Making a Move for DeFazio: Peter DeFazio: Profile

Peter DeFazio (D-OR 4th District)

(1987-Present)

Biographical Information

Born: May 27, 1947 (currently 71 years old) in Needham, MA

Residence: Springfield, Oregon

Education: MS in Gerontology, University of Oregon, 1977; BA in Economics/Political Science, Tufts University, 1969

Family: Married to Myrnie Daut DeFazio

Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic

Career and Political Experience:

While working on his Bachelor's Degree, DeFazio joined the United States Air Force Reserve, where he served from 1967-1971. Upon completing his degree, DeFazio worked as an aide for U.S. Representative Jim Weaver. He was elected as a Lane County Commissioner in 1983, serving as chairman from 1985 to 1986. In 1987, DeFazio was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and has been re-elected in every election since then. With 32 years in the position so far, DeFazio is Oregon's longest-serving congressional member. In 1995, Oregon Senator Bob Packwood resigned, calling for a special election. DeFazio ran for the Senate, but lost to the current senator, Ron Wyden.

Leadership Roles, Committee and Subcommittee Assignments:

Transportation & Infrastructure Committee (1987-present)

DeFazio has served as Chairman or Ranking Member of four of the six subcommittees: Aviation, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, Highways and Transit, and Water Resources and Environment.
Having been on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee since entering Congress, DeFazio was elected Chairman of the committee in 2019.

Natural Resources Committee (2011-2014)

Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources

Issue Stances

DeFazio has repeatedly voted in favor of and co-sponsored bills supporting diverse citizens and non-citizens and fixing problems related to the environment and drug crises. He has voted against numerous bills supporting the expansion of the military and tax cuts. While he is not in support of all the issues listed, he has a strong stance either for or against these issues, taking a liberal stance a vast majority of the time.

Interest Group Ratings

The Americans for Democratic Actions and the National Committee for an Effective Congress have given DeFazio approval ratings over 80% for every year he has been in office. This indicates he is well-liked by major liberal interest groups. He has also received high ratings from interest groups concerned with infrastructure, and many groups concerned with higher education.