Chris Van Hollen, Jr.
United States Representative from Maryland's 8th district
In office 2003-present
Preceded by	Connie Morella
Succeeded by	Incumbent
Born	January 10, 1959 Karachi, Pakistan
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Katherine Van Hollen
Religion	Episcopalian

Christopher "Chris" Van Hollen, Jr. (born January 10, 1959) is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Maryland's 8th congressional district since 2003. The district includes most of Montgomery County, an affluent suburban county adjacent to Washington, D.C.. He briefly considered running for the U.S. Senate in 2006, but decided to opt out of the race to work with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to regain a Democratic Majority in the House and spend time with his family.^[1] Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1863x2827, 411 KB) Official government portrait of congressman Chris Van Hollen. ... Seal of the House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives (or simply the House) is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the other being the Senate. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Map of the Eighth District Marylands eighth congressional district elects a representative to the United States House of Representatives every two years. ... Connie Morella Constance Albanese Morella (born February 12, 1931), popularly known as Connie, is a Republican United States politician currently serving as Permanent Representative to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). ... January 10 is the 10th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1959 (MCMLIX) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Mausoleum of Muhammed Ali Jinnah, known locally as Quaid-e-Azam ka Mazaar or Mazaar-e-Quaid Karachi (کراچي) is the largest city of Pakistan and the capital of the province of Sindh. ... The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States; the other being the Republican Party. ... The word Episcopal is derived from the Greek επισκοπος epískopos, which literally means overseer; the word however is used in religious terms to mean bishop. ... January 10 is the 10th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1959 (MCMLIX) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Democratic Party is one of two major political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. ... Seal of the House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives (or simply the House) is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the other being the Senate. ... Map of the Eighth District Marylands eighth congressional district elects a representative to the United States House of Representatives every two years. ... The relevance of particular information in (or previously in) this article or section is disputed. ... Nickname: DC, The District Motto: Justitia Omnibus (Justice for All) Location of Washington, D.C., in relation to the states Maryland and Virginia. ...

Early life, career, and family

The son of a U.S. State Department Foreign Service officer, Van Hollen was born a United States Citizen in Karachi, Pakistan. Van Hollen has also lived in Turkey, Sri Lanka, and India. Mausoleum of Muhammed Ali Jinnah, known locally as Quaid-e-Azam ka Mazaar or Mazaar-e-Quaid Karachi (کراچي) is the largest city of Pakistan and the capital of the province of Sindh. ...

Van Hollen received an undergraduate degree from Swarthmore College, a Master's Degree in Public Policy and national security studies from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, and a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. In the 1980s Van Hollen worked on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and as the Legislative Assistant to Republican Senator Charles Mathias. Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts college in the United States with an enrollment of about 1450 students. ... Harvard University (incorporated as The President and Fellows of Harvard College) is a private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ... John F. Kennedy School of Government The John F. Kennedy School of Government is a public policy school and one of the graduate schools of Harvard University. ... The schools original sign, preserved on the north quad of the present-day campus. ... The 1980s refers to the years of 1980 to 1989. ... U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is a standing committee of the United States Senate. ... The Republican Party, often called the GOP (for Grand Old Party, although one early citation described it as the Gallant Old Party) [1], is one of the two major political parties in the United States. ... Seal of the U.S. Senate The United States Senate is one of the two chambers of the bicameral United States Congress, the other being the House of Representatives. ... Charles Mathias, Jr. ...

Van Hollen served in the Maryland General Assembly from 1991 to 2003 – four years in the House of Delegates and eight years in the State Senate where he served on the Budget and Taxation Committee and the Health and Human Services Subcommittee. In 2002, The Washington Post called Van Hollen "one of the most accomplished members of the General Assembly."^[2] The Maryland General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Maryland. ... 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Maryland House of Delegates is the lower house of the General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Maryland. ... The Maryland State Senate is the upper house of the General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Maryland. ... The Washington Post is the largest newspaper in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. ...

Van Hollen and his wife Katherine live in Kensington, Maryland with their three children: Anna, Nicholas, and Alexander. Kensington is a town in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. ...

Congressional career

Congressman Van Hollen joins Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson (at the podium and to the left of Van Hollen) for the announcement of the County’s Legislative Agenda for 2005.

