 About
Brian
Congressman Brian Baird doesn't just talk about helping people.
He's been doing it his whole life. Congressman Baird learned about
service from his father, a teacher in a small town where you knew
everybody and neighbors really cared about each other. And he learned
it from his mother, who owned a small business and prided herself
on giving to her community through volunteer work and community involvement.
Congressman Baird brings a unique perspective to the U.S. House of
Representatives as a licensed clinical psychologist who has practiced
in Washington state and Oregon. He also taught at the university
level and is a former chairman of the Department of Psychology at Pacific
Lutheran University. Prior to his election, Brian worked in state
and Veterans Administration psychiatric hospitals, community mental
health clinics, substance abuse treatment programs, institutions
for juvenile offenders and head injury rehabilitation programs.
Through his work on these committees, Brian helps secure critical
funding for Southwest Washington’s infrastructure, environmental,
and educational needs. His work on the Budget Committee grants him
top-level access to fiscal policy decision-making while working to
create the federal budget resolutions that govern spending throughout
the nation.
Congressman Baird was elected to serve the people of Washington State's
Third Congressional District in 1998. He currently serves on the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, , where he serves
on the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, the Highways
and Transit Subcommittee, and the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
Subcommittee. Baird is also a member of the Science and Budget
Committees. Through his work on these committees, Brian helps
secure critical funding for Southwest Washington’s infrastructure,
environment and educational needs. His work on the Budget Committee
grants him top-level access to fiscal policy decision-making while
working to
create the federal budget resolutions that govern spending throughout
the nation.
Congressman Baird was elected President of his 1998 Freshman
Democratic Class. He currently serves as a Senior Democratic
Whip and on the Democratic Steering Committee. These positions
afford him significant access to the House leadership and
allow him to be a strong advocate for the needs of Southwest
Washington in debates and behind the scenes.
Congressman Baird is deeply committed to working to make lives better
in Southwest Washington and to provide excellent service to the constituents
of the Third District. During his time in Congress, he has flown home
nearly every weekend and has hosted well over 260 town hall meetings.
He has also visited every high school, port, hospital, and countless
businesses and organizations throughout Southwest Washington.
Dr. Baird received his B.S. from the University
of Utah, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1977. He continued on to
the University
of Wyoming, receiving his M.S. and PhD in clinical psychology.
He has published a number of journal articles and has authored two
books: The Internship and Practicum Handbook
and Are We Having Fun Yet?,
which combines his love of the outdoors with practical psychological
advice for couples and families involved in skiing, hiking or other
outdoor pursuits.
Congressman Baird currently resides in Vancouver and is married to
Rachel Nugent, an economist with the Population Reference Bureau. Together
they enjoy traveling and outdoor pursuits, including camping, hiking,
skiing and cycling. Brian and Rachel are the proud parents of twin
baby boys, William Washington and Walter Franklin.
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