Biography

Congressman Tom Perriello was sworn into office on January 6, 2009 and is proud to represent the 5th District of Virginia. He serves on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. During his short time in Congress, he has already successfully passed into law a $2,500 tuition tax credit for college and community college education; worked to extend job training benefits for veterans; and supported economic recovery efforts in Congress.

Born and raised in the 5th district, Congressman Perriello previously served as a national security consultant, working in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Darfur, Kosovo, and Liberia. His work with child soldiers, amputees, and local pro-democracy groups in Sierra Leone played a significant role in the peace and reconciliation process that ended the blood diamonds war in that country. He also served as Special Advisor and court spokesperson in the prosecution of Liberian dictator Charles Taylor, peaceably forcing him from power.

He has also founded a number of nonprofit organizations aimed at bringing together faith communities to fight for children’s health care, economic fairness, environmental stewardship, and responsible solutions in Iraq. Mr. Perriello was educated in Albemarle County public schools, St. Anne’s-Belfield, and has his undergraduate and law degrees from Yale University.

Listen to a recent radio profile "A Day in the Life of Tom Perriello" by Capitol News Connection

 

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Subcommittees:

• Water Resources and Environment
• Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials
• Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management
• Aviation

Veterans' Affairs Committee

Subcommittees:

• Health
• Economic Opportunity