Ken Calvert

Ken Calvert was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1992, representing California's 42nd congressional district. Prior to his election to Congress, Calvert was a small business owner in Corona, California, and was an aide to Representative Victor Veysey. His election marked the beginning of a long congressional career focused on issues related to defense, immigration, and transport infrastructure.

In December 2004, Ken Calvert became the Chair of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics of the House Science Committee. This position allowed him to influence legislation and budgets related to NASA and the United States' space exploration initiatives. During his tenure, Calvert advocated for increased funding for space exploration and supported efforts to involve private enterprise in space travel.

In 2006, Ken Calvert faced scrutiny after a report by CREW (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington) highlighted a possible conflict of interest related to his investment in properties that increased in value due to federal appropriations he supported. The controversy did not result in charges but raised questions about ethical practices related to congressional members benefiting from insider knowledge and legislative influence.

In 2017, Ken Calvert was involved in legislative efforts to combat the opioid crisis affecting the United States. He supported various funding bills designed to enhance support for addiction treatment services and to provide law enforcement with better tools to crack down on opioid trafficking. Calvert's initiatives were part of a broader bipartisan effort to address the growing public health issue linked to opioid addiction.

On January 19, 2018, the federal government shut down as Congress, including Ken Calvert, could not agree on a budget extension. This shutdown lasted for several days, marking a significant event in Calvert's legislative career as he engaged in negotiations to resolve disputes, particularly over immigration issues and defense spending, which were at the heart of the disagreements leading to the shutdown.

On March 27, 2020, Ken Calvert voted in favor of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The act implemented various economic relief measures, including stimulus checks, expanded unemployment benefits, and loans for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program.

On January 6, 2021, during the certification of the Electoral College results for the 2020 presidential election, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol. Ken Calvert was present in Congress during this time and later condemned the violence. He supported the certification of results, standing against the misinformation that fueled the unrest. Calvert's response aligned with efforts to uphold the democratic process amidst unprecedented challenges.

On March 11, 2021, Ken Calvert voted against the American Rescue Plan Act, a large stimulus package proposed by the Biden administration aimed at addressing the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Calvert and other opponents cited concerns over the plan's size and the long-term impact on national debt, although the bill ultimately passed in both the House and Senate and was signed into law by President Biden.

On November 8, 2022, Ken Calvert won his re-election bid to continue serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. Despite facing challenges from opponents due to shifting political demographics in his district and controversies over past actions, Calvert managed to secure another term. His continued focus on issues such as national defense, fiscal responsibility, and infrastructure were central to his campaign.

In June 2023, Ken Calvert played a key role in the House committee debates over the annual Defense Appropriations Bill. He advocated for increased funding to support national defense initiatives and to provide better resources for veterans. His position as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee gave him significant influence over the bill, which also included provisions to enhance cybersecurity measures and military readiness.