Biography
Suzanne Bonamici, born on October 14, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Oregon's 1st congressional district since 2012. The district encompasses Washington, Yamhill, Clatsop, and Columbia counties, as well as part of Multnomah County.
Bonamici's commitment to public education led her to volunteer extensively in public schools before entering public service. She began her political career in the Oregon House of Representatives in 2006, representing Washington County's House District 34. After one term, she was appointed and subsequently elected to the Oregon State Senate in 2008, where she served until 2011.
In Congress, Bonamici has been a strong advocate for education reform, environmental protection, and consumer rights. She played a pivotal role in the passage of the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act , which replaced No Child Left Behind, reduced testing, emphasized a well-rounded education, and returned more decision-making to states and local districts.
Bonamici is married to Michael Simon, a federal judge. They have two grown children and reside in Oregon.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Associate degree from Lane Community College
- Bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon
- Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law
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Political Experience:
- Legislative assistant in the Oregon House of Representatives
- Elected to the Oregon House of Representatives, representing District 34
- Appointed and elected to the Oregon State Senate, representing District 17
- Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election
- Re-elected to subsequent terms in Congress
Notable Achievements and Positions
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Committee Assignments:
- Ranking Member of the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee on the Education and the Workforce Committee
- Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
- Served on the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
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Caucus Memberships:
- Co-founder and Co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional STEAM Caucus, promoting the integration of arts and design into STEM education
- Co-chair of the bipartisan House Oceans Caucus and Congressional Estuary Caucus, focusing on issues affecting coastal communities
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Legislative Initiatives:
- Played a lead role in the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act
- Advocated for policies addressing climate change, including the development of a comprehensive Climate Action Plan
- Supported consumer protection measures, drawing from her background as a consumer rights attorney
Bonamici's dedication to education, environmental sustainability, and consumer rights continues to shape her legislative priorities and contributions in Congress.
