Biography

Peter A. DeFazio, born on May 27, 1947, in Needham, Massachusetts, is a former Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He represented Oregon's 4th Congressional District from 1987 until his retirement in 2023. DeFazio was known for his deep expertise in transportation and infrastructure policy, serving as the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure during the 116th and 117th Congresses. He announced his retirement in December 2021, stating his decision was to "pass the baton to the next generation so I can focus on my health and well-being."

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from Tufts University, 1969
  • Master of Public Administration from the University of Oregon, 1977

• Military Service:

  • Served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1967 to 1971

• Political Experience:

  • Staff member for U.S. Representative Jim Weaver of Oregon, 1977–1982
  • Lane County Commissioner, Oregon, 1983–1986; Chair, 1985–1986
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Oregon's 4th District, 1987–2023
  • Chair, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 2019–2023
  • Co-founder of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in 1991

Throughout his tenure, DeFazio was instrumental in advancing significant transportation and infrastructure legislation, including the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He was also known for his commitment to environmental conservation, successfully advocating for the protection of 390,000 acres of wilderness in Oregon.