James P. McGovern (D-Mass.)

U.S. Representative (since January 1997)

(Congress Bio Database)

Why He Matters

The political similarities between McGovern and his mentor, 1972 Democratic presidential nominee Sen. George McGovern (D-S.D.), are numerous. Both are considered among the most liberal and anti-war lawmakers of their generation. The most prominent difference? They aren't related.

A vocal opponent of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Jim McGovern has consistently voted for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and against war-funding bills. Now the co-chair of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, he has also taken firm stances on other foreign affairs issues. McGovern was twice arrested while protesting atrocities in Sudan's Darfur region.

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Background

At a Glance

Career History: Aide, Rep. Joseph Moakley (D-Mass.), Campaign staff, Sen. George McGovern (D-S.D.), (1984); Aide, Sen. George McGovern, (1977-1980)
Birthday: Nov. 20, 1959
Hometown: Worcester, Mass.
Alma Mater: American University, B.A. 1981; M.P.A., 1984
Spouse: Lisa
Religion: Catholic
Committees: Rules ; Agriculture

DC Office: 438 Cannon House Office Building, 202-225-6101
State/District Office: Worcester, 508-831-7356; Attleboro, 508-431-8025; Marlborough, 508-460-9292; Fall River, 508-677-0140
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Path To Power

McGovern was born in Worcester, Mass., in 1959 where his parents owned a liquor store.

As a seventh-grader, McGovern passed out anti-war literature for Sen. George McGovern (D-S.D.), the 1972 Democratic nominee for president. While a student at American University, the younger McGovern interned on Capitol Hill for the senator.

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The Issues

As of August 2010, McGovern had voted with his party 97.9 percent of the time during the 111th Congress (2009-2011).

The co-chairman of the Congressional Hunger Center, McGovern has sought changes to foreign aid and hunger relief programs. He also proposed establishing a hunger czar position to address food issues at home and abroad. In 2007, McGovern took part in the Food Stamp Challenge, living on the average $21 in food-stamp benefits for a week.

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Iraq and Afghanistan

McGovern has been at odds with the Obama White House over its 2009 decision to increase troop levels in Afghanistan. McGovern's vocal opposition to a May 2009 war-funding bill was met by an obscenity-laden phone call from Rahm Emanuel, then the president's chief of staff. After that bill passed, McGovern unsuccessfully led a bid to require the administration to provide a detailed "exit strategy" from the war.

In July 2010, McGovern was one of 102 Democrats who voted against a $59 billion war-spending bill after the web site Wikileaks released documents detailing that parts of the Pakistani government were aiding the Taliban in Afghanistan. ''All of the puzzle has been put together, and it is not a pretty picture," McGovern said. "Things are really ugly over there. I think the White House continues to underestimate the depth of antiwar sentiment here."

In October 2007, McGovern backed a failed surtax proposal to cover the Iraq war costs presented by then-House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.).

Other Foreign Policy

In 2006 and again in 2009, McGovern was arrested while protesting at the Sudanese Embassy regarding "crimes against humanity" in the country's Darfur region. Ahead of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, McGovern called for a U.S. boycott of the games, specifically to stop the Chinese from selling and giving arms to the Sudanese government.

Having visited Cuba multiple times on official visits, McGovern has advocated for normalizing relations with the island nation.

In a March 2008 Wall Street Journal editorial, McGovern was accused of opposing a free-trade deal with Colombia and supporting the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, based on communications he had with the group. While the editorial claimed he was making "an ardent effort to do business directly with the FARC," McGovern said any contact he had with the group was on behalf of the families of hostages, some American, who were kidnapped by the rebel group. The American hostages were released in June 2008.

Health-Care Reform

McGovern has called health care a "human right" and voted for the Democrats' health-care bill that passed in March 2010. He advocated for "a robust public option" that was not included in the final measure.

The Network

During the 110th Congress, McGovern was the vice-chair of the House Rules Committee. Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) is the committee's chairwoman.

In 2006, McGovern was the first prominent backer of Democrat Deval Patrick who eventually won the race for Massachusetts' governor.

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Additional Resources