Jaime Herrera Beutler

Jaime Herrera Beutler
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Washington's 3rd district
Assumed office
January 3, 2011
Preceded by Brian Baird
Member of the Washington House of Representatives
from the 18th district
In office
November 29, 2007 – January 3, 2011
Preceded by Richard Curtis
Succeeded by Ann Rivers
Personal details
Born Jaime Lynn Herrera
(1978-11-03) November 3, 1978
Glendale, California, U.S.
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Daniel Beutler
Children Abigail
Alma mater University of Washington, Seattle
Religion Christianity
Website House website

Jaime Lynn Herrera Beutler (/ˈbʌtlər/ BUT-lər;[1] born November 3, 1978) is an American politician, who has served as the U.S. Representative for Washington's 3rd congressional district since January 2011. She is a member of the Republican Party, and is the second youngest female U.S. Representative. She is a former Senior Legislative Aide for U.S. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Spokane) and a former state representative for the 18th Legislative District in Washington State.

Herrera Beutler was born in Glendale, California but moved to Washington at a young age. After receiving a BA from the University of Washington, Herrera Beutler became an aide for State Senator Joe Zarelli before becoming an aide for McMorris Rodgers. In 2007, she was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Washington State House where she served until being elected to Congress in 2010.

Early life, education, and early political career

Jaime Lynn Herrera was born in Glendale, California, the daughter of Candice Marie (Rough) and Armando D. Herrera. Her father is of Mexican descent and her mother has English, Irish, Scottish, and German ancestry.[2][3] She was raised in southwestern Washington, and graduated from Prairie High School, where she played basketball. She earned a B.A. in Communications from the University of Washington.

Herrera Beutler served as an intern in both the Washington State Senate and in Washington, D.C. at the White House Office of Political Affairs. In 2004 she was an intern in the office of Washington State Senator Joe Zarelli, who would later support her campaigns.[4] She was a Senior Legislative Aide for U.S. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Spokane).[5]

Washington State House of Representatives

Elections

Herrera Beutler moved back to the 18th Legislative District to run for state representative (map), and was appointed to the Washington House of Representatives in 2007 to replace former Rep. Richard Curtis, who resigned amid a sex scandal.[6] She went on to win the election to retain her seat in 2008 with 60% of the vote.[7]

Tenure

Herrera Beutler was elected as Assistant Floor Leader, the youngest member of her party's leadership in the State House. Her first sponsored bill gave tax relief to business owners serving in the military. It was signed into law by Democratic Governor Christine Gregoire on March 27, 2008.[8]

During her time in the House, she also opposed Senate Bill 5967, which mandated equal treatment of the sexes in community athletic programs run by cities, school districts, and private leagues.[9]

Committee assignments

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2010

Herrera Beutler ran for Washington's 3rd congressional district, which was an open seat of retiring Democratic incumbent Brian Baird. Herrera advanced to the general election with 28% of the vote, well ahead of fellow Republican candidates David Hedrick and David Castillo. State Representative Denny Heck, a Democrat, ranked first with 31% of the vote.[11][12][13]

During her campaign, Herrera Beutler raised over $1.5 million in contributions. 62% of this came from individual contributors; 35%, from political action committees. The biggest single contributor was construction and mining contactor Kiewit Corporation, which gave her campaign over $16,000.[14]

Herrera pledged to provide solutions in Southwest Washington to help stimulate their economy. She praised the “Pledge to America” released by Congressional Republican leadership, which included ideas such as extending the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts and offering small businesses 20% tax deductions.[15] She distinguished her plans for economic recovery from Democratic nominee Denny Heck’s asserting that the country is going in the wrong direction, and she would offer a new approach. Herrera stated in a press release that government needed to be reined in, and that “More government spending won't create permanent, private sector jobs; it will jeopardize them…we need government to let entrepreneurs and investors do what they do best and grow businesses. Only then will new jobs be created in Southwest Washington.”[16] Although she received support from state Republican leaders U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers and former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton, Herrera stressed her independence with statements such as, "Neither political party has all the answers."[4] The Columbian has called her "a rising star in the Republican Party".[4]

In the November general election, Herrera Beutler defeated Heck 53%–47%. She won five of the district's six counties.[17] Heck would go on to serve in Congress representing the 10th congressional district, which was created after the 2010 Census.[18]

2012

Herrera Beutler announced her intention to seek re-election in January 2012. She quickly outraised her two opponents, Democrat Jon Haugen, and Independent Norma Jean Stevens. She won the open primary with 61% of the vote.[19] By the end of the election, she had raised more than $1.5 million, to Haugen's $10,000.[20] In the November general election, she defeated Haugen 60%–40%.[21]

2014

Herrera Beutler ran for reelection in 2014. She faced Republican challenger Michael Delavar and Democratic challenger Bob Dingethal.[22][23] Bob Dingethal and Herrera Beutler advanced to the general election, where Herrera Beutler defeated Bob Dingethal, 60% to 40%.[24]

Tenure

Hererra Beutler, speaking on the House floor in November 2012.

