Summary
Current: US Representative of TX District 31 since 2003
Affiliation: Republican
Leadership: Chair, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee (Appropriations), co-chair of the House Army Caucus
District: Central Texas from the northern Austin suburbs up to Temple and Gatesville.
Next Election:
History: After graduating from the University of Texas School of Law , Carter served as the first general counsel to the Texas House of Representatives’ Agriculture Committee. He later began a private law practice in Round Rock. In 1981, Carter was appointed as judge of the 277th District Court of Williamson County. He was elected to the post a year later, the first Republican elected to a countywide position in the county. He was reelected four times.
Featured Quote:
Proud to represent @TAMUCT and I’m glad I was able to secure this funding for their cybersecurity research program to help defend and protect our great nation!
Featured Video: Rep Carter Secures $2.9 Million for Texas A&M Central Texas Cybersecurity Research
OnAir Post: John Carter TX-31
News
About
When John Carter settled down in Central Texas with his wife, Erika, he knew it was the right place to raise his family because of the great schools, low taxes, and safe communities. John was a young lawyer who recently completed his bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech and his law degree from University of Texas. At first, he was only one of two lawyers in Round Rock, Texas, but a decade later John Carter was appointed District Judge for the 277th District Court in Williamson County. During that time, he aptly earned the nickname that stuck with him to this day; Judge.
On the bench, Judge was known for his no-nonsense approach to keeping our community safe. In fact, it was this mentality that encouraged him to run for Congress in 2002. When he watched the towers fall and saw his nation in mourning on September 11, 2001, he looked for ways to serve his country. As a judge, John was known for bringing justice to those who harmed others, and he realized that this experience would be useful in Congress as the nation went to war against a new enemy.
Judge’s expertise on protecting the homeland, his commitment to our military and their families, and his integrity for taking care of veterans, quickly catapulted him into leadership positions among the Republican caucus. Judge currently serves as the top Republican on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee, and he is one of the few members that has passed legislation under Presidents Bush, Obama and Trump.
Judge prides himself on delivering results for Texas’ 31st district no matter the political environment, and does this by following his guiding principle, “listen more than you speak.” It’s this belief that has allowed Judge to pass legislation like the Veterans Transplant Coverage Act, which stemmed from a Leander constituent being denied live-donor coverage from the VA. When Representative Carter heard this story, he went to work and passed legislation to ensure that the VA can never deny another veteran life-saving donor coverage.
To Judge, Central Texas is home, and Washington is simply where he works. That’s why he chooses to sleep on a pull-out couch in his office when he works in DC and hops on the first flight back to God’s Country after final votes. When he’s not working, he’s babysitting his six grandchildren and spending time with his wife of 51 years and their four children. Together, Erika and John have raised their family on strong Christian beliefs and Texas values.
Personal
Full Name: John R. Carter
Gender: Male
Family: Wife: Erika; 4 Children: Gilianne, Johnny, Teddy, Danielle
Birth Date: 11/06/1941
Birth Place: Houston, TX
Home City:Round Rock, TX
Religion: Christian
Source: Vote Smart
Education
JD, University of Texas Law School, 1969
BA, History, Texas Tech University, 1964
Political Experience
Representative, United States House of Representatives, District 31, 2002-present
Candidate, United States House of Representatives, Texas, District 31, 2024
Candidate, Texas State House of Delegates, 1980
Professional Experience
Former Municipal Judge, City of Round Rock, Texas
Former General Counsel, Texas House of Representatives Agriculture Committee
District Judge, 277th District Court, Williamson County, Texas, 1982-2001
Offices
Round Rock
1717 North IH 35 Suite 303
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 246-1600
Bell County
6544B S. General Bruce Drive
Temple, TX 76502
Located next to the DPS office
(254) 933-1392
Washington DC
2208 Rayburn H.O.B.
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-3864
Contact
Email: https://carter.house.gov/contact
Web Links
Politics
Source: none
Committees
I am the top Republican on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations, and I sit on the Defense Subcommittee. These committees are of special importance to Texas’ 31st district because Fort Hood, the premier installation that trains and deploys troops in the United States, resides in our community.
The Appropriations Committee is responsible for providing federal funding for numerous activities such as national defense, homeland security, education and infrastructure. This committee controls about 40% of total federal spending provided for a fiscal year.
Legislation
Voting Record
Caucuses
I am also serving my fifth term as the co-chair of the bipartisan House Army Caucus. The House Army Caucus was formed to advocate for soldiers and their families. Our primary focus is to improve the quality of life, training and safety of our soldiers and their families. We work directly with Army leadership and reach out to troops and their families through social events and forums to ensure we keep our finger on the pulse of what their needs are.
