Congressman Pete Stark

Congressman Pete Stark has served in Congress since 1973. A senior member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, Stark was Chairman of its Health Subcommittee between 1985 and 1994 and is currently ranking minority member on the Subcommittee.

Stark was a successful businessman and banker before being elected to Congress in 1972. Upon entering Congress, he served on the House Banking and Currency Committee. After completing his second term, Stark was named to the Ways and Means Committee, whose scope includes taxes, Medicare, Social Security, trade and public assistance.

While Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, Stark became known as one of the nation's foremost advocates of tax reform and served a critical role in shaping the 1986 historic tax reform law. He has been a constant voice for tax fairness and has opposed corporate loopholes in the income tax laws.

In January of 1985, Stark became the Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee. During his time on the Committee, he has presided over major reforms in the Medicare system. While cutting billions of dollars in excessive and wasteful outlays, Stark has expanded benefits for the 35 million beneficiaries, provided COBRA health continuation benefits to younger workers, and made numerous improvements in the quality of the nation's health care. He continues to fight for universal health coverage.

Stark also currently serves as the senior House Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee. Under Stark's direction, the Joint Economic Committee has produced reports for policymakers on current topics such as minimum wage increases, the economic impact of the government shutdown, and the effects of the Balanced Budget Amendment on seniors and low-income Americans.

Throughout his career in Congress, Stark has been a consistent advocate for peace, freedom of choice, and environmental preservation. He has been a tireless advocate for children, the elderly and the disabled as well as for the workers of the 13th Congressional District.

The 13th Congressional District is a diverse area stretching along the east side of the San Francisco Bay from Oakland to San Jose.

Stark is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a degree in engineering and the University of California, Berkeley with a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA).

In 1963, he founded Security National Bank in Walnut Creek. The bank grew from a small storefront operation to a $100 million financial institution with branches in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Stark sold his interest in the bank after his election to Congress.

Before his business career, Stark served in the U.S. Air Force. His other civic activities have included: Director, Common Cause; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Starr King School of Ministry; Board Member, Housing Development Corporation; Board Member, Council for Civic Unity, and many others.

Stark has four daughters, three sons, and eight grandchildren. He is married to Deborah Roderick Stark of San Lorenzo.