Lee Terry

Lee Terry a Republican, has represented the second District of Nebraska in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1998.

Iraq War
Terry voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 that started the Iraq War.

Since the inception of military operations, Congressman Lee Terry has consistently voted in favor of American troop presences in Iraq. In October of 2002, Terry voted "yes" to authorize military action to be taken against Saddam Hussein's Iraqi regieme. In March of 2004, Terry voted "Yes" to the removal of Hussein and commending the valiant actions of American troops. Terry voted for the declaration of Iraqi operations as a part of the U.S.-sponsored War on Terror, with no exit date, in June of 2006. Terry has openly denounced the idea of a fixed timetable for troop pullout, arguing that such a course would lead to the rise of a radical terrorist state. Terry's official statement on the war is this:

"I believe the Iraqi people are making political progress to form a government, and therefore I support a policy that includes gradual removal of our troops from Iraq. However, I do not support, as some have suggested, imposing an arbitrary timetable or deadline for the withdrawal of the military. These terrorists have declared war not just on the United States, but on anyone who does not share their radical religious tenets. We need them in the Middle East to show the world that terrorism will not succeed and to prevent the establishment of a terrorist state. I will continue to urge Pentagon and White House officials to support a strategy that will allow the military to complete the mission in Iraq as soon as it is possible.'"

Terry continued to support the white house when in May of 2007, he voted against the withdrawl of troops within 90 days.

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

Although Congressman Terry professes to support the stewardship of the environment, he has consistently voted against bills backed by environmental groups. In December of 2003, he was given a 10 percent approval rating by the League of Conservation Voters, a key environmental interest group. In November of 2003 he voted to expedite forest-thinning projects. He voted for legislation deauthorizing "critical habitat" for endangered species in September of 2005. Terry also supported legislation supporting a website promoting the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste disposal facility. Like most conservatives, Congressman Terry stresses the need to consider economic interests as well as the well-being of the environment.

Health Care
In 2007, Congress took up the reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which provides health care for about 6 million children and 670,000 adults from families who earn too much money qualify for Medicare but not enough to afford health insurance. Congressional Democrats and many Republicans tried to use the opportunity to dramatically expand the program but were opposed by President George W. Bush and other Republicans. In 2006, 5.4 million children were eligible but not enrolled in SCHIP or Medicaid and 9.4 million total children were uninsured.

LEE TERRY voted (AGAINST) the first House bill, which passed along party lines. It would have added $47 billion over five years to the $25 billion cost of the program and added about 5 million people to the program, including children, some legal immigrants, pregnant women and adults aged 18 and 19. The bill was financed mainly by an increase in cigarette taxes.

House Democrats, with 45 Republicans, later compromised and passed a bill which expanded the plan by $35 billion and would have insured about 3.5 million more children from families generally making between 250% and 300% of the federal poverty line (about $51,000 to $62,000 for a family of four). Most non-pregnant, childless adults were excluded, as were most legal immigrants and all illegal immigrants. LEE TERRY voted (AGAINST) the bill.

After President Bush vetoed the bill, Democratic leaders attempted to override the veto with the same bill but failed. LEE TERRY voted (AGAINST) the bill.

House Democrats then attempted to override it with another bill, which gave into Republican demands for increased checks for citizenship, the quick phasing-out of adult coverage, a hard limit of 300% of the federal poverty level and funding for families that covered their children through private insurance instead. Republicans, angry that the vote was scheduled during massive fires in California, blocked the veto override. LEE TERRY voted (AGAINST) the bill. For details on the bills and the debate, see the main State Children's Health Insurance Program page.

Background
Terry was born January 29, 1962 in Omaha, Nebraska, and attended the University of Nebraska and Creighton University, graduating with a degree in Law. He was a member of the Omaha City Council from 1991-1998, and served for two years as president of the city council.

Congressional Career
In the House, he is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

2006 elections
In 2006, the Democrats nominated Jim Esch to face Terry in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006) Terry retained his seat.

2008 elections
In 2008, the Democrats again nominated Jim Esch to face Terry in his reelection bid.

Money in politics
cid=N00005321&cycle=2008

Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * House Committee on Energy and Commerce
 * Subcommittee on Commerce Trade and Consumer Protection
 * Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials
 * Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet

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

 * House Committee on Energy and Commerce
 * Subcommittee on Commerce Trade and Consumer Protection
 * Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials
 * Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet

Coalitions and Caucuses

 * Douglas County Republican Central Committee
 * Co-Chair, Impact Aid Coalition
 * Republican Study Committee

Boards and other Affiliations

 * Douglas County Republican Central Committee
 * Co-Chair, Impact Aid Coalition
 * Republican Study Committee

More Background Data

 * 2006 Nebraska CD 2 Candidate List from VIS

Articles and Resources

 * Official website
 * Lee Terry’s Colbert Report interview. (Other Colbert Report interviews with members of Congress)
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * New Nebraska Network