- House Republican Conference (Secretary)
- United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus
- Republican Steering Committee
- Sportsmen’s Caucus
- Tea Party Caucus
- Congressional Cement Caucus
- I-14 Caucus
- Republican Study Committee
Finances
Source: Open Secrets
Committees
Top Republican on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations, and I sit on the Defense Subcommittee. These committees are of special importance to Texas’ 31st district because Fort Hood, the premier installation that trains and deploys troops in the United States, resides in our community.
The Appropriations Committee is responsible for providing federal funding for numerous activities such as national defense, homeland security, education and infrastructure. This committee controls about 40% of total federal spending provided for a fiscal year.
I am also serving my fifth term as the co-chair of the bipartisan House Army Caucus. The House Army Caucus was formed to advocate for soldiers and their families. Our primary focus is to improve the quality of life, training and safety of our soldiers and their families. We work directly with Army leadership and reach out to troops and their families through social events and forums to ensure we keep our finger on the pulse of what their needs are.
Caucuses
Cdo-chair of the House Army Caucus, which includes more than 100 members from both political parties across the country. The House Army Caucus is one of the largest and most active caucuses in the House. The Caucus’ goal is to advocate on behalf of the U.S. Army in the House and educate our colleagues on the importance of supporting Army goals. With the largest armored military installation in the free world, Ft. Hood, in my district, supporting our soldiers and their families through my work in the Caucus is one of my biggest priorities. The Caucus often meets with Army leadership to receive regular updates on the Army’s readiness and soldier quality of life initiatives and we develop legislation to advance the goals of the Army. I am proud to lead this caucus with my friend, Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland, and will always continue working across the aisle to provide for our soldiers and their families.
Rep. John Carter (R-TX) Co-Chairman
Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) Co-Chairman
Rep. Jerry Carl (AL-01)
Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02)
Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03)
Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04)
Rep. Dale Strong (AL-05)
Rep. Aumua Amata Radewagen (AS)
Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01)
Rep. French Hill (AR-02)
Rep. Steve Womack (AR-03)
Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19)
Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38)
Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-41)
Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46)
Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-48)
Rep. Lauren Boebert (CO-03)
Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05)
Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06)
Rep. John Larson (CT-01)
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)
Rep. Matt Gaetz (FL-01)
Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02)
Rep. Michael Waltz (FL-06)
Rep. Cory Mills (FL-07)
Rep. Gregory Steube (FL-17)
Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-01)
Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-02)
Rep. Henry Johnson (GA-04)
Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08)
Rep. Jim Banks (IN-03)
Rep. James Baird (IN-04)
Rep. Andre Carson (IN-07)
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01)
Rep. Tracey Mann (KS-01)
Rep. Brett Guthrie (KY-02)
Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06)
Rep. Mike Johnson (LA-04)
Rep. Andy Harris (MD-01)
Rep. David Trone (MD-06)
Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03)
Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-06)
Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA-08)
Rep. John Moolenaar (MI-02)
Rep. Lisa McClain (MI-09)
Rep. Dean Philips (MN-03)
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Rep. Michael Guest (MS-03)
Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03)
Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06)
Rep. Donald Bacon (NE-02)
Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02)
Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03)
Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04)
Rep. Bill Pascrell (NJ-09)
Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)
Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-19)
Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20)
Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21)
Rep. Joseph Morelle (NY-25)
Rep. David Rouzer (NC-07)
Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-09)
Rep. Brad Wenstrup (OH-02)
Rep. Robert Latta (OH-05)
Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-06)
Rep. Warren Davidson (OH-08)
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)
Rep. Mike Turner (OH-10)
Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12)
Rep. Mike Carey (OH-15)
Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04)
Rep. John Joyce (PA-13)
Rep. Glenn Thompson (PA-15)
Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01)
Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02)
Rep. James Clyburn (SC-06)
Rep. Jenniffer Gonzales-Colon (PR)
Rep. Mark Green (TN-07)
Rep. Pat Fallon (TX-04)
Rep. Lance Gooden (TX-05)
Rep. Al Green (TX-09)
Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11)
Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14)
Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21)
Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22)
Rep. Beth Van Duyne (TX-24)
Rep. Roger Williams (TX-25)
Rep. Michael Burgess (TX-26)
Rep. Mike Cloud (TX-27)
Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33)
Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36)
Rep. Robert Wittman (VA-01)
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07)
Rep. Gerald Connolly (VA-11)
Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09)
Rep. Marilyn Stockland (WA-10)
Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)
Rep. Mike Gallagher (WI-08)
New Legislation
Issues
Source: Government page
More Information
Services
Source: Government page
District
Source: Wikipedia
Texas’s 31st congressional district of the United States House of Representatives covers a strip of Central Texas from the northern Austin suburbs up to Temple and Gatesville.
