Biography

Joe Knollenberg, who has been characterized by the Detroit News as “arguably the state’s most powerful Republican” in Congress, is currently serving his seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Knollenberg represents the Ninth Congressional District of Michigan, which consists of 22 cities and townships located entirely within Oakland County.  He serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which determines how federal dollars are spent. 

With more than 1,500 manufacturing entities in the Ninth District employing thousands of his constituents, Knollenberg is a well-known advocate for U.S. manufacturers and has emerged as their most effective voice on Capitol Hill.  In 2003, he led the successful fight to repeal the steel tariffs that caused significant harm to steel-consuming manufacturers, an effort that was recognized by the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) with their Joseph M. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award.

More recently, he successfully organized and led a broad coalition in support of funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a key program for small and medium manufacturers.  Additionally, his legislation to strengthen the law used to prosecute those who produce counterfeit manufactured goods that steal sales from legitimate manufacturers and cost American jobs has garnered the support of the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, MEMA, and a host of others.

In his more than ten years in Congress, Knollenberg has embraced innovative solutions and achieved uncommon success.  Responding to a constituent’s concerns, he created a successful first-of-its-kind pilot program that allows seniors to stay in their homes while still receiving Medicaid benefits, which would not otherwise be possible. 

Knollenberg was out front on Northern Border security concerns, ensuring that additional federal funding was directed there so that Detroit-area border crossings with Canada are secure and efficient.  From his seat on the Appropriations Committee, he has secured more than $60 million in federal grants to assist in the clean-up of the Rouge River, and has directed millions to important local initiatives, including the George W. Kuhn Drain, transportation projects, and education and cultural institutions.

He has also garnered praise for his work as one of the subcommittee chairmen of the House Appropriations Committee, a group that wields so much influence over the federal budget that they are often referred to as “cardinals.”

In February 2005, Knollenberg was selected to chair the newly constituted Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  In this role, he is responsible for producing one of the ten annual appropriations bills that fund the federal government.  His subcommittee will fund all the programs at the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and HUD, as well as appropriating funds for the District of Columbia, and several independent agencies.

In addition to chairing the Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and HUD, Knollenberg serves on the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations.  His work on this subcommittee, of which he has been a member for more than 10 years, has distinguished him as a leader on foreign policy issues, particularly on aid to the Middle East and on North Korea.  He also currently serves as Republican Co-Chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus.  

Knollenberg has used his position on the Appropriations Committee to champion issues such as the Great Lakes, reform of the EPA, low-income housing programs, and improved medical care for veterans, and he is a recognized congressional expert on energy issues.  During his tenure as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction (108th Congress), his advocacy for the Military Housing Privatization Initiative in the Summer of 2004 ensured the continuation of this successful program.  He has also served as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on the District of Columbia (107th Congress).

Knollenberg has earned a reputation for his hard work and common sense approach that has produced results for his constituents and the entire state of Michigan.  As Vice President Dick Cheney noted in August 2002, “Both Republicans and Democrats respect his diligence, his viability, his good judgment.”

Prior to running for Congress, Knollenberg ran a small business in Troy, Michigan, and was involved extensively in local and civic affairs.  His sons, Marty and Steve, now run the family business.

He and his wife, Sandie, have lived in Oakland County for more than 35 years.  They currently reside in Bloomfield Township.