Curt Weldon (R-PA)

U.S. Representative

Congressman Curt Weldon represents the Seventh Congressional District of Pennsylvania.  Currently serving his ninth term,  Congressman Weldon is the most senior Republican in the Pennsylvania Delegation.  A Member of the House of Representatives since 1987, Weldon has taken leadership roles on a wide variety of issues, ranging from national security to the environment. 

A senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, Weldon served six years as the Chairman of the Military Research and Development Subcommittee, overseeing the development and testing of key military systems, weapons programs, and technologies that fulfill military needs. Weldon has used that position to become the leading House supporter of a national missile defense to protect America's families and communities. Weldon now serves as the Vice Chairman of the full Committee as well as Chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee. His role will ensure that our service men and women are adequately prepared for duty in the high-tech world of the 21st century. 

Weldon, a major in Russian Studies, has made improving relations with Russia one of his major efforts in the House. He has worked with Russian leaders on a variety of issues, including efforts to improve Russia's energy supply, correct environmental damage, and protect both nations from ballistic missile attack. Weldon is the founder of the Duma-Congress Study Group. This bilateral parliamentary exchange helps coordinate legislative efforts in the Russian Duma and the Congress which fosters a better working relationship between the two nations.  Recently, Congressman Weldon co-authored a comprehensive framework designed to improve the state of relations between the two countries.  Titled “A New Time, A New Beginning,” his proposal makes recommendation for cooperative efforts in eleven different areas ranging from defense and national security to space exploration and scientific research. 

As a member of the Science Committee, Weldon is one of the most outspoken advocates for the environment and protection of our oceans. Weldon's "Oceans Agenda" legislation passed the Congress in 1995, increasing funding for oceanographic research projects. Weldon is a champion of environmental concerns as the only House Republican on the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission which approves funding for our wildlife refuges and wetlands preservation.  Congressman Weldon is a member of Global Legislators for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE) where he serves as Chairman of the Oceans Protection Task Force. Weldon also serves as United States Vice-President on the Advisory Committee on the Protection of the Sea (ACOPS). 

Weldon was born in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania on July 22, 1947, the youngest of nine children. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from West Chester University in 1969. 

Prior to the terrorist attacks on America, Congressman Weldon was an outspoken advocate of bolstering defenses, assisting first responders, and improving intelligence gathering capabilities.  As a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security and founder of the Homeland Security Caucus, Congressman Weldon is a frequent keynote speaker at various defense and national security conferences across the country.  He is a regular guest on national news and television programs, is the author of letters and opinion papers for various news sources, and teaches advanced courses at local colleges and universities.