Kay Granger

Kay Granger was sworn in as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 12th congressional district on January 7, 1997. She was the first woman to represent Texas in the United States House of Representatives from the 12th district. Granger, a member of the Republican Party, took on this role after serving as the Mayor of Fort Worth, Texas. Her tenure in Congress began in the 105th Congress, and she was part of a wave of new Republican leadership that emerged during that time, with a strong focus on conservative values and fiscal responsibility.

In 2000, Kay Granger was named Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, making her one of the highest-ranking women in the Republican leadership in the House of Representatives. This position allowed her to play a significant role in shaping the legislative agenda of the Republican Party and helped to elevate her profile within the political community. Her appointment was seen as a testament to her leadership abilities and her growing influence in Congress as an advocate for conservative policies.

Kay Granger authored a book titled "What's Right About America," which was published on September 25, 2006. In this book, Granger highlights the positive aspects of America's culture, economy, and place in the world. She argues against the pessimistic view that is sometimes portrayed in the media, and instead presents stories and insights that celebrate American achievements and values. The book reflects her patriotic perspective and her belief in the nation's potential and strength.

On November 4, 2008, Kay Granger was re-elected to the United States House of Representatives, serving Texas's 12th congressional district. Her victory in the 2008 elections reinforced her role as a key Republican leader in the House. Granger's campaign focused on conservative fiscal policies, national security issues, and local concerns relevant to her constituents in Texas. Her ability to retain her seat affirmed her continued popularity and effectiveness as a representative.

Kay Granger was named the chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs in January 2013. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the budget and expenditures related to foreign assistance and international development programs. Her leadership on the subcommittee was notable for her efforts to reform foreign aid, increase accountability, and ensure that U.S. funds were being used effectively overseas. Granger was recognized for her commitment to promoting American interests and values abroad.

On June 11, 2016, Kay Granger publicly opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a major trade agreement that was being negotiated between several Pacific Rim countries, including the United States. Granger voiced her concerns about the potential impact of the TPP on American workers and industries, particularly in terms of job losses and economic competitiveness. Her opposition was part of a broader debate within Congress about free trade agreements and their effects on the U.S. economy.

On December 28, 2018, Kay Granger was appointed as the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, a key position that gave her significant influence over the federal budget process. As the ranking member, she was responsible for leading the minority party's efforts in shaping appropriations legislation, advocating for fiscal restraint, and ensuring that federal spending aligned with conservative priorities. Her tenure as the ranking member was marked by her efforts to promote responsible budgeting and defend defense spending.

On March 3, 2020, Kay Granger successfully defeated her primary challenger Chris Putnam in the Republican primary for Texas's 12th congressional district. The primary race garnered significant attention as Putnam, a conservative businessman, mounted a well-funded campaign to unseat Granger by appealing to the district's conservative base. Granger's victory was seen as a reaffirmation of her established political presence and her ability to maintain the confidence of her constituents despite the mounting challenge from within her own party.

On January 6, 2021, Kay Granger was part of a group of lawmakers who supported the certification of the 2020 presidential election results, which declared Joe Biden as the President-elect of the United States. Despite pressure from some members of her party to oppose the certification, Granger upheld the democratic process and affirmed the results of the election. Her decision was a notable moment of bipartisanship and a reflection of her commitment to the rule of law and the integrity of the electoral system.

On January 10, 2022, Kay Granger publicly condemned the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, describing it as an assault on democracy and the institutions of government. She called for those responsible to be held accountable and emphasized the need for unity and healing in the wake of the violence. Granger's statement came as Congress and the nation grappled with the impact of the riot and the ongoing investigations into the events of that day. Her condemnation reflected a broader consensus among lawmakers about the importance of defending democratic norms.