Biography

Richard Edmund Neal, born on February 14, 1949, in Worcester, Massachusetts, was raised in Springfield. After the early loss of both parents, he and his two younger sisters were cared for by their grandmother and aunt, relying on Social Security survivor benefits. Neal began his career as a high school history teacher before entering public service as a city councilor, mayoral aide, and eventually serving as Mayor of Springfield from 1984 to 1988. In 1988, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Massachusetts's 1st congressional district as a member of the Democratic Party. Throughout his tenure, Neal has been a staunch advocate for economic development, healthcare reform, and U.S.-Ireland relations. He has also been a long-time guest lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a trustee at Mount Holyoke College.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from American International College, 1972
• Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Hartford's Barney School of Business and Public Administration, 1976

Political Experience

• Mayor of Springfield, Massachusetts
• U.S. Representative for Massachusetts's 1st Congressional District
  • Served on the House Banking Committee during his first two terms
  • Joined the House Ways and Means Committee in 1993
  • Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee
  • Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee
• Dean of the Massachusetts and New England Congressional Delegations
• Democratic Leader of the Friends of Ireland Caucus

Notable Achievements

• COVID-19 Relief Efforts: As Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Neal played a pivotal role in crafting and passing the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act, providing economic relief during the pandemic.
• Infrastructure Investment: Instrumental in passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, marking a significant long-term investment in the nation's infrastructure and economy.
• Retirement Security: Authored the bipartisan "SECURE 2.0" bill to enhance participation in work-based retirement savings plans.
• Climate and Healthcare Initiatives: Led efforts to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, focusing on lowering healthcare costs and making substantial investments in combating climate change.
• U.S.-Ireland Relations: As Democratic Leader of the Friends of Ireland Caucus, Neal has been a key figure in maintaining strong U.S.-Ireland relations and supporting the Northern Ireland peace process.