Biography

James Patrick McGovern, born on November 20, 1959, in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Massachusetts's 2nd congressional district since 1997. He has been a prominent advocate for human rights, food security, and campaign finance reform. McGovern has held significant positions, including Chair of the House Rules Committee from 2019 to 2023 and Ranking Member since 2023.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in History from American University
  • Master's in Public Administration from American University

• Political Experience:

  • Intern and aide to U.S. Senator George McGovern
  • Senior staff member for U.S. Representative Joe Moakley
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996
  • Chair of the House Rules Committee
  • Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee
  • Chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China
  • Democratic Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission

Notable Achievements

• Human Rights Advocacy:

  • Led the investigation into the 1989 murders of six Jesuit priests in El Salvador, exposing the involvement of the U.S.-backed Salvadoran military and influencing U.S. foreign policy.
  • Authored the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act, enabling sanctions against foreign officials involved in human rights abuses.

• Food Security Initiatives:

  • Co-chair of the House Hunger Caucus, advocating for policies to end hunger domestically and internationally.

• Legislative Leadership:

  • As Chair of the House Rules Committee, facilitated the passage of significant legislation, including the Great American Outdoors Act, which provides full funding to the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

• Gun Violence Prevention:

  • Active member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, co-sponsoring legislation such as the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and the Assault Weapons Ban.

McGovern's career reflects a steadfast commitment to human rights, social justice, and public service.