The district is centered around Bell and Williamson Counties, two fast-growing suburban counties north of Austin; it includes the Williamson County portion of Austin itself. It also includes much of the area surrounding Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), giving the district a strong military presence, as well as four rural counties to the north and west of the district.
John Carter has served as the representative from this district since its creation. The 31st district is one of only two districts in Texas (the other being the 36th district) that has never been represented by a member of the Democratic Party.
Wikipedia
John Rice Carter (born November 6, 1941) is the U.S. representative serving Texas’s 31st congressional district since 2003. He is a Republican.[1] The district includes the northern suburbs of Austin, as well as Fort Cavazos.
Early life, education, and career
Carter was born in Houston, but has spent most of his life in central Texas. He graduated from Texas Tech University[2] with a degree in history in 1964, and earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law in 1969.[1][3]
After graduating from law school, Carter served as the first general counsel to the Texas House of Representatives‘ Agriculture Committee.[4] He later began a private law practice in Round Rock.
In 1981, Carter was appointed as judge of the 277th District Court of Williamson County.[1] He was elected to the post a year later, the first Republican elected to a countywide position in the county. He was reelected four times.
U.S. House of Representatives
Elections
Carter retired from the bench in 2001 to run for Congress in the newly created 31st District. After finishing second in the Republican primary, he defeated Peter Wareing in the runoff, which was tantamount to election in what was then a heavily Republican district.[5]
For his first term, 2003–05, Carter represented a district that stretched from the suburbs of Austin to far western Houston, and included College Station, home of Texas A&M University. From the 2003 Texas redistricting until 2013, Carter represented a district stretching from the fringes of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex through more rural portions of Central Texas. Redistricting after the 2010 census, which first affected the 2013–15 term, reduced the 31st to Bell and Williamson counties. The 31st now includes Fort Hood, home of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Cavalry Regiment and the 1st Cavalry Division.
In 2016, Carter was reelected with 166,060 votes (58.4%) over Democratic nominee Mike Clark and Libertarian Scott Ballard, who received 103,852 (34.5%) and 14,676 (5.2%), respectively.[6]
In 2018, Carter defeated Democratic nominee MJ Hegar with 144,680 votes (50.6%) to her 136,362 (47.7%). It was the smallest victory margin of his career.[7]
Tenure
Carter was the sponsor of the Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act, which George W. Bush signed into law in 2004.[8]
In the 110th Congress, Carter sponsored and co-sponsored a number of bills, including the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, the Terrorist Death Penalty Act of 2008, and a bill condemning the vandalism of the Vietnam War Memorial on the National Mall.[9]
On June 12, 2009, Carter co-sponsored H.R. 1503, which would require the production of a birth certificate from presidential candidates. The bill was introduced as a result of conspiracy theories that claimed that President Barack Obama is not a natural-born U.S. citizen.[10]
On September 15, 2009, in an opinion piece published in The Hill, Carter called the 111th Congress a “house of hypocrisy” after the House of Representatives voted to rebuke Representative Joe Wilson for an outburst but would not go after Representative and House Ways and Means Chair Charlie Rangel, who had been the subject of numerous ethical problems involving taxes and property.[11] Carter is also a proponent of the “Rangel Rule,” where IRS penalties and interest would be eliminated if one paid back taxes, similar to the treatment Rangel, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, and former Senator (and onetime Secretary of Health and Human Services nominee) Tom Daschle received after their tax problems were publicized.[12]
Carter introduced a “Privileged Resolution” that would have forced Rangel’s resignation as chair of the Ways and Means Committee after he declined to resign voluntarily,[13] citing the inaction of the House Democratic Caucus and the ongoing investigations as reasons. The resolution failed largely along party lines, with two Democrats and six Republicans breaking ranks.[14][15][16]
Carter amended his financial disclosure forms in October 2009 to list nearly $300,000 in capital gains from the sale of ExxonMobil stock in 2006 and 2007. Though he listed the sale of the assets, he did not list the actual amount of capital gains, on which he did pay taxes.[17]
On November 16, 2009, Carter introduced legislation to give combatant casualty status to the victims of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, similar to those who were killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.[18]
In 2015, Carter cosponsored a resolution to amend the US constitution to ban same-sex marriage.[19]
On May 16, 2018, Carter was named the new chair of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations after Charlie Dent retired. He had previously chaired the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations.[20]
Carter co-sponsored H.R. 4760, the Securing America’s Future Act of 2018, which failed to pass the House.[21]
On December 18, 2019, Carter voted against both articles of impeachment against Trump. Of the 195 Republicans who voted, all voted against both impeachment articles.
