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Congressman Ernest J. Istook in front of the U.S. Capitol
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Biography
Honorable Ernest J. Istook, Jr.
Member of Congress
Fifth District-Oklahoma
Congressman Ernest J. Istook, Jr. (R-OK) began his Congressional career in November of 1992, having come from a background of public service in the Sooner State at both the local and state levels. Since being sworn into office in January of 1993, he has been a member of the House Appropriations Committee. He currently serves as the vice-chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, as the most senior Republican member on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, and on the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee.

During his Congressional career, he has served as the chairman of the Transportation and Treasury Appropriations Subcommittee (2003-2004), the chairman of the Treasury, Postal, and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee (2001-2002), and as the chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee for the District of Columbia (1999-2000). He also served on the Select Committee on Homeland Security from 2003-2004.

Mr. Istook served as City Councilman in the Oklahoma City suburb of Warr Acres—from 1982 to 1986. During that time, he also sat on the board of the Oklahoma City/County Library system, serving as its chair for his final two years. Prior to this, he served as Director of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (1977-78), as well as Assistant Legal Counsel to then-Governor David Boren.

The Congressman served in the State Legislature beginning in 1986, the same year he became a Director of the Warr Acres Chamber of Commerce. His fellow Republicans chose him in 1988 to serve as Assistant Minority Leader.

Mr. Istook was born on February 11, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas and graduated with a B.A. in journalism from Baylor University in 1971. He received his J.D. degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1976.

He married the former Judy Lee Bills in 1973. They have five children: Ernest III ("Butch"), Chad, Amy, Diana and Emily. They also have three granddaughters and one grandson. The family resides in Warr Acres.

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120 N Robinson, Suite 100  |  Oklahoma City, OK 73102  |  (405) 234-9900 tel