Shortly before winning office, Herrera Beutler was named one of Time Magazine's 40 under 40, adding, "The Washington Republican survived a Tea Party challenge to win the GOP primary in the Evergreen State's 3rd Congressional District. Now Herrera, a 31-year-old Latina and former congressional staffer, has successfully re-cast herself as the outsider as she takes on a longtime Democratic pol in November." [25]

On December 22, 2010, she announced that she had taken her husband's name and would thenceforth call herself Jaime Herrera Beutler.[1]

On January 24, 2011, Herrera Beutler cosponsored a U.S. Constitutional Amendment that would require the federal government to balance its budget every year. The balanced budget amendment would require the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress for approval, but provides an exception in times of national emergencies.[26]

On March 10, Herrera Beutler introduced her first bill as a member of Congress. The "Savings Start With Us" Act would reduce the salaries of Members of Congress, the President and the Vice President of the United States by 10%. In a letter to Congress, Herrera said it was unfair that Congress has voted to remove billions from the budget without cutting their own paychecks, and that this bill would “bring us [Congress] in line with the reductions we're asking the rest of the federal government to absorb.”[27][28] The bill has been co-sponsored by Rep. Sean Duffy of Wisconsin.

On November 15, 2011, Herrera Beutler announced that she would co-sponsor a bipartisan bill aimed at preventing insider trading among members of Congress. The Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, originally introduced by her predecessor, Democrat Brian Baird, would prohibit members of Congress from profiting from nonpublic information they obtain through their positions.[29]

In September 2012, Herrera Beutler praised the FAA for delaying restrictions on Vancouver's Pearson Field that were to go into effect in that month. She had encouraged the FAA to table the decision on September 17, and it was tabled on September 24.[30] Herrera joined a group of 15 congressmen, including fellow Washingtonians Doc Hastings, Dave Reichert, and Jim McDermott, in October 2012, in writing a letter to the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture and Trade asking them to reconsider two new regulations imposed on goods exported to or imported from the United States, as Indonesia has consistently been one of the top five importers of Washington's apples, bringing in $57 million 2010 alone.[31]

On January 17, 2012, Congressional Quarterly's annual study found Hererra Beutler to be very Republican, voting with her party 92% of the time, while she only supports President Barack Obama 25% of the time.[32] Herrera's partisan reputation has softened however as her stay in Congress has lengthened.[33]

After the birth of her daughter (who was diagnosed with Potter's syndrome) Abigail's birth in July 2013, Herrera Beutler announced via a press release she would still be active in the house for key votes, such as the vote to intervene in the Syrian civil war, although she would be dedicating a lot of her personal time to the care of her daughter. She did not disclose what her vote would be on the Syrian war, but said that it was an important decision and one which she needed to be there for.[34][35][36]

In June 2014, Herrera Beutler proposed the Advancing Care for Exceptional Kids Act, would help coordinate care for children met with medical complexities in Medicaid.[37] The bill was passed by a committee but did not see a floor vote.[38]

Committee assignments

Political positions

Herrera Beutler holds generally conservative positions. She is pro-life, having received a 0% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America and a 100% rating from the National Right to Life Committee in 2012. On economic issues, Herrera Beutler supports defense spending cuts in order to cut back the national deficit, no new taxes on any tax bracket, and supports repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (better known as Obamacare). She voted for Congressman Paul Ryan's budget, which would have lowered taxes for the highest earners from 35% to 25% and also changed Medicare to be a voucher-system.[40] She supports gun ownership rights, does not support requiring background checks for gun registration, and has received an A rating from the National Rifle Association.[41][42] She has stated that marriage "is between one man and one woman."[43]

Environment

Jaime Herrera Beutler has stated that she "won’t stop the fight" against the clean water rules[44] written by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).[45] Herrera Beutler voted for H.R. 4012,[46] which the Congressional Budget Office reported would reduce environmental research by having the EPA "cut the number of studies it relies on by about one-half" while increasing government spending by "$250 million a year."[47] She also voted for H.R. 1422,[48] which makes advising the EPA harder for scientists but easier for those with industry ties.[49] The Union of Concerned Scientists testified to the House with criticism for this bill "banning experts’ participation in advisory activities" and offering "opportunities that only benefit moneyed special interests."[50]

The League of Conservation Voters gave her a 10% lifetime score,[51] which is below the U.S. House 43% average.[52]

