Biography

Diana DeGette, born on July 29, 1957, in Tachikawa, Japan, is a fourth-generation Coloradan who has dedicated her career to public service. She has represented Colorado's 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1997, making her the longest-serving member of Colorado's congressional delegation. DeGette is a member of the Democratic Party and has been a prominent advocate for health care reform, environmental protection, and civil rights.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Colorado College
  • Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law

• Political Experience:

  • Served two terms in the Colorado House of Representatives , including one term as Assistant Minority Leader
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996; has been re-elected in subsequent terms
  • Serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, including as Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
  • Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus
  • Vice-Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus

Notable Achievements

• Health Care:

  • Authored the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act to expand embryonic stem cell research; while initially vetoed, its provisions were later enacted through executive order
  • Played a key role in drafting the Affordable Care Act, signed into law in 2010
  • Co-authored the 21st Century Cures Act, modernizing the nation's medical research system

• Environmental Protection:

  • Sponsored legislation to protect 660,000 acres of wilderness in Colorado through the Colorado Wilderness Act
  • Led efforts to reduce methane emissions from drilling sites, with legislation signed into law by President Biden

• Civil Rights:

  • As Co-Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus, led efforts to protect reproductive rights, including the passage of the Women’s Health Protection Act in the House
  • Received the ACLU of Colorado's Carle Whitehead Memorial Award for contributions to civil rights

DeGette continues to serve the people of Colorado's 1st Congressional District, focusing on health care accessibility, environmental sustainability, and the protection of civil liberties.