The Maryland 8th Congressional District hugs the northern border of Washington, D.C. and is one of the most educated and wealthy congressional districts in the nation. The federal government is the largest single employer in the district, and many private companies are funded by the government. 8th District voters are interested and well-informed about politics because of work ties and close proximity to Washington.^[3] Image File history File links Vanhollen_johnson_agenda. ... Image File history File links Vanhollen_johnson_agenda. ... Prince Georges County is located in the U.S. state of Maryland immediately north, east, and south of Washington, D.C. It is home to the United States Department of Agricultures Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations Goddard Space Flight... Jack B. Johnson Jack B. Johnson (b. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Republican incumbent Connie Morella had won eight elections in the district, though registered Democrats far out numbered Republicans. Morella's victories could be credited to her independent voting record and attention to constituent services. However, the Eighth District consistently voted Democratic in presidential elections, giving Clinton 53% of the vote in 1992 and 57% in 1996, and Gore 60% in 2000. In 2000, Morella won 52% of the vote, less than in other elections.^[4] Connie Morella Constance Albanese Morella (born February 12, 1931), popularly known as Connie, is a Republican United States politician currently serving as Permanent Representative to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). ...

Redistricting reinforced the growing Democratic strength in the district. The Democratic-controlled state legislature redistricted in 2000, carving out Republican precincts in the northern and more rural portions of Montgomery County and returning Democratic precincts in southeastern Montgomery County that had been moved to the Fourth District in 1990. They also added precincts from Prince George's County.^[5] Map The Fourth Congressional District of Maryland elects a representative to the United States House of Representatives every two years. ...

In 2002, Van Hollen entered a competitive Democratic Party against state Delegate Mark Kennedy Shriver, of the Kennedy family, and former Clinton Administration aide Ira Shapiro. Though Shriver had the most money, Van Hollen managed to stay competitive and launched a grassroots effort. He was endorsed by the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun, and other local papers. Van Hollen defeated Shriver 43.5% to 40.6%. Mark Kennedy Shriver (born February 17, 1964) is a United States Democratic Party politician who served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for two consecutive terms, from 1995 to 2003. ... The Irish Catholic political dynasty, John, Robert, and Edward Kennedy The Kennedy family is a prominent Irish-American family in American politics and government descending from the marriage of Joseph P. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. ... ... The Baltimore Sun is the major newspaper in Baltimore, Maryland, with a daily press run of about 430,000 copies, and a Sunday run of 540,000 copies. ...

During the campaign, Van Hollen emphasized that even when Morella voted with the district, her partisan affiliation kept the unpopular Republican leadership in power. He also touted his leadership in the Maryland State Senate on issues such as education funding, HMO reform, trigger locks for handguns, and protecting the Chesapeake Bay from oil drilling. Ultimately, after a tight race, Van Hollen defeated Morella 52% to 48%.^[6] The Maryland State Senate is the upper house of the General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Maryland. ...

Van Hollen was reelected in 2004 with almost 75% of the vote against Republican Chuck Floyd. The 8th is so heavily Democratic that it is highly unlikely Van Hollen will face serious opposition in the future. 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Chuck Floydis a former military officer and, in 2004, was the unsuccessful Republican challenger to Chris Van Hollen in the 8th congressional district of Maryland. ...

In 2003, Van Hollen was named Outstanding New Member of the Year by the Committee for Education Funding, the nation's largest and oldest non-partisan education coalition.^[7] The first bill Congressman Van Hollen introduces every session is the Keep Our Promise to America's Children and Teachers (PACT) Act, which would fully fund No Child Left Behind and IDEA. He also introduced an amendment, which passed, that repealed a 9.5% loophole in student loans that had allowed lenders to pocket billions of dollars of taxpayer dollars. Now, that money is available for additional student loans.^[8] Signing ceremony at Hamilton High School in Hamilton, Ohio. ...

Because many federal employees live in his district, Congressman Van Hollen has worked on a number of issues relating to them. He supported pay parity in pay raises for military and civilian employees and introduced an amendment, which passed, to block the Bush Administration's attempts to privatize many federal jobs.^[9]

Congressman Van Hollen has secured federal funding for a number of local projects, including transportation initiatives, community policing, regional homeland security efforts, education programs and community development projects.

Van Hollen often joins his colleague, Adam Schiff (CA-29), to discuss issues of National Security on the floor of the House, with particular commentary on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.^[10] Adam Schiff Adam B. Schiff (born June 20, 1960) is an American politician. ...