Personal life

In August 2008, Herrera Beutler married Daniel Beutler, who works for SeaPort Airlines.[1] The couple lives in Camas, Washington.[10] In May 2013, Herrera Beutler announced they were expecting their first child. In June 2013, Herrera Beutler announced her unborn child had been diagnosed with Potter's Syndrome, abnormally low amniotic fluid caused by impaired kidney function which inhibits normal lung development and is often fatal. She is only the ninth woman in history to give birth while serving in the United States Congress.[53][54] On July 29, 2013, it was announced that the baby had been born two weeks earlier, at 28 weeks' gestation. The girl was born without kidneys, becoming the first child in recorded medical history to breathe on her own without both kidneys. In a Facebook post, Herrera Beutler said, "She is every bit a miracle." They have named the child Abigail.[55][56] On July 24, 2013, Herrera Beutler was absent for a roll call vote concerning the NSA, where she cited health reasons. When she revealed the birth of her daughter, it was realized that the birth was her reason for missing what was considered an important vote.[57]

In a September press release, Herrera Beutler announced that Abigail was getting healthier. "I'm pleased to report that her doctors are happy with her progress and optimistic about her future," Herrera Beutler said in a press release. "Dan and I continue learning how to manage her day-to-day care while she gets healthier and overcomes her health challenges." [36] She added that she would have to spend a lot of personal time taking care of her daughter, who is expected to be the first person in medical history to survive Potter's syndrome, but is hoping to return to the House Floor for key votes.[34][35] The multimillion-dollar medical costs for these admittedly "experimental procedures" for Abigail, who will later require a kidney transplant along with lifelong immuno-suppressant drugs, is being covered by Medicare and the mother's congressional medical coverage.[58] In early December, it was announced that Herrera Beutler's daughter would be going home from the hospital, nearly 6 months after her birth.[59][60]

Electoral history

Washington's 3rd congressional district: Results 2010.[17]
Year Democrat Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct
2010 Denny Heck 133,480 47% Jaime Herrera Beutler 151,220 53%
2012[21] Jon T. Haugen 116,438 40% Jaime Herrera Beutler 177,446 60%
2014[61] Bob Dingethal 78,018 38% Jaime Herrera Beutler 124,796 62%

