Congressman Pete King

112th Congress - 1st Session - 2011

Congressman Peter T. King, a Republican, is serving his tenth term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rep. King is Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee and also serves on the Financial Services Committee and Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Congressman King has been a leader in the ongoing effort to have Homeland Security funding based on threat analysis and is a strong supporter of the war against international terrorism, both at home and abroad. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee he has stood up to the pressure from special interest groups and the media to hold a series of hearings on Islamic radicalization. Chairman King has led the fight to continue funding to the Secure the Cities Program to protect the New York-Long Island region from nuclear dirty bomb attacks.

Rep. King is a strong supporter of our military and has fought hard to bring veterans’ benefits into the 21st century. Congressman King has been a consistent leader in the fight against illegal immigration and a strong supporter of funding to combat deadly illnesses such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. He has also received the AARP's Legislative Leadership Award for combating elder abuse and exploitation.

During his years in Congress, Rep. King has attained a reputation for being well-informed and independent. The New York Daily News has said that "Pete King is as knowledgeable as they come about terrorism and the need for emergency preparedness," while the New York Post has credited Rep. King as being "smart and solid and a long time student of terrorism and homeland security matters." Even Newsday has admitted that Congressman King is a "stand-up guy who isn’t shy about tangling with the powerful, even those in his own party. King has become a national figure who delivers for the region and his district."

Prior to serving in Congress, Pete King was elected to three terms as the Comptroller of Nassau County. Before serving in county government, Rep. King had extensive experience as a practicing attorney and civic leader. He began his political career in November 1977 by winning election to the Hempstead Town Council. Rep. King is also a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Peter T. King was born on April 5, 1944 and is a graduate of St. Francis College, Brooklyn, and the University of Notre Dame Law School. He is a lifelong resident of New York and has lived in Nassau County for more than 40 years. Rep. King and his wife, Rosemary, reside in Seaford. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.