Biography
Representative Robert C. "Bobby" Scott has served as the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 3rd congressional district since 1993. Born on April 30, 1947, in Washington, D.C., he was raised in Newport News, Virginia. Scott is of African American and Filipino descent, making him the first African American elected to Congress from Virginia since Reconstruction and the first voting member of Congress with Filipino ancestry.
Before his tenure in Congress, Scott served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1978 to 1983 and in the Virginia State Senate from 1983 to 1993. During his time in the General Assembly, he successfully sponsored laws critical to Virginians in education, employment, health care, social services, economic development, crime prevention, and consumer protection.
In Congress, Scott has been a leading advocate for education reform, criminal justice reform, and workers' rights. He currently serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, where he has spearheaded critical parts of Congress’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the American Rescue Plan Act.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Government from Harvard College
- Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School
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Political Experience:
- Virginia House of Delegates
- Virginia State Senate
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor
- Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce
Notable Achievements
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Education Reform:
- Co-authored the Every Student Succeeds Act, replacing the No Child Left Behind Act.
- Led efforts to secure the largest federal investment in K-12 public schools through the American Rescue Plan Act.
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Criminal Justice Reform:
- Authored the Death in Custody Reporting Act, enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
- Played a key role in passing the Fair Sentencing Act, reducing sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine offenses.
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Workers' Rights:
- Advocated for raising the federal minimum wage and protecting workers from discrimination.
Representative Scott continues to serve the constituents of Virginia's 3rd district, focusing on policies that promote equity in education, criminal justice reform, and the protection of workers' rights.