References

  1. 1 2 3 Song, Kyung M. (December 22, 2010). "Jaime Herrera takes husband's name, belatedly". The Seattle Times.
  2. ↑ Song, Kyung M. (April 1, 2011). "Freshman Rep. Herrera Beutler tries to set her own course". Seattle Times. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  3. ↑ http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~battle/reps/herrera.htm
  4. 1 2 3 Kathie Durbin (July 23, 2010). "Jaime Herrera: Staying 'true to the principles': Republican state legislator doesn't hesitate to criticize both parties". The Columbian. Retrieved September 1, 2010.
  5. ↑ "Jaime Herrera Beutler's Biography". VoteSmart. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
  6. ↑ Geranios, Nicholas K.; Woodward, Curt (October 31, 2007). "She was re-elected in 2012, defeating Democrat Jon T. Haugen by a margin of 60–40. She began her second term in January 2013.". KATU. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  7. ↑ Washington Secretary of State – Legislative District 18 – State Representative Pos. 1 – November 04, 2008 General Election Results
  8. ↑ "Biography – Jaime Herrera Beutler". GOP.gov. March 27, 2008. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  9. ↑ Jenkins, Don (April 12, 2009). "Capitol Dispatch: Senate Democrats argue for income tax". Tdn.com. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  10. 1 2 "Biography". State House Republicans' official website. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  11. ↑ "Jaime Herrera info". House Republicans. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  12. ↑ Rachel La Corte (August 17, 2010). "Heck, Herrera take early lead in 3rd District race". Seattle Times. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  13. ↑ "WA District 3 – Open Primary Race – Aug 17, 2010". Our Campaigns. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  14. ↑ "Herrera Campaign Finance". Retrieved November 19, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Press Release: Herrera Applauds GOP for Providing Solutions". September 27, 2010. Retrieved November 19, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Press Release: New Direction Needed". September 16, 2010. Retrieved November 19, 2011.
  17. 1 2 "WA District 3 Race – Nov 02, 2010". Our Campaigns. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  18. ↑ Schrader, Jordan, Shannon, Brandon (November 6, 2013). "Democrats Derek Kilmer, Denny Heck win Congressional races". The News Tribune. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
  19. ↑ Reed, Sam. "Secretary of Washington State". Sam Reed. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  20. ↑ Mathieu, Stevie. "Herrera Beutler wins second term". The Columbian.
  21. 1 2 "WA District 3 Race – Nov 06, 2012". Our Campaigns. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  22. ↑ Mathieu, Stevie (November 7, 2013). "Delavar, Herrera Beutler's Republican challenger, steps down from Clark County GOP board". The Columbian. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  23. ↑ Mathieu, Stevie (December 9, 2013). "Ridgefield Democrat announces run against Herrera Beutler". The Columbian. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  24. ↑ Wyman, Kim. "Congressional District 3 – U.S. Representative". WA Sec of State. Retrieved November 7, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Jaime Herrera". 40 under 40. Time Magazine. October 14, 2010.
  26. ↑ "Press Release: Herrera Cosponsors a Balanced Budget Amendment". January 24, 2011. Retrieved November 19, 2011.
  27. ↑ "Press Release: Proposes 10% Salary Cut". March 1, 2011. Retrieved November 19, 2011.
  28. ↑ "Press Release: Herrera Beutler introduces her first bill in congress". March 10, 2011. Retrieved November 19, 2011.
  29. ↑ The Columbian November 15, 2011
  30. ↑ Herrera Beutler, Jaime (September 24, 2012). "Jaime Herrera Beutler applauds FAA decision to delay restrictions on Pearson Field". Office of Jaime Herrera.
  31. ↑ Wood, Kate (October 31, 2012). "Hastings, Reichert and McDermott Advocate for Washington Growers". Office of Doc Hastings.
  32. ↑ CQ Staff (January 17, 2012). "Vote Studies 2011". Congress Quarterly.
  33. ↑ The Columbian January 20, 2013
  34. 1 2 Larson, Leslie (September 6, 2013). "Jaime Herrera Beutler, after 'miracle' birth, eyes House return for Syria vote". New York Daily News.
  35. 1 2 "Jaime Herrera Beutler Heads To Washington For Syria Vote After Birth Of Daughter". The Huntington Post. September 6, 2013.
  36. 1 2 Zheng, Yuxing (September 5, 2013). "Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler continues to care for newborn with usually fatal medical condition, will return for Syria vote". Oregon Live.
  37. ↑ "Congresswoman Herrera Beutler Introduces New Child Care Bill". The Chronicle. June 26, 2014. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  38. ↑ "Text of the ACE Kids Act of 2014". govtrack.us. Civic Impulse LLC. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  39. 1 2 H.Res. 17 (R)
  40. ↑ Durbin, Kathie (April 16, 2011). "Herrera Beutler defends her vote for House budget". The Columbian. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  41. ↑ "Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler's Issue Positions". Vote Smart. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
  42. ↑ "Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler's Ratings and Endorsements". Project VoteSmart. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
  43. ↑ "Herrera Beutler answers final question from live chat". The Columbian.
  44. ↑ Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler | Representing Southwest Washington's 3rd District (Jaime Herrera Beutler Vows to Continue Fighting EPA'S Unnecessary Power Grab Over "Waters of the U.S.") http://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398550
  45. ↑ McCarthy, Gina: Reasons We Need the Clean Water Rule. http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2015/05/reasons-we-need-the-clean-water-rule
  46. ↑ H R 4012 RECORDED VOTE 19 November 2014 3:21 PM http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2014/roll528.xml
  47. ↑ H.R. 4012, Secret Science Reform Act of 2014 (Congressional Budget Office) https://www.cbo.gov/publication/49443
  48. ↑ FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 525 http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2014/roll525.xml
  49. ↑ Text of the EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2014 (GovTrack.us) https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr1422/text
  50. ↑ Union of Concerned Scientists statement to the U.S. House of Representatives http://democrats.science.house.gov/sites/democrats.science.house.gov/files/documents/Letter%20opposing%20EPA%20SAB%20Reform%20Act%20HR%201422%20.pdf
  51. ↑ "National Environmental Scorecard". League of Conservation Voters. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
  52. ↑ League of Conservation Voters Scorecard http://scorecard.lcv.org/
  53. ↑ Foley, Elise (May 1, 2013). "Jaime Herrera Beutler Pregnant With First Child". Huffington Post.
  54. ↑ Camia, Catalina (May 1, 2013). "Is there a mom in the House? GOP rep is pregnant". USA Today.
  55. ↑
  56. ↑ Camia, Catalina (July 29, 2013). "GOP rep joyous about 'miracle' baby's birth". USA Today.
  57. ↑ Connelly, Joel (July 24, 2013). "House narrowly rejects bid to curb NSA surveillance". Seattlepi.
  58. ↑ Sunday Spotlight: Rep. Herrera Beutler's Miracle Baby, This Week, September 8, 2013
  59. ↑ "U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler's baby girl is home at last". Seattle Times. December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
  60. ↑ Mathieu, Stevie (November 25, 2013). "Congresswoman's daughter may be home by Christmas". The Columbian. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
  61. ↑ November 4, 2014 General Election Results http://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20141104/Federal-All.html
United States House of Representatives
Preceded by
Brian Baird		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Washington's 3rd congressional district
2011–present 		Incumbent
Preceded by
Cynthia Lummis		 Chair of the Congressional Women's Caucus
2013–2015 		Succeeded by
Kristi Noem
United States order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by
Joe Heck		 United States Representatives by seniority
255th 		Succeeded by
Tim Huelskamp
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