Rush D. Holt (D-N.J.)

In June 2009, a New York Times report revealed that the committee was investigating reports of improper e-mail surveillance by the National Security Administration of American citizens. "Some actions are so flagrant that they can't be accidental," Holt said.

Holt was among the lead Democrats pushing for an inquiry of the leak surrounding former CIA agent Valerie Plame. In 2004, Holt began requesting that all available documents on the case be turned over to the House for investigation.In 2007, he introduced a bill making it easier to prosecute those who out covert agents for political purposes. The bill was never brought to a voted.

In 2008, Holt said he planned to ask the inspector general of the National Security Agency to investigate allegations that the agency illegally wiretapped Ali al-Timimi, a northern Virginia-based Muslim spiritual leader and then concealed that information during a 2005 trial ending in Al-Timimi's conviction on terrorism charges. Attorneys for Timimi, who notified a handful of congressional members about the allegations, have since challenged the conviction in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va.

The New Jersey Democrat has been a critic of the FBI's investigation of the 2001 anthrax attacks. In March 2009, Holt sponsored a bill to create a commission to probe the attacks. While the FBI blames micro-biologist Bruce Ivins for the attacks, Holt said the case remains unresolved after Ivins committed suicide in summer 2008.

Election Reform

Through several terms, Holt has made election reform a top priority, introducing a bill after the 2000 elections to create a commission to standardize the voting process nationwide.

In 2003, Holt introduced a bill that would require a paper trail to ensure votes in every state are counted correctly. In 2006, he called a paperless voting system "'a direct threat . . . to our Democracy.' Holt's idea introduced during the 110th Congress garnered over 200 co-sponsors, but never reached a floor vote. A paper-backup law based on Holt's ideas was instituted in New Jersey in 2005.

Holt also was an advocate for 2006 Democratic House candidate Christine Jennings, who claimed voting machines were not working properly in her southwestern Florida district. Jennings' challenge lasted long after her opponent Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) took his seat in January 2007, eventually ending after the House dismissed the issue in February 2008.

Research and Education

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) consulted Holt when helping to craft President Obama's 2009 stimulus bill that passed with $22 billion in funds for research and science, more than double what was contained in the initial drafts. According to Holt, much of that increase can be credited to him.

In 2006, Holt pushed for the launch of a new non-profit called Einstein's Alley, seeking to bring high-tech industry to the five-county area surrounding Princeton University. Holt has also supported making the federal tax credit for research and development permanent.

Holt has worked with fellow scientist Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.) to give science education equal funding status with reading and math under Title I programs. A 2008 education bill signed by George W. Bush included provisions added by Holt, including making Pell Grants available to students year round.

The Economy

Holt supported the February 2009 $787 billion federal stimulus package, though said it should have included additional funds for school construction and given Medicaid benefits to people receiving unemployment benefits.

The Democrat also voted for both versions of the fall 2009 financial bailout legislation, claiming the bills had taxpayer protections and limited executive compensation while helping families struggling with mortgages stay in their homes.

Health Care Reform

Holt supports a strong public option that is available to all Americans from the first day reform goes into affect. He opposes reform that comes with a trigger option.

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