Biography
Robert Pittenger is serving his first term in the United States Congress, representing the citizens of North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. Congressman Pittenger’s district encompasses portions of Iredell, Mecklenburg, and Union counties, is home to America’s second largest financial center, located in Charlotte, and is the heart of “NASCAR Country,” home to more than one dozen NASCAR teams and many of the sport’s top drivers.
Congressman Pittenger serves on the House Committee on Financial Services, and sits on the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee, as well as the Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee. House Speaker John Boehner appointed Congressman Pittenger to serve on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which monitors human rights and the development of the rule of law in China. He is Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare, and a member of the Taskforce on Terrorism and Proliferation Financing. Seeking to change the rancorous tone in Washington, Congressman Pittenger co-founded and co-chairs the United Solutions caucus, which brings together freshman Representatives committed to moving forward on fiscal issues, including entitlement reform and tax reform.
Born and raised in Texas, Robert was the youngest of four children. His dad was a small businessman, and his mother raised the children. Their guidance provided a solid foundation for honesty, hard work, and dedication. Upon graduating from the University of Texas, Congressman Pittenger began his career in service to his faith. He worked for 10 years as Assistant to the President of Campus Crusade for Christ, and helped bring the work of the organization to over 170 countries. In 1985, Congressman Pittenger and his family moved to Charlotte, where he built a national real estate investment company from scratch.
During his tenure in the North Carolina Senate (2003-2008), Congressman Pittenger focused on strengthening the state’s financial foundations and proposed over $1.5 billion in spending cuts to balance the state’s budget. He led the fight for lower taxes for families, medical litigation reform, and to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid. Congressman Pittenger was a lead sponsor of Right to Life legislation and the marriage amendment, and has been recognized for his strong support of the Second Amendment.
Congressman Pittenger’s commitment to building strong foundations applies to his community as well. He has striven to ensure that all, regardless of background, have a chance to succeed. Because of the value he places on his own family, many of his endeavors focus on children and families. He has served as President of the Foundation for North Carolina’s Future and the Outreach Carolina “Power to Change” campaign. He has also served on the board of the Presbyterian Hospital Foundation, Crossnore School, Jesse Helms Educational Foundation, Davidson College Parents Council, and Central Piedmont Community College Foundation.
The challenges America faces are great. With a $17 trillion debt poised to balloon even further and the prospect of devastating cuts to our defense budget, Congress faces difficult decisions. The stakes are too high for us to get it wrong. Congressman Pittenger recognizes the urgency of our problems and is working with other Members of Congress to build our economy, while holding the line on lower taxes, reduced spending, and less government intrusion in our lives.
Congressman Pittenger and his wife Suzanne live in Charlotte, North Carolina, and have four grown children and eight grandchildren. They attend Central Church of God.
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