Alcee Hastings

Alcee Lamar Hastings, a Democrat, has represented the 23rd District of Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1993. Hastings is a Senior Democratic Whip.

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

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

Hastings posts his schedule online
Since June 2007, Rep. Hastings has posted in schedule online, here. Congresspedia archives his schedule here

Impeachment from District Court
In 1979, Hastings was appointed a federal judge for the Southern District of Florida by President Jimmy Carter. Two years later, Hastings was indicted on charges of conspiring to solicit a bribe from two defendants awaiting sentencing in his court. Hastings was unanimously acquitted of the charges in 1983.

The Judicial Council of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, however, soon launched a separate investigation into the matter which lasted nearly four years. Ultimately, the council (which was led by former Watergate prosecutor John Doar and comprised of the active appeals court judges for that circuit and three U.S. District judges) found that Hastings was not only guilty of the initial charges, but also that he repeatedly lied during his trial. Following this report, the House Judiciary Committee approved seventeen articles of impeachment against Hastings. Sixteen dealt with the bribery case, while one centered around Hastings' improper revelation of sensitive government information obtained through a federal wiretap in 1985. In late 1988, the articles passed the House by a vote of 413-3. The Senate, following a trial by a twelve-member committee, chose to convict Hastings on eight of the articles, but opted not to restrict him from seeking federal elected office in the future (which it had the authority to do).

In 1992, a federal judge remanded Hastings' conviction back to the Senate, arguing that Hastings should have received a trial by the full Senate, and also that his Senate trial constituted "double-jeopardy." The Supreme Court, however, had ruled in a similar case that the courts have no jurisdiction over impeachment proceedings, and Hastings' conviction was therefore upheld.

Biography
Hastings was born September 5, 1936 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. He was educated at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, Howard University in Washington, D.C., and Florida A&M University. In 1979, he was appointed as a federal judge for the Southern District of Florida by President Jimmy Carter, serving until his impeachment and removal from office in 1989.

Hastings was first elected to the House in 1992.

According to his House website, "...Congressman Hastings has been an outspoken advocate for making our country safer and more secure; ensuring that our election systems are easier and more fair; creating tax incentives for small businesses; expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit; providing job training and reeducation for displaced workers; banning assault weapons; funding Head Start and education programs; making Social Security an independent agency; and providing family and medical leave to all workers. Known throughout the world as an expert in foreign policy, Hastings has introduced legislation advocating diplomacy before military action to settle disputes with established and emerging nations. Throughout his lifetime, Congressman Hastings has championed the rights of minorities, women, the elderly, children and immigrants." 

Intelligence Committee Resignation
In December 2007, Hastings announced he would step down from he House Intelligence Committee. Because of House rules on select committees, members can serve only "four two-year sessions within six consecutive sessions." By resigning from the committee now, Hastings can seek an additional two-year term as early as 2009.

2006 elections
No major candidates announced their intentions to contest Hastings' seat in the November 2006 election. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006)

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

 * House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
 * House Committee on Rules

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

 * House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
 * Subcommittee on Oversight
 * Subcommittee on Terrorism/HUMINT Analysis and Counterintelligence
 * House Committee on Rules
 * Subcommittee on the Legislative and Budget Process - Ranking Minority Member

Coalitions and Caucuses

 * Congressional Black Caucus
 * Helsinki Commission
 * Senior Democratic Whip
 * Vice Chairman of the Democratic Select Committee on Election Reform

Boards and other Affiliations

 * President, Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (2004-).

External Resources

 * Official website
 * Campaign website
 * Hastings from On the Issues
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database

Articles

 * Ruth Marcus, Senate Removes Hastings The Washington Post, October 21, 1989; Page A01.
 * Florida representative who suffered through an impeachment trial rallies to president's side Court TV Online, December 18, 1989.
 * Michael York, Senate Conviction of Hastings Is Reversed by Judge Sporkin The Washington Post, September 18, 1992; Page A02.
 * Kenneth J. Cooper, Hastings Joins His Former Accusers The Washington Post, January 6, 1993; Page A10.
 * Joan Biskupic, Senate Domain Affirmed on Impeachments The Washington Post, January 14, 1993; Page A11.