Samuel Graves

Samuel Graves has been a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Missouri's 6th Congressional district, since 2001.

Iraq War
Graves voted for 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

Air travel restrictions
On May 2 2007, the House voted by voice vote on H.R.363 to remove airplane travel restrictions. The measure was sponsored by Rep. Graves and Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.). The new rules allow members to fly in a friend's airplane for free. The rules change also provides that members who are certified pilots may again fly their own aircraft.

Bio
Graves was born November 7, 1963, in Tarkio, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Missouri and was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 1992, and to the Missouri State Senate in 1994.

Congressional career
In 2000, Congresswoman Pat Danner suddenly retired due to breast cancer. Graves decided to run for her seat, facing Congresswoman Danner's son, Steve Danner, a fellow state lawmaker, in the general election. Graves referred to Danner as a "tax and spend Liberal" and won the race with 51% of the vote. Graves easily won re-election in 2002 and 2004.

Because Missouri's 6th District has changed between Democratic and Republican control several times, elections in the district tend to be closely contested. As a result, candidates in the district often receive large conributions from their national parties and party leaders. Graves received a total of $35,000 from former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's ARMPAC. Grave's Democratic opponents have criticized him for this connection.

2006 elections
In 2006, the Democrats nominated Sara Jo Shettles to face Graves in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006) Graves retained his seat.

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

 * House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
 * Subcommittee on Aviation
 * Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management - Ranking Member
 * Subcommittee on Railroads
 * House Committee on Agriculture
 * Subcommittee on Conservation Credit Rural Development and Research
 * Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
 * House Committee on Small Business

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

 * House Committee on Agriculture
 * Subcommittee on Conservation Credit Rural Development and Research
 * Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
 * House Committee on Small Business
 * Subcommittee on Rural Enterprises Agriculture and Technology - Chair
 * House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
 * Subcommittee on Aviation
 * Subcommittee on Highways Transit and Pipelines
 * Subcommittee on Railroads

Articles and Resources

 * Official website
 * Campaign website
 * Biographic sketch at U.S. Congress website
 * Top PAC Donations to Grave's Campaign
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Chatter