Time: October 15, 7:30 p.m.
Place: CEER 026(New Engineering Building)
For more information, call 610-519-4710

U.S. Representative Curt Weldon (R-PA)

Curt Weldon was elected to represent the Seventh Congressional District of Pennsylvania for a seventh term in 1998. A Member of the House of Representatives since 1987, Weldon has taken leadership roles on a wide variety of issues, ranging from national security to the environment.

A senior member of the House National Security Committee, Weldon is the Chairman of the Military Research and Development Subcommittee, overseeing the development and testing of key military systems, weapons programs, a nd technologies that fulfill military needs. Weldon has used that position to ensure that our national security needs are met while encouraging the funding of dual use technologies. As a member of the Military Readiness Subcommittee, Weldon is a leading advocate of ensuring that cuts in the national security budget do not create a "hollow military force" as they did in the late 1970s.

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. Weldon is currently leading an effort to improve the dialogue between Congress and the Duma, Russia's national legislature.

As a member of the Science Committee, Weldon is one of the most outspoken advocates for the environment and protection of our oceans. In the 104th Congress, Weldon's "Oceans Agenda" legislatio n was successfully passed, increasing funding for oceanographic research projects. His subcommittee assignments include the Technology Subcommittee and the Energy and Environment Subcommittee. Weldon also champions environmental concerns through organizations outside of Congress. He serves as the only House Republican on the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission which approves funding for our national wildlife refuges. Weldon is also a member of Global Legislators for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE) where he serves as Chairman of the Oceans Protection Task Force. Weldon also serves as United States Vice-President on the Advisory Committee on the Protection of the Sea (ACOPS).

Weldon is a strong proponent in Congress for lower government spending. His record of fiscal restraint and pro-growth policies has won him acclaim from the Concord Coalition, Citizens Against Government Waste, the Watchdogs of the Treasury, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Federation of Independent Business.

Born a nd raised in a blue-collar family, Weldon understands the issues that affect America's working men and women. In Congress, Weldon has been a tireless advocate of issues important to working class families. He co-authored the Family Medical Leave Act, opposed NAFTA, pushed for the extension of unemployment benefits, and voted in favor of raising the minimum wage. In the 104th Congress, Weldon successfully blocked efforts to repeal the Davis-Bacon Act, introducing legislation that would instead reform this law that guarantees important worker rights.

Weldon has always been a strong voice in Congress for the needy. In 1993, he founded the Congressional Empowerment Caucus to promote legislation that empowers individuals at the local level. As Chairman of the Caucus, Weldon supported the expansion of enterprise zones, reform of the welfare system, and other efforts that would empower individuals. During the 104th Congress, Weldon was appointed Chairman of the House Anti-Poverty Task Force by Speaker Gingrich an d assigned the job of examining possible ways to improve the frontline battle against poverty. At Congressman Weldon's recommendation, federal funding for the Community Services Block Grant that funds America's Community Action Agencies was increased by $100 million in 1996, a 27% increase.