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Xavier Becerra
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| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 3, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | Edward R. Roybal |
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| Born | January 26, 1958 Sacramento, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Carolina Reyes |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Alma mater | Stanford Law School (J.D.) Stanford University (B.A.) |
| Occupation | attorney, politician |
Xavier Becerra (born January 26, 1958) is an American politician who has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 1993, representing California's 31st congressional district (map), which is based in Los Angeles.
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Early life and family
Becerra was born in Sacramento, California, the son of working-class immigrants. He graduated in 1976 from C.K. McClatchy High School located in central city Sacramento. He went on to earn his B.A. in economics from Stanford University and his J.D. from Stanford Law School. He was initially a lawyer, working on cases involving individuals with mental impairment. He was also a staff member for California State Senator Art Torres and the Deputy Attorney-General of California. Becerra was a one-term member of the California State Assembly before entering the House.
Becerra is married to physician Carolina Reyes,[1] and has three children.
Congressional career
He is the only member of Congress from Southern California on the Committee on Ways and Means. Becerra is also a prominent member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, of which he served as chairman during the 105th Congress.
Rep. Becerra is a frequent guest on Kudlow & Company. He was featured on The Colbert Report's Better Know a District on August 17, 2006.
On September 29, 2008 Becerra voted against the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 because he "wanted to see direct protections for responsible homeowners" in the bill.[2]
Democratic House leadership
Becerra considered running for Democratic Caucus Vice Chair for the 110th Congress; however, he deferred to John Larson when DCCC chairman Rahm Emanuel decided to run for Caucus Chair, the position Larson had been running for. Instead, Becerra was assistant to the Speaker for that congressional session.
Before the opening of the 111th Congress, Emanuel accepted a position as White House Chief of Staff in the Obama Administration. Larson succeeded Emanuel as caucus chair, and Becerra won his bid to succeed Larson as Vice-Chair. He defeated Marcy Kaptur of Ohio by a vote of 175-67.[3]
Committee assignments
- Ways and Means Committee
- Subcommittee on Oversight
- Subcommittee on Health
- Subcommittee on Social Security
- House Committee on Budget
- Vice Chair of the U.S.-Korea Interparliamentary Exchange
- Co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus
Other political information
2001 LA Mayor Bid
Becerra ran for mayor of Los Angeles in 2001. He finished with 6 percent of the primary vote, finishing behind businessman Steve Soboroff, Councilman Joel Wachs, former California State Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, and the eventual winner, then-City Attorney James Hahn.
US Trade Representative speculation
On January 27, 2008, Becerra formally endorsed Illinois Senator Barack Obama for President.[4]
Becerra was considered for the position of US Trade Representative in the administration of President-elect Obama. While it was initially reported that he had already accepted,[5] on December 15, 2008, he announced that he would not accept the position.[6]
References
- ^ Gold, Matea (2001-03-12). “Congressman Tests His Winning Streak”, Los Angeles Times, Accessed through ProQuest. Retrieved on 6 December 2008.
- ^ Becerra, Xavier (2008-10-01). "On the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act". The Becerra Blog. US House of Representatives. Retrieved on 6 December 2008.
- ^ "Dems back off leadership challenges". TheHill.com. Retrieved on 2008-11-10.
- ^ "Congressman Xavier Becerra Endorses Barack Obama".
- ^ Rep. Becerra Offered Trade Representative Post
- ^ AP (2008). Becerra won't take trade job. Retrieved December 17, 2008.
External links
- U.S. Congressman Xavier Becerra official House site
- Becerra for Congress official campaign site
- Xavier Becerra at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Federal Election Commission — Xavier Becerra campaign finance reports and data
- On the Issues — Xavier Becerra issue positions and quotes
- OpenSecrets.org — Xavier Becerra campaign contributions
- Project Vote Smart — Representative Xavier Becerra (CA) profile
- SourceWatch Congresspedia — Xavier Becerra profile
- Washington Post — Congress Votes Database: Xavier Becerra voting record
| Political offices | ||
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| Preceded by Charles M. Calderon |
California State Assemblyman, 59th District 1990–1992 |
Succeeded by Dick Mountjoy |
| United States House of Representatives | ||
| Preceded by Matthew G. Martinez |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 30th congressional district 1993–2003 |
Succeeded by Henry Waxman |
| Preceded by Hilda Solis |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 31st congressional district 2003–present |
Succeeded by incumbent |
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Becerra on Auto Restructuring Plan
Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-31) explains the Auto Industry Financing and Restructuring Act at a Coffee With Your Congressman town hall forum at Eagle Rock High School in Los Angeles, December 13, 2008.
Author: XavierBecerra
Keywords: angeles Becerra congress Congressman economy hall los representative town Xavier
Added: January 7, 2009
U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar Speaks about Comprehensive Immigration Reform (03/07/07)
On Wednesday, March 7th, 2007, NDN hosted a bicameral event on the Capitol focused on passing comprehensive immigration reform legislation. The event featured remarks from Senate Majority Leader Reid, Senator Kennedy, Senator Menendez, and Senator Salazar. Representing the House were Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Congressman Luis Gutierrez and Congressman Xavier Becerra.
Author: NDNVideo
Keywords: "Ken Salazar" NDN "Immigration Reform"
Added: December 15, 2008
Amniosis, Xavier Becerra y Melodiklasta- Subterranean homesick noise
Aquí vienen: Líderes Músicos Estafadores Jazzistas Punks Mentirosos Escucha Imbecil Amniosis, Xavier Becerra y Melodiklasta -Subterranean homesick noise- en el Café Jazzorca
Author: melodiklasta
Keywords: Amniosis xavier becerra melodiklasta jazzorca subterranean homesick noise
Added: December 7, 2008
Rep. Becerra talk economic stimulus at town hall forum
Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-31) discusses the economy and host of issues facing Congress at a Coffee With Your Congressman town hall forum at Magnolia Elementary School in Los Angeles, November 22, 2008.
Author: XavierBecerra
Keywords: congressman xavier becerra los angeles economy stimulus congress representative california
Added: December 4, 2008
DTV PSA - Rep. Xavier Becerra
Digital TV Transition February 17, 2009 1-888-DTV-2009 www.dtvtransition.org
Author: ComcastDTV
Keywords: DTV digital tv transition congress government comcast
Added: November 17, 2008