On January 6, 2021, Carter voted against certifying the results of the 2020 United States presidential election based on spurious allegations of voter fraud.[22]
Carter was among the 71 Republicans who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 in the House.[23]
Carter voted to provide Israel with support following 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.[24][25]
2024 Republican primary
Carter was named as part of the Trump campaign’s Texas leadership team in March.[26]
Committee assignments
Party leadership and caucus memberships
- House Army Caucus (Co-chair)
- House Republican Conference (Secretary)
- United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus[28]
- Republican Steering Committee
- Sportsmen’s Caucus
- Tea Party Caucus
- Congressional Cement Caucus
- I-14 Caucus
- Republican Study Committee[29]
Electoral history
Carter was reelected to his twelve term in Congress in 2022.
Personal life
Carter married his wife, Erika, in 1968. They have four children and six grandchildren.[30] Since 1971, they have lived in Round Rock, Texas.
References
- ^ a b c “The Arena: – Rep. John Carter Bio”. www.politico.com. Retrieved 2016-08-10.
- ^ Hensley, Doug (2015-05-13). “On the Hill, On the Rise”. Texas Tech University System. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- ^ “John Carter – Candidate for U.S. President, Republican Nomination – Election 2012”. WSJ.com. Archived from the original on 2018-11-20. Retrieved 2016-08-10.
- ^ “John Carter – Candidate for U.S. President, Republican Nomination – Election 2012”. WSJ.com. Archived from the original on 2018-11-20. Retrieved 2016-08-10.
- ^ King, Michael (October 18, 2002). “Capitol Chronicle”. Austin Chronicle. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
- ^ “Election Results”. Texas Secretary of State. November 8, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
- ^ “Texas Election Results: 31st House District”. The New York Times. 28 January 2019. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
- ^ “Bush signs lawto stiffenID theft penalties”. MSNBC. 2004-07-15. Retrieved 2018-06-22.
- ^ Marcum, Karissa (September 28, 2007). “Lawmakers condemn vandalism at Vietnam memorial”. The Hill. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
- ^ “H.R. 1503”. The Library of Congress. Archived from the original on 2016-07-03. Retrieved 2009-07-31.
- ^ Carter, John (September 15, 2009). “Speaking of apologies: Hypocrisy clouds Democrats’ demand for “You lie” apology”. The Hill.
- ^ “GOP Congressman Intros ‘Rangel Rule,’ Eliminating IRS Late Fees”. Fox News. January 28, 2009.
- ^ “New Rangel Financial Violations Demand Removal from Ways and Means Chairmanship”. John Carter’s House Page.
- ^ Allen, Jonathan (2009-10-07). “Rangel retains Ways and Means gavel”. Politico. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- ^ Romm, Tony (2009-10-07). “Democrats rebuff Rangel resolution”. The Hill. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- ^ Carter, John R. (2009-10-07). “H.Res.805 – 111th Congress (2009-2010): Raising a question of the privileges of the House”. www.congress.gov. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- ^ Singer, Paul (2009-10-21). “Carter Refiling Disclosure Forms to List Exxon Profits”. Roll Call. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- ^ “Legislation to Award Fort Hood Casualties Combatant Status Set for Introduction Tuesday”. carter.house.gov. 2009-11-16. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- ^ Huelskamp, Tim (2015-02-12). “Cosponsors – H.J.Res.32 – 114th Congress (2015-2016): Marriage Protection Amendment”. www.congress.gov. Retrieved 2022-04-11.
- ^ Payne, Matt (May 17, 2018). “Rep. Carter named chairman of Military Construction and Veterans Affairs”. Kileen Daily Herald. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
- ^ Goodlatte, Bob (2018-06-21). “H.R.4760 – 115th Congress (2017-2018): Securing America’s Future Act of 2018”. www.congress.gov. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- ^ Yourish, Karen; Buchanan, Larry; Lu, Denise (7 January 2021). “The 147 Republicans Who Voted to Overturn Election Results”. The New York Times.
- ^ Gans, Jared (May 31, 2023). “Republicans and Democrats who bucked party leaders by voting no”. The Hill. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
- ^ Demirjian, Karoun (2023-10-25). “House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- ^ Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601 (2023-10-25). “Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session”. Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Metzger, Bryan; Saddiq, Omar (February 13, 2023). “Most Republicans are on the fence about Trump’s 2024 re-election bid. Here are the few elected officials backing him so far”. Business Insider. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
- ^ “Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies”. House Committee on Appropriations. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
- ^ “Our Members”. U.S. House of Representatives International Conservation Caucus. Archived from the original on 1 August 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
- ^ “Member List”. Republican Study Committee. Archived from the original on 1 January 2019. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
- ^ “U.S. Representative John Carter: About Me”. Congressman John Carter. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
External links
- Congressman John Carter official U.S. House website
- John Carter for Congress
- John Carter at Curlie
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Appearances on C-SPAN
