Political Profiles: Congressman Edolphus Towns

The objective of Political Profiles is to bring you closer to the policy makers and decision makers in your everyday life.  They are not always politicians but may include but are not limited to cabinet members, political thinkers, campaign financiers, or community leaders.  Regardless of title, they are all people who make a significant contribution to policy and as a result they are deemed noteworthy and relevant to contemporary politics in New York City and the United States.

We chose Congressman Edolphus Towns simply because he has been involved in NYC politics for such a long time, going on 29 years in Congress.  As politicians win election after election, voters tend to become complacent.  Often they vote out for a candidate out of habit and familiarity, even if it's a bad habit.  We are not saying that is the case with Congressman Towns, but we do believe that the longer a candidate is in the same position, the all the more important it is to stay on top of his actions on behalf of his constituents, so the elected leader themselves do not become complacent and habitual.

 

EDOLPHUS TOWNS

Age:  77

Years in Current Office: 28 years

Party: Democratic

Position: Congressman (10th)

Committees: Energy and Commerce, Oversight and Government Reform

District Territory: Brooklyn (Fort Greene, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Cypress Hills, East New York, Canarsie)

CAMPAIGN FINANCE   (More About Towns Campaign Finance)

·         Top 3 Contributors

o   Microsoft (18,300)

o   Wyckoff Heights Med Center (17,800)

o   United Health Group (16,300)

·         Top 3 Industries

o   Health (110,875)

o   Lawyers/Law Firms (102,574)

o   Public Sector Unions (95,750)

·         Source of Funds

o   50% Individual Contributions (819,096)

o   50% PAC (812,025)

·         Other noteworthy contributors

o   National Football League

o   Major League Baseball

o   Lockheed Martin (weapons manufacturer)

VOTING RECORD   (Complete Voting Record)

Voting Attendance: 89 percent (Congressmen have the option of not voting on legislation.  Refers to how many votes an elected official attended)

·         Continuing Resolution (YES)

o   The approve a stopgap measure to fund the government through Nov 18^th

·         Final Debt Deal (NO)

o    To cut federal debt by 2.1 trillion over the next 10 years

·         Boehner Debt Reduction Bill (NO)

o   To raise the debt ceiling, make budget deficit reductions, and require a balanced budged amendment to the Constitution

·         GOP 2012 Budget Plan (NO)

o   Establishing the budget for 2012 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for 2013 through 2021

SPONSORED LEGISLATION (All Sponsored Legislation)

·         Athletic Trainer’s Equal Access to Medicare Act

o   To provide improved access to physical medicine and rehabilitation services under Part B of the Medicare Program

·         College Debt Swap Act

o   Establishes a temporary private education loan debt consolidation program to assist eligible borrowers in refinancing all or a portion of their private education debt as Federal Direct Consolidation Loans

·         Urban Jobs Act

o   Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to provide grants to the National Urban League for an Urban Jobs Program, and for other purposes

·         Restroom Gender Parity in Federal Buildings Act

• To provide for restroom gender parity in federal buildings