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, Congressman Baird 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.

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 Technology Committee where he serves as Chairman of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee.

Through his work on these committees, Brian helps secure critical funding for Southwest Washington's infrastructure, environment and educational needs. As Chairman of the Subcommittee, Brian plays a leading role in crafting a new approach to energy. He will also help lead the search for solutions to the problems created by climate change and ocean acidification.

Congressman Baird is co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus; is co-founder and co-chair of the National Parks Caucus; and co-founded the Caucus to Control and Fight Methamphetamine.

Congressman Baird was elected President of his 1998 Freshman Democratic Class. He has also served as a Senior Democratic Whip. These positions enabled him to build strong relationships with the House leadership and have allowed 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 280 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 lives in Vancouver and is married to Rachel Nugent, a Senior Health Program Associate with the Center for Global Development. Together they enjoy traveling and outdoor pursuits, including camping, hiking, skiing and cycling. Brian and Rachel are the proud parents of twin boys, William Washington and Walter Franklin.