CONGRESSMAN CURT WELDON

Congressman Weldon was elected to represent the Seventh Congressional District of Pennsylvania for an eighth term in 2000. A Member of the House of Representatives since 1987, he has taken leadership roles on a wide variety of issues, ranging from national security to the environment. A senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Weldon served six years as the Chairman of the Military Research and Development Subcommittee, overseeing the development and testing of key military systems, weapons programs, and technologies that fulfill military needs. Congressman Weldon has used that position to become the leading House supporter of a national missile defense to protect America's families and communities. With the start of the 107th Congress, he will serve as the Chairman of the Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee. His role on the Readiness Subcommittee will ensure that our service men and women are adequately prepared for duty in the high-tech world of the 21st century. Congressman Weldon, a major in Russian Studies, has made improving relations with Russia one of his major efforts in the House. He has worked with Russian leaders on a variety of issues, including efforts to improve Russia's energy supply, correct environmental damage, and protect both nations from ballistic missile attack. He is the founder of the Duma-Congress Study Group. This bilateral parliamentary exchange helps coordinate legislative efforts in the Russian Duma and the Congress that fosters a better working relationship between the two nations. As a member of the Science Committee, Congressman Weldon is one of the most outspoken advocates for the environment and protection of our oceans. Congressman Weldon's "Oceans Agenda" legislation passed the Congress in 1995, increasing funding for oceanographic research projects. The Congressman also champions environmental concerns as the only House Republican on the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, which approves funding for our wildlife refuges and wetlands preservation. Congressman Weldon is also a member of Global Legislators for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE) where he serves as Chairman of the Oceans Protection Task Force. He also serves as United States Vice-President on the Advisory Committee on the Protection of the Sea (ACOPS). He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from West Chester University in 1969. Prior to becoming a Member of Congress, he worked as a teacher at local schools in Delaware County and volunteered as a firefighter in Marcus Hook.