Biography
William Richard Keating, born on September 6, 1952, in Norwood, Massachusetts, is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Massachusetts's 9th congressional district since 2013. His district encompasses Cape Cod and most of the South Coast. Prior to his congressional tenure, Keating held various positions in Massachusetts politics, including serving as District Attorney for Norfolk County and as a member of both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for issues such as criminal justice reform, education, and environmental protection.
Education
-
Bachelor of Arts: Boston College, 1974
-
Master of Business Administration: Boston College, 1982
-
Juris Doctor: Suffolk University Law School, 1985
Political Experience
-
Massachusetts House of Representatives: 1977–1985
-
Massachusetts Senate: 1985–1999
-
District Attorney for Norfolk County: 1999–2011
-
U.S. House of Representatives: 2011–present
Notable Achievements
-
Inflation Reduction Act: Supported legislation aimed at reducing costs, lowering the deficit, and addressing climate change through investments in domestic energy production and manufacturing.
-
American Rescue Plan: Advocated for and helped pass the plan to combat COVID-19, which included funding for vaccinations, economic relief for families, and support for small businesses.
-
Environmental Initiatives: Secured significant federal funding for watershed projects on Cape Cod, including $27.2 million for the Herring River Marsh restoration, the largest marshland restoration project ever attempted.
-
Transportation Funding: Obtained over $45 million in federal funds for local municipal airports on Cape Cod and the Islands, supporting the local economy and tourism industry.
-
Offshore Wind Energy: Served as a lead advocate for Vineyard Wind, the first large-scale offshore commercial wind farm in the nation, promoting renewable energy development in the region.
-
Education Advocacy: As a state legislator, sponsored laws creating drug-free school zones and enforcing sprinkler requirements in school facilities; initiated an anti-bullying prevention program as District Attorney.
Throughout his career, Representative Keating has demonstrated a commitment to public service, focusing on issues that directly impact his constituents and the broader Massachusetts community.
