Thomas Edwards

Thomas "Chet" Edwards, a Democrat, represented the Seventeenth Congressional District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 2011 (he represented TX-11 from 1991 to 2005).

Iraq War
Edwards 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
Chet Edwards has voted in favor of big oil companies on 55% of important oil-related bills from 2005-2007, according to Oil Change International. These bills include Iraq war funding, climate change studies, clean energy, and emissions. See below for oil money in politics.

National security and foreign policy
Rep. Edwards sponsored the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2008, which passed that House on June 15, 2007 by a vote of 409-2. It was separate from the FY2008 Defense Department appropriations bill and made spending decisions for some Defense Department medical and construction expenses, VA construction, administration and medical programs, and spending for a few related national and international agencies.

Bio
Edwards was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on November 24, 1951. He received his bachelor's degree in economics from Texas A&M University and his MBA from Harvard Business School.

Edwards was elected to the Texas State Senate in 1981, serving until 1991 when he became Representative for the 11th district.

Congressional career
Following Texas redistricting in 2004, Edwards was moved from the 11th to the 17th congressional district. He then won a close race in 2004 against Republican Arlene Wohlgemuth, winning by less than 10,000 votes. He was the only targeted Democrat to survive Tom DeLay's redistricting.

See also, Wikipedia article, 2003 Texas redistricting and Sourcewatch's links on Texas under U.S. election irregularities in 2004.

2006 elections
In 2006, Republicans nominated Van Taylor to face Edwards in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006)  Edwards retained his seat.

Money in politics
cid=N00005794&cycle=2008

Oil Money in Politics
Chet Edwards has received $90,550 in oil contributions during the 110th congress. $72,000 of those dollars were from industry PACS. In addition to oil, Edwards has also accepted $29,000 in coal contributions during the 110th congress while representing district 17. $28,500 of those dollars were from industry PACS.

Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * House Committee on Appropriations
 * Subcommittee on Energy and Water
 * Subcommittee on Homeland Security
 * Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs, Chair
 * House Committee on Budget

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

 * House Committee on Appropriations
 * Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies
 * Subcommittee on Homeland Security
 * Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies - Ranking Minority Member
 * House Committee on Budget

External resources

 * Official website
 * Campaign website
 * Election Information - U.S. House Office of the Clerk
 * Follow the Oil Money
 * Vote Tracker
 * Follow the Coal Money
 * Appalachian Voices

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Fort Bend Democrats
 * Burnt Orange Report
 * Somervell County Salon