Tenure

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

Current Assignments

2014 Joint Committee on The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Areas

2014 Joint Committee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology and Biotechnology

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

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

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

2003- Health Subcommittee of the Finance Committee

2003- Legislative Policy Committee

1999- Joint Audit Committee

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 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 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; Joint Audit Committee, 1999-; 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 .