In May 2006, Van Hollen formed a Congressional Caucus on the Netherlands with Dutch-born Republican representative Pete Hoekstra. The goal of the caucus is to promote the U.S. relationship with the Netherlands and remember the Dutch role in establishing New York and the United States. Peter (Pete) Hoekstra (born October 30, 1953) is an American politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. ... Official language(s) English de facto Capital Albany Largest city New York City Area  Ranked 27th  - Total 54,520 sq mi (141,205 km²)  - Width 285 miles (455 km)  - Length 330 miles (530 km)  - % water 13. ...

In July 2006, Van Hollen urged the Bush administration to support a ceasefire supported by a robust peacekeeping force that would end the Israeli-Lebanon war. He came under attack from right-wing elements in the community. According to the Washington Jewish Week, Congressman Van Hollen clarified but did not retract his position.^[11] Washington, DC Jewish community newspaper. ...

On March 18, 2005, Van Hollen announced that he would be forming an exploratory committee to decide whether or not to run for the seat of retiring senator Paul Sarbanes. On July 12 he opted out of the race, saying he would rather spend time with his family and help elect more Democrats to Congress.^[12] March 18 is the 77th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (78th in leap years). ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Paul Spyros Sarbanes (born February 3, 1933), a Democrat, is the senior United States Senator representing the state of Maryland. ... July 12 is the 193rd day (194th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 172 days remaining. ...

In 2006, Van Hollen was challenged for re-election by newcomers Gerald Giblin (G), and Jeffrey Stein (R).

Committee assignments

As of June 2006, Van Hollen serves on the following House committees: A Congressional committee in the parlance of the United States Congress and politics of the United States is a legislative sub-organization that handles a specific duty (rather than the general duties of Congress, making necessary and proper laws). ...

• Committee on Education and the Workforce
• Committee on Government Reform
• Committee on the Judiciary

He is also the Vice Chair of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, a Co-Chair of the Congressional Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, and a Vice-Chair of the Democratic Task Force on Tax Policy and the Budget. The Committee on Education and the Workforce is a committee of the United States House of Representatives. ... This article needs to be wikified. ... U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary, or (more commonly) the House Judiciary Committee, is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives. ...

He is also the Co-Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's "Red to Blue" Program, which supports Democratic Candidates for Congress all over the country.^[13]

Election history

The U.S. House election, 2002 was an election for the United States House of Representatives in 2002 in the middle of President George W. Bushs first term. ... The district is represented by Christopher Van Hollen, Jr. ... The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States; the other being the Republican Party. ... Connie Morella Constance Albanese Morella (born February 12, 1931), popularly known as Connie, is a Republican United States politician currently serving as Permanent Representative to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). ... GOP redirects here. ... Elections to the 109th United States House of Representatives were held on November 2, 2004. ... The district is represented by Christopher Van Hollen, Jr. ... The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States; the other being the Republican Party. ... Chuck Floydis a former military officer and, in 2004, was the unsuccessful Republican challenger to Chris Van Hollen in the 8th congressional district of Maryland. ... GOP redirects here. ... It has been suggested that United States House election, 2006 complete list be merged into this article or section. ... The district is represented by Christopher Van Hollen, Jr. ... The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States; the other being the Republican Party. ... GOP redirects here. ... In United States politics, the Green Party has been active as a third party since the 1980s. ...

References, sources and external links

1. ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/11/AR2005071101496.html
2. ^ http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/archive/release.cfm?year=2004&ArticleID=1002
3. ^ Amerinca Political Science Association election review
4. ^ Amerinca Political Science Association election review
5. ^ Amerinca Political Science Association election review
6. ^ Amerinca Political Science Association election review
7. ^ CEF Honors members of Congress for education funding
8. ^ The Hill: House races loom large in student-loan debate
9. ^ GCN: House votes against revised A-76 rules
10. ^ Transcript of Congress speech on national security
11. ^ Washington Jewish Week: Critics emerge of Maryland Congressman Also, see Ha'aretz article on AIPAC calling Van Hollen to recant: haaretz.com: Get ready for the Democrats haaretz.com
12. ^ Washington Post: Van Hollen says he won't run for Senate
13. ^ http://www.dccc.org/red2blue/

• Official website for Representative Van Hollen.
  • Biography at Van Hollen's website
• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Voting record maintained by The Washington Post
• Congressional Quarterly Voting and Elections Collection.