Jeb Hensarling

Jeb Hensarling, a Republican, has represented the Fifth Congressional District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2003.

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Bio
Hensarling was born on May 29, 1957 in Stephenville, Texas, and grew up on the family farm in College Station, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 1982 he earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Prior to serving in Congress, Hensarling was State Director for Texas Senator Phil Gramm from 1985 until 1989. Then from 1991 to 1993 he served as executive director of the Republican Senatorial Committee.

Leaving politics, Hensarling was a vice president at two companies before becoming owner of San Jacinto Ventures in 1996 and CEO of Family Support Assurance Corporation in 2001. He continues to hold both positions. He served as vice president of Green Mountain Energy from 1999-2001.

Congressional career
Congressman Hensarling was elected to his first term in 2002, defeating Democratic opponent Ron Chapman with 58% of the vote. He was reelected in 2004 with 64% of the vote over Democratic challenger Bill Bernstein.

A December 31, 2005 article in the National Review profiled his work as the country's "budget nanny", saying that he has replaced his mentor, former Senator Phil Gramm, in this role. Hensarling's proposed legislation is said to intend to force Congress to "decide how much money they can afford to spend, and then prioritize within those limits." The article says that "the chief problem with any proposal to reform the budget process is that it excites almost nobody."

On December 6, 2006, Hensarling was elected chair of the Republican Study Committee for the 110th Congess. The RSC is notable for its promotion of fiscal conservatism and opposition to many federal spending measures. 

2006 elections
In 2006, the Democrats nominated Charles Edward Thompson to face Hensarling in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006)  Hensarling retained his seat.

Money in politics
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Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * House Committee on Financial Services
 * Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises
 * Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology
 * Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
 * House Committee on Budget

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on Budget
 * House Committee on Financial Services
 * Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
 * Subcommittee on Capital Markets Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises

Resources

 * Official webite
 * Campaign website
 * Election Information - U.S. House Office of the Clerk
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database

Articles

 * John J. Miller, "Rep. Budget Reform. Jeb Hensarling (R., Tex.) is doing vital work." National Review, December 31, 2005.
 * Patrick O'Connor, "Hensarling triumphs in RSC race," The Hill, November 7, 2006.

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Burnt Orange Report