John Culberson

John Abney Culberson, a Republican, has represented the Seventh Congressional District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2001.

Iraq War
Culberson 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

Oil Voting Record
John Culberson has voted in favor of big oil companies 91% on important oil-related bills. These bills include Iraq War Funding, Climate Change Studies, Clean Energy, and Ending Oil Subsidies. See oil money in politics below.

Bio
Born August 24, 1956 in Houston, Texas, Culberson attended Lamar High School. He graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1981 with a degree in history. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College of Law in 1989. During his time in law school Culberson was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, serving his first term in 1987. He was a member of the Republican Whip team, becoming Minority Whip in 1999 during his last term. Culberson began working for the lawfirm of Lorance and Thompson after he graduated from SMU, and began practicing law there after he received his law degree, which he continues to do to this day.

Congressional career
Culberson was elected to the House in his first attempt in 2000, taking about 75% of the vote and facing no serious competition. The national conservative weekly publication, Human Events, has named U.S. Representative John Culberson one of its "Top Ten Up-and-Coming House Conservatives." "This 'Jeffersonian Republican' is an immigration hawk who rejected an attempt to allow the Mexican matricula consular document to serve as an acceptable ID. He supports a national sales tax."

Culberson has maintained a steady focus on two major issues since his election to Congress in 2000 - controlling government spending and securing our borders. 

2006 elections
Culberson defeated Democrat John Henley and Libertarian Drew Parks to retain his seat.

Money in politics
cid=N00009738&cycle=2008

Oil Contributions
John Culberson has received $118,950 in oil contributions during the 110th congress. $72,500 of those dollars were from industry PACS. Since 2000, he has received $352,161 as well. See oil voting record above.

Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * House Committee on Appropriations
 * Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science
 * Subcommittee on Homeland Security

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

 * House Committee on Appropriations
 * Subcommittee on Science State Justice and Commerce and Related Agencies
 * Subcommittee on Transportation Treasury and Housing and Urban Development, The Judiciary, District of Columbia

More Background Data

 * 2006 Texas CD 7 Candidate List from VIS

External resources

 * Official website
 * Campaign website
 * Election Statistics - Office of the Clerk of the House
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database
 * Follow the Oil Money
 * Vote Tracker
 * Follow the Coal Money
 * Appalachian Voices

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Fort Bend Democrats
 * Burnt Orange Report