Jane Harman

(1945 - )

As one of the foremost experts on terrorism and homeland security in the United States Congress and a fierce advocate for fiscal responsibility and protecting working families, Congresswoman Jane Harman is an uncommon leader serving the communities of California's South Bay region.

In Washington, Harman serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where she is the Ranking Democrat of the Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security. House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert charged Harman's subcommittee with spearheading all House actions in response to the vicious terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Since September 11, Harman has introduced legislation to strengthen the authority of the White House Office of Homeland Security, improve the bio-terrorism research facilities of the Centers for Disease Control, and ensure interoperable communications for emergency service personnel and public health agencies.

Harman's commitment to protecting the American people from acts of terror has made her a frequent guest on many national news programs.

Harman also serves on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee and its subcommittees with jurisdiction over telecommunications, the Internet, trade, consumer protection, the environment, and hazardous materials.

She has been an outspoken voice for common sense fiscal policy and encouraging economic growth to benefit working families. Her work to balance the budget, eliminate the federal deficit, and improve the South Bay business climate earned her the U.S. Chamber of Commerce "Spirit of Enterprise" award, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) "Guardian of Small Business" award, and the Concord Coalition "Deficit Hawk" award.

Elected to the House in 2000, Harman represents California's 36th Congressional District, which stretches along the Los Angeles County coast from Venice to San Pedro. Harman previously represented the district in Congress from 1992 to 1998.

In addition to her work on terrorism and economic security, Harman has led many battles on behalf of South Bay residents. Among them are Harman's efforts to save Los Angeles Air Force Base from closure, preserve the C-17 cargo plane, protect area wetlands from development, and promote a regional expansion plan for Los Angeles International Airport.

A graduate of Los Angeles' public schools, Harman received her B.A. from Smith College in 1966 and her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1969. She served as Chief Counsel and Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Constitutional Rights, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for President Jimmy Carter, Special Counsel to the Department of Defense, attorney, and businesswoman.