Jeb Hensarling's Bio

Congressman Jeb Hensarling is a life-long conservative dedicated to advancing the principles of faith, family, free enterprise, and freedom. An outspoken advocate for limited government and unlimited opportunity, Jeb has fought to control spending, keep taxes low, defend families, strengthen our homeland security, and support our troops.

As a testament to his leadership during our nation's economic crisis, Jeb was appointed during the 111th Congress to serve as Vice Ranking Member for the House Committee on Budget and as the top Republican on the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit. As one of the most active Republican members on the House Financial Services Committee, Jeb has been a consistent and outspoken proponent of consumer choice, competitive markets and smart regulation in our financial markets. Jeb was appointed by Minority Leader John Boehner to the Congressional Oversight Panel, a five-member organization established to provide oversight of the $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP).

As a result of his ongoing efforts to fight wasteful spending and promote economic growth, Jeb has served on several prominent committees including the Select Committee on Earmark Reform, a ten-member panel created by House Republicans to reform the earmark process and the House Republican Economic Stimulus Working Group, a 13-member team formed in response to President Barack Obama's request for Republican input on legislation designed to stimulate the economy. Jeb also serves on as a Deputy Republican Whip, a select group of Republican leaders working to employ and communicate common-sense solutions to issues facing our nation.

During his tenure on the Budget Committee, Jeb has led the charge in Congress for balancing the budget and restraining the growth of government spending. In order to achieve this goal, he introduced the "Family Budget Protection Act," a landmark budget reform bill that was heralded as the "Gold Standard" of budget enforcement legislation by a coalition of conservative groups, including the Americans for Tax Reform, Citizens Against Government Waste, Citizens for a Sound Economy and the National Taxpayers Union. For the past six years, the National Taxpayer's Union declared Jeb's spending agenda as one of the top two least expensive in Congress.

When Jeb served as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee from 2007-2008, he introduced the Taxpayer Bill of Rights to lay the foundation for a more efficient, common sense budget and tax system in Washington. He also co-authored the Taxpayer Choice Act, a comprehensive, individual income tax reform initiative with two principal aims: eliminate massive future tax increases by repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax, and provide individuals with a modern alternative tax system that is transparent, simple, and efficient. He also co-authored the American Energy Act, an all-of-the above energy policy for America in the 21st century.

In order to provide real economic stimulus, Jeb co-authored the Economic Growth Act of 2008 to provide broad, growth-oriented, permanent incentives for economic activity across all sectors and industries. And, when Congress considered the $700 billion bail out for banks on Wall Street that held troubled mortgage-related assets, Jeb spearheaded efforts to find a taxpayer-friendly alternative to then-Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's plan.

He has become a national voice for conservative values and principles. The Dallas Morning News said that Jeb has emerged as a "rising congressional star" and is a "man of conviction." The New York Times said that Jeb has become known as a "conservative leader" and the National Review called Hensarling "Rep. Budget Reform."

He has received numerous honors and awards for his outstanding service in Congress, including the "Spirit of Enterprise Award," the "Small Business Advocate Award," the "Friend of the Taxpayer Award," the "Hero of the Taxpayer," and the "Fighter for Free Enterprise Award," for his tireless efforts on behalf of Texas taxpayers and small businesses. According to the National Taxpayer Union, Hensarling scored the highest pro-taxpayer rating in the Texas delegation and the second highest in the entire U.S. House of Representatives.

Jeb was born in Stephenville, Texas, and grew up working on his father's farm near College Station. Jeb was an active student leader at Texas A&M University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in economics in 1979. Later, he went on to earn a law degree from the University of Texas in 1982.

After serving on Senator Phil Gramm's staff for several years, Jeb spent ten years in the private sector, serving as an officer for a successful investment firm, a data management company, and an electricity retail company. His experience in helping to create jobs and having to meet a regular payroll have made him an ally of small business, and a strong advocate for economic growth.

Dating back to his early years as an Eagle Scout, Congressman Hensarling has remained actively involved in his community. He has been a leader with the American Cancer Society of Dallas and a board member for the Children's Education Fund. Jeb and his wife Melissa are members of St. Michael and All Angels Church and reside in Dallas with their two children, Claire and Travis.