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 Biography of U.S.
Representative Howard P. "Buck" McKeon
Over his twelve years in the
U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon has
proven to be a vocal advocate for preserving Social Security, cutting the
national debt, providing tax cuts for America’s working families and
strengthening the military.
First elected to represent the
25th Congressional District of California in 1992, Rep. McKeon has earned
a reputation as a leader in the national education reform movement. McKeon
was elected by his colleagues to serve as Chairman of the House Committee
on Education and the Workforce in 2006 to replace Rep. John Boehner (R-OH)
who was required by House rules to resign his committee assignment upon
becoming House Majority Leader.
Prior to becoming Chairman,
Rep. McKeon headed the House Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness,
with jurisdiction over higher education, technology in education, teacher
training, job training and welfare reform. In this role, McKeon helped to
negotiate the formula that resulted in interest rates for the student loan
program dropping to the lowest level in the Federal Aid Program’s 38-year
history.
Born Sept. 9, 1938, in
Tujunga, California, Rep. McKeon grew up in the Tujunga area and graduated
from Verdugo Hills High School in 1956. After serving a two-year mission
for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he attended Brigham
Young University. After several terms, McKeon embarked on a temporary
"hiatus" from his studies.
During this hiatus, Rep.
McKeon married his wife, Patricia, began raising his family and started
his career as a businessman in the Santa Clarita Valley. McKeon was soon
involved in his community through such organizations as the Boy Scouts,
Little League, the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Board and the
Chamber of Commerce, among others. He subsequently returned to school and
completed his bachelor’s degree in 1985.
Before coming to Congress,
Rep. McKeon served on the William S. Hart Union High School District Board
of Trustees from 1978 to 1987. During that time, the city of Santa Clarita
was incorporated and its citizens selected McKeon as a member of the city
council. It was during the city council’s first meeting that McKeon was
chosen by his colleagues as Santa Clarita’s first mayor. During his tenure
on the City Council, Santa Clarita expanded its sheriff’s and parks
programs and earned a reputation as one of the safest cities in America.
Rep. McKeon’s legislative
efforts have been recognized by several national organizations. He has
been consistently recognized by The Watchdogs of the Treasury, the
National Taxpayers Union and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for his
leadership in cutting Federal spending and reducing taxes. He has also
been recognized for his advocacy of higher education issues by many
organizations, among them, The National Association of Independent
Colleges.
Rep. McKeon and his wife,
Patricia, have six children and 28 grandchildren, and currently live in
Santa Clarita.
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