Chris Chocola was first elected to Congress on November 5, 2002, and has quickly become a rising star. During his first term in office, Chocola was appointed to a leadership position, Assistant Majority Whip, and immediately began working on his priorities – eliminating wasteful government spending, reducing the tax burden, and creating an environment where businesses can grow and create more jobs.
Since coming to Congress, Chocola has introduced legislation to overhaul the government’s budget process, making it easier to rein in excess spending and improve the government’s accounting practices. He introduced legislation to reduce frivolous lawsuits that drive up healthcare costs and act as a drag on our economy. And, he authored a bill to give small businesses a tax credit for each new job they create. Chocola was also instrumental in the passage of President Bush’s tax cut package and legislation to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for seniors.
Chocola's efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Americans for Tax Reform “Hero of the Taxpayer” award, the Washington Waste Watchers’ “Waste Watcher of the Month” award, the Small Business Survival Committee’s “2004 Small Business Advocate” award, and the “Spirit of Enterprise” award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
In November of 2004, the voters of Indiana’s Second District elected Chocola to a second term in Congress. He was appointed by the Speaker of the House to serve on the prestigious Ways and Means Committee, where he will be able to focus on reducing taxes for workers and small businesses and providing all generations with a secure retirement. Additionally, recognized as a leader on federal budget process reform, Chocola was appointed in May 2005 by Ways & Means Committee Chairman Bill Thomas to a seat on the House Budget Committee.
A native Midwesterner, Chocola grew up in Michigan where he graduated from Hillsdale College and Thomas Cooley Law School. He worked his way through school as a credit manager for his family's business, Chocola Cleaning Materials, while attending classes at night. After graduating from law school, Chocola joined CTB International in northern Indiana, a leading manufacturer of products for the poultry, egg, swine, and grain production industries. He worked as Corporate Counsel and held several management positions until he was ultimately named Chief Executive Officer in 1994. When he left CTB for public service in 2002, CTB's revenues exceeded $250 million annually and employed approximately 1,300 people – selling products in over 100 countries.
At home, Chris and his wife, Sarah, remain actively involved in the community. Chris is a member of Rotary, sits on the Board of Directors at Oaklawn Psychiatric Center and the St. Joseph County Red Cross, and serves on the Council of Advisors at the South Bend Center for the Homeless. Sarah sits on the Board of Directors at the Boys & Girls Club in Goshen and the Elkhart County Community Foundation. Chris and Sarah reside in Elkhart County where they are raising their two children, Caroline, 17, and Colin, 15.
For a PDF version of Chris’ biography, please click here.
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