Congressman Pete Stark (D-California) serves on the Ways and Means Committee, its Subcommittee on Human Resources and its Subcommittee on Health, where he is the Ranking Member.

He also serves as senior Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee, an advisory board of Representatives and Senators that makes economic policy recommendations for both chambers.

First elected to Congress in 1972, Stark has focused on creating a fair tax code, closing corporate tax loopholes, eliminating wasteful government spending, protecting workers' rights and preserving natural resources. He has worked to overhaul the tax code, expand children's health care, increase the minimum wage, improve child welfare programs, protect wilderness areas, reduce class sizes and find peaceful resolutions to international conflicts.

Before his election to Congress, Stark served in the Air Force, ran a successful business and worked as a banker. Upon entering Congress, he served on the House Banking and Currency Committee until he was named to the Ways and Means Committee in 1977.

Rep. Fortney "Pete" Stark's Official Website

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The out-of-pocket costs typically paid while in the "donut hole" is up to $3,600 per beneficiary.

Source:Medicare Rights Center