Rep. Ralph M. Hall (R-TX), Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology

Ralph M. Hall, representing the Fourth Congressional District in Texas, was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1980, has been re-elected to each succeeding Congress, and has served on the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology continuously since his first election.  In the 112th Congress, Congressman Hall is the longest-serving Member of the Committee and becomes the first Member to serve as Ranking Member both as a Republican and as a Democrat.  He served as the Ranking Democrat on the Science Committee from August 5, 1999 through January 5, 2004, when he made the decision to switch parties and file for re-election as a Republican.   He also previously served four years as Chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee.

Congressman Hall’s work on the Committee encompasses myriad policy initiatives, including NASA Authorization Bills, Space Shuttle Columbia Investigation, International Space Station, Space Exploration Act, Energy Policy Act, Science Education for the 21st Century Act, NOAA Tornado Detection, National Integrated Drought Information System,  Cyber Security Research and Development Act, Inland Flooding Act, National Science Foundation funding, and the Networking and Information Research and Development Act, among others.

As Chairman, Congressman Hall will continue to promote a Vision for Science for the 21st Century that will keep America strong and secure and ensure America’s technological leadership for future generations.  His priorities include:

  • Maintain America’s technological edge through space exploration and research and development;
  • Improve quality of life by promoting programs that advance medical, energy and technological breakthroughs;
  • Increase America’s energy independence by promoting research and development in alternative energy sources and new technologies;
  • Equip students and workers with the knowledge and skills necessary for 21st century jobs;
  • Promote safety from natural disasters through better prediction and communication;
  • Strengthen cyber security and information technology integration;
  • Advance effective use of taxpayer dollars through proper oversight.

Previous Public Service

Between 1950 and 1962, Mr. Hall served as County Judge of Rockwall County, Texas.  In 1958-1959, he served as President of the State Judges and Commissioners Association.  He served in the Texas Senate from 1962 to 1972, where he served as President Pro Tempore in 1968-1969.

Personal Background

Ralph M. Hall was born in Fate (Rockwall County), Texas, on May 3, 1923, attended the public schools in Rockwall and graduated from Rockwall High School.  He joined the U.S. Navy on December 10, 1942, serving as a lieutenant (senior grade) aircraft carrier pilot from 1942 to 1945.  Hall attended The University of Texas, Austin, 1946-1947, and received his LL.B. from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, in 1951.  He was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1951 and maintained a private law practice in Rockwall for many years.  He is the former President and Chief Executive Officer, Texas Aluminum Corporation; past General Counsel, Texas Extrusion Company, Inc.; past organizer, Chairman, Board of Directors, now Chairman of the Board, Lakeside National Bank of Rockwall (now Lakeside Bancshares, Inc.); past Chairman, Board of Directors, Lakeside News, Inc.; now Chairman, Board of Directors, Bank of Crowley; and President, North and East Trading Company.

In 1944, he married the former Mary Ellen Murphy.  They have three sons, Hampton, Brett, and Blakeley, and five grandchildren.