Full Biography
Patrick Meehan represents Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District in the United States Congress. Meehan “is avoiding the partisan fights that trap some of his DC colleagues and building a reputation as a pragmatic problem solver in SEPA,” according to PoliticsPA.com.
Currently serving his third term in Congress, Meehan serves on the influential House Ways and Means Committee, as well as the Committee on Ethics. On the Ways and Means Committee, Meehan serves on the Trade and Oversight Subcommittees. The Ways and Means Committee is the House's chief tax-writing body, with broad jurisdiction over issues critical to Southeastern Pennsylvania like health care and trade.
Elected to Congress in 2010, Meehan has made economic growth in Southeastern Pennsylvania a top priority by supporting projects like the revitalization of the area’s refineries, the expansion of Philadelphia International Airport and the deepening of the Delaware River shipping channel – projects that mean jobs for the region. He’s fighting to reform our broken tax code, reduce our national debt, and rein in out-of-control Washington regulations.
In the 113th Congress, Meehan chaired the House Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Cybersecurity. Meehan focused on protecting America's critical infrastructure -- our transportation, energy, financial and communications systems -- from cyberattack. He's worked with his colleagues on the committee to craft bipartisan cyber legislation that strengthens our government's response to cyberattacks, helps the private sector prevent intrusions, and protects the privacy and civil liberties of Americans.
Rep. Meehan is working tirelessly to root out wasteful federal spending and hold Washington accountable for poor management and misconduct. Meehan has taken his experience working with victims as a prosecutor with him to Congress, and has been a leader in the effort to protect the victims of brutal crimes such as sexual assault. He's teamed up with both Republicans and Democrats to combat sexual violence on college campuses and in the military. He’s fighting to provide vital support to victims through legislation like the Violence Against Women Act.
Prior to his election to the United States Congress, Meehan earned an impressive record as one of the Philadelphia area’s most respected prosecutors. Appointed by the President, Meehan served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a position that made him the top federal prosecutor in a district that spanned nine counties with a population of over five million residents. During his tenure, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia became a national leader in prosecuting corrupt government officials. Meehan helped to put behind bars some of the biggest names in Philadelphia’s corrupt pay-to-play political culture, including former Philadelphia Treasurer Corey Kemp, Councilman Rick Mariano, and State Senator Vincent Fumo. Meehan earned praise from both sides of the aisle for his integrity and his commitment to rooting out political corruption.
Prior to his appointment as United States Attorney, Meehan served as the District Attorney of Delaware County. As D.A., he successfully prosecuted several high-profile cases, including the murder trial of millionaire John DuPont and the trial of the murderer of local college student Aimee Willard. Meehan formed the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a working group dedicated to protecting children from online predators.
A native of Cheltenham, Montgomery County, Meehan is a graduate of Bowdoin College and the Temple University School of Law. Prior to entering public service, Congressman Meehan spent two years as a referee in the National Hockey League. Meehan, his wife Carolyn, and their three sons live in Delaware County.