Biography of Congressman John Salazar

“For me, the right choice is always the one that rings true with rural values – rewarding hard work, honesty, and integrity. Honoring personal sacrifices. Keeping our commitment to working families. If we do not keep our promises, our words have no value.”

Newly elected to Congress, John Salazar is dedicated to defending rural values and ensuring that the government keeps its promises to the people. John comes to Congress after serving in the Colorado State Assembly, where he gained recognition for protecting rural water and leading the fight to defeat Referendum A.

A potato seed farmer and cattle rancher, John is one of only a handful of active farmers in Congress, giving him a firsthand perspective on the issues that matter to America’s heartland. His recent appointment to the Agriculture Committee allows him to defend rural values and make sure that the interests of family farmers are protected.

Raised on a farm where he shared a bedroom with five siblings, with no running water or electricity, John Salazar understands what it means to count your pennies and work with a tight budget. He is an outspoken advocate for fiscal responsibility and will work to reduce the deficit, making sure that money is spent wisely and where it matters most.

The only veteran from the Colorado delegation and with a son serving in the National Guard, John Salazar is committed to directing resources towards meeting the promises our nation has made to veterans, servicemen, and their families. Congressman Salazar believes it is morally wrong to deny promised benefits to families who have lost their loved ones during the war. Salazar was appointed to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in February 2006.

John Salazar is the only Coloradan with a seat on the powerful Transportation and Infrastructure committee, where he can make sure that rural Colorado receives its fair share of federal tax dollars. In the past few weeks, John Salazar obtained approval for a record $52.5 million for highway development in the Third Congressional District.

John Salazar is also leading the fight in Congress to protect Social Security. In March, John introduced legislation to keep the Social Security Trust Fund intact, by guaranteeing that payroll contributions are used only for paying out Social Security benefits. If passed into law, the Salazar legislation would make sure that the government keeps its promise to seniors and future retirees.

John and his wife, Mary Lou, have been married for twenty-six years. The couple has three sons: Jesus, Esteban and Miguel and one grandson: Charlie.