After 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Howard P. "Buck" McKeon has built a reputation as one of Congress' premier experts on improving America's economic competitiveness, especially in the context of workplace regulations, education reform and labor law. In addition, he has proven to be a vocal advocate for strengthening our military, fighting for lower taxes, reducing burdensome regulations on small business, and supporting legislation to make America energy independent .

First elected to represent the 25th Congressional District in California in 1992, Rep. McKeon has earned a reputation as a leader in the national education reform movement. Because of this, Rep. McKeon was elected by his colleagues to serve as Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in 2006 to replace Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) who was required by House rules to resign his committee assignment upon becoming House Majority Leader.

In the wake of the 2006 mid-term elections, Rep. McKeon is now Senior Republican Member on the Education and Labor Committee (formerly Education and the Workforce Committee). Among his legislative accomplishments are the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the No Child Left Behind Act, the Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act, the Workforce Investment Act, and other legislation designed to prepare America for the demands of the 21st century economy.

Prior to becoming Chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee, Rep. McKeon honed his expertise as head of the House Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness, with jurisdiction over higher education, technology in education, teacher training, job training and welfare reform. In this role, Rep. McKeon helped to develop legislation to prepare the workforce for the challenges of a global marketplace.

Since 1995, Rep. McKeon has also served on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), where he champions strengthening the military. As a senior member of HASC, Rep. McKeon supported fully funding the President’s war-time budget, and has consistently worked to ensure that the military has the tools it needs to protect America's interests abroad. Rep. McKeon currently serves on the Tactical Air and Land Forces and the Readiness Subcommittees.

Born Sept. 9, 1938 in Tujunga, California, Rep. McKeon grew up in the Tujunga area and graduated from Verdugo Hills High School in 1956. After serving a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he attended Brigham Young University. After several terms, Rep. McKeon embarked on a temporary "hiatus" from his studies.

During this hiatus, Rep. McKeon married his wife, Patricia, and began raising his family. He also started his career as a businessman in the Santa Clarita Valley, and was soon involved in his community through such organizations as the Boy Scouts, Little League, the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Board and the Chamber of Commerce, among others. He subsequently returned to school and completed his bachelor’s degree in 1985.

Before coming to Congress, Rep. McKeon served on