Thank you for visiting my website.  Below you can read about what a typical day is like for me as your U.S. Senator. 

As you may know, I was first elected to represent Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate in November 1994 and was re-elected to another six-year term in the fall of 2000.  Previously, I represented suburban Pittsburgh as a U.S. Representative from 1991-1995.  I advocated reducing the power and size of the federal government so that individuals and their families have more control over their futures.   

During my time in Congress, I have been concerned about many issues including welfare reform, tax relief, a balanced and responsible budget, combating HIV/AIDS, providing incentives for charitable giving, and reforming federal elections and the operation of Congress.

My schedule on any given day depends on whether the Senate is in session.  When the Senate is in session, I am in Washington, D.C.  I participate in meetings and discussions with different Senate committees and I vote on legislation.  Each Senator sits on a number of committees, which varies depending on a Senator's interests and seniority.  Currently, in the 108^th Congress, I serve on the following Senate committees: the Finance Committee, the Banking Committee, the Select Committee on Aging, and the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Another role I have is to serve in the Senate leadership post as the Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference.  In this position, which is responsible for effectively communicating the message of Senate Republicans, I have been able to bring a fresh perspective to the Senate leadership on issues of importance to Pennsylvania, ranging from agriculture to welfare reform, as the first Pennsylvanian in a Senate leadership position since the 1970s.

As Chairman of the SRC for two more years, my priorities are to continue working with President George W. Bush on the issues of tax relief, improving education, reforming Social Security, strengthening homeland security, and making quality health care more accessible for Pennsylvanians and all Americans.  As part of my duties as Conference Chairman, I sometimes have the opportunity to meet with President Bush at the White House.

As Senator of Pennsylvania, I have the wonderful opportunity to meet with people from all over the Commonwealth.  I attend many meetings with Pennsylvanians regarding issues that are important to them.  I also enjoy that my job as U.S. Senator allows me to impact and help private community-based efforts that improve the quality of life for the people of Pennsylvania.  When the Senate is not in session, I am visiting cities and towns throughout Pennsylvania.  It has been my practice to spend time in every one of Pennsylvania's 67 counties at least once each year.  I talk with numerous groups of constituents in a variety of settings.  Sometimes I hold a "town hall" style meeting where people ask me questions.  On other occasions, I may attend a special local event like a football game or county fair.  In addition, I regularly visit schools around the state. 

It is my pleasure to represent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a United States Senator.  Each day presents new challenges and wonderful opportunities for me, and I remain committed to serving my constituents to the best of my abilities.