged as a sole survivor, but denied separation benefits on leaving the Army. The Hubbard Act provides sole survivors a number of benefits already offered to other soldiers honorably discharged. Sole survivors also do not have to repay any portion of their enlistment bonus, are entitled to the educational benefits of the Montgomery GI Bill, and can receive separation pay and transitional healthcare coverage.

Biography from Devin Nunes Campaign Committee

Devin Nunes grew up on the family farm in Tulare County.

Devin attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business and a Master’s Degree in Agriculture.  After graduation, he returned to work on the family farm, during which time he won two terms on the Board of Trustees for the College of Sequoias.

Devin was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as California state director for the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.  He was in this position when he decided to run for Congress and won the seat in November 2002.

“Our Founding Fathers created the House of Representatives as a way of keeping elected leaders in touch with the day to day lives of everyday Americans. As a member of the House I am mindful that I am elected by households and neighborhoods who share my concerns about maintaining freedom, security, education, health and vibrant communities. I am accountable to the needs and desires of my neighbors and the hard-working folks of Tulare and Fresno counties.

People of this valley aren’t looking for handouts, just fair access to opportunity to lead happier more prosperous lives. They want to pay less taxes, and the taxes they do pay they want to see spent on worthwhile projects that improve the quality of life for us all.

I am proud to represent this area. I appreciate that wholehearted support I get from residents here which allows me to speak with determination and confidence in Washington, D.C. ”

Devin and his family live in the city of Tulare.

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