Tenure

First elected to the Senate in 1994. Member of the Senate since 1995.

Current Assignments

2003- Vice Chair, Finance Committee (Member, 1995-)

2003- Health Subcommittee of the Finance Committee

2015 Transportation Subcommittee of the Finance Committee

2015 Rules Committee

2003- Legislative Policy Committee

2014 Joint Committee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology and Biotechnology

2011- Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR)

2004 Maryland Veterans Caucus (Vice-Chair, 2015)

2004- Chair, Senate Select Committee No. 9, Anne Arundel County

Past Senate Service

Blue Ribbon Commission to Study Retiree Health-Care Funding Options, 2007-2009; Joint Technology Oversight Committee, 2000-2009; Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2007, 2003; Joint Information Technology and Biotechnology Committee, 2009-2014; Joint Committee on The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Areas, 2014; Joint Legislative Task Force on Small-Group Market Health Insurance, 2005-2007; Special Commission on Electric Utility Deregulation Implementation, 2005-2006; Task Force to Study the Economic Development of the Maryland Seafood and Aquaculture Industries, 2002-2004; Chair, Department of Natural Resources Special Funds Work Group, 2002-2003; Joint Audit Committee, 1999-2014, 1999-; Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics, 1995-2003; Chair, Anne Arundel County Senate Delegation, 1998-2001; Chair, Finance Committee Unemployment Insurance Benefits-Adjustment Work Group, 1999-2000; Home Builders Registration Work Group of the Finance Committee, 1999-2000; Assistant Deputy Majority Whip, 1999; Senate Finance Committee Welfare Reform Subcommittee, 1995-1999; Deputy Majority Whip, 1998; Joint Committee on Federal Relations, 1995-1996; Task Force on Dual Office-Holding by Public Employees, 1995; Maryland Occupational Safety & Health Task Force, 1995.

Past House Service 1983-1995

Commerce and Government Matters Committee, 1994-1995; District 30 representative, 1983-1995; Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics, 1987-1994; Appropriations Committee, 1986-1993; Vice Chair Capital Budget Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, 1986-1993; Vice Chair, Subcommittee on Law Enforcement & Transportation of the Appropriations Committee, 1986-1993; Joint Expenditure Study Group on Law Enforcement and Transportation, 1991; Chair, Anne Arundel County Delegation, 1986-1991; Economic Matters Committee, 1983-1985.

Public Service

Maryland State Council on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, 2010-; Task Force on Educational Issues Affecting Military Children, 2008-2009; Southern Legislative Conference, Energy & Environment Committee, 2008-; National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Agriculture & Energy Committee, 2008-; NCSL Environment Committee, 2008-; NCSL Energy & Electric Utilities Committee, 2008-; Chair, Task Force to Study the Boating Industry in Maryland, 2007-2008; NCSL Agriculture, Environment & Energy Committee, 2007-2008; Maryland Military Installation Council, 2006-; Task Force on Traffic Capacity Across the Chesapeake Bay, 2005-2006; Governor's Commission for Protecting the Chesapeake Bay through Sustainable Forestry, 2004-2006; Maryland Military Installations Strategic Planning Council, 2003-2006; Task Force on Assistance to Disabled Veterans Establishing Small Businesses, 2005; Environmental Noise Advisory Council, 2000-2005; Medical evacuation helicopter pilot, Washington Hospital Center, 1985-2005; Maryland Tourism Development Board, 2004-; Board of Trustees, Chesapeake Bay Trust, 2003-; Division of Labor and Industry Sunset Evaluation Work Group, 2003; Governor's Commission on the Structure & Efficiency of State Government, 2003; Task Force to Study Possible Benefits of Owner-Controlled Insurance Programs, 2002; Co-Chair, Task Force to Study Modernization of Credit Union Law, 1999-2001; Member, State Commission on the Capital City, 1999-; Advisory Committee to Study Funding Mechanisms for the Maryland Insurance Administration, 1997-1998; Co-Chair, Task Force to Examine the Mortgage Lending Business, 1997; Task Force to Study Patient & Provider Appeal & Grievance Mechanisms, 1996-; Task Force to Examine Liability Insurance on Rental Vehicles, 1996.

Memberships

Maryland Veterans Caucus, 2004-; President, National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses, 2004-; Senate Chair, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus, 2001-; Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association; American Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Disabled American Veterans; National Rifle Association; Safari Club International (State Legislator of the Year, 2005); Board of Directors, Maryland Patient Safety Center.

Awards

Legion of Merit ; 2 Purple Hearts ; Meritorious Service Medal ; 31 air medals ; Presidential Service Badge .

Biographical Information

Born, Charlestown, West Virginia, March 31, 1943 ; Barboursville High School, Barboursville, West Virginia ; Marshall University, B.A., sociology, 1966 ; Catholic University of America, graduate studies, 1972–74 ; U. S. Marine Corps, 1966–75, Captain. White House Presidential helicopter pilot for 3½ years; U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 1975–96; retired as Colonel ; Married; 2 children; 3 grandchildren .