Gary Peters

Gary PetersU.S. SENATOR GARY PETERS

D-MICHIGAN

 

RACE SUMMARY:

VOTING RECORD: Project Vote Smart, Govtrack US

 

BIOGRAPHY POLITICAL CAREER
Party:  Democrat
 
Born:  12/1/1958
 
Education: 
  • Alma College (BA)
  • University of Detroit (MBA)
  • Wayne State University Law School (JD)
  • Michigan State University (MA)
Occupation:  Financial Advisor
 
Family:  Married, 3 children
 
Religion: Episcopalian

Career: 

  • Member of the Michigan Senate 1995-200
  • 7th Michigan Lottery Commissioner, 2003-2008
  • Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Michigan’s 9th district, 2009-2014
  • U.S. Senator, Michigan, 2015-present

Committees: 

  • Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
  • Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs - Chair
  • Armed Services Committee

Elected: 2008, 2014

 

ISRAEL


  • Led a bipartisan coalition of 338 Members of Congress urging President to continue U.S. support of Israel following a 2010 flotilla incident in which ships from Turkey were heading to Gaza in violation of Israel’s coastal blockade
  • Co-sponsored and strongly supports legislation to implement sanctions to discourage Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons
  • Signed a Congressional letter to President Barack Obama reaffirming our commitment to the “unbreakable” bond between the U.S. and Israel

CHOICE


 

  • Earned a 100% rating from NARAL
  • Helped Planned Parenthood open a new office in his district, knowing that it provides low income women with necessary health care, preventive screenings and access to contraception
  • Voted against the 20-week abortion ban with no exemption to protect a women’s health
  • Voted against the birth-control refusal law which would have hindered women’s access to abortion services

 

In His Own Words


  • “Preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is essential to the national security of the United States, the future of the State of Israel, and the stability of the Middle East.” 1

  • “I strongly support Israel's right to self defense from … indiscriminate attacks on its civilians because innocent children should never know this kind of fear.” 2

  • “Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East and we must stand with them. I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that the US-Israel relationship continues to grow stronger and that it remains non-partisan.” 3

  • “Congress should be focused on finding common sense solutions to the issues facing middle class families, investing in small businesses and responsibly cutting wasteful spending. Instead, today House Republicans wasted time on a symbolic political gesture to try and limit access to women’s health care.” 4

SOURCES:  (1) www.peters.house.gov, (2) www.peters.house.gov, (3) www.peters.house.gov, (4) www.peters.house.gov

 

Interesting Facts


Gary Peters was the first Democrat to represent his Congressional district since 1893.

The son of a World War II veteran, Congressman Peters served in uniform as a Seabee combat warfare specialist and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

After the September 11th terrorist attacks, Congressman Peters signed up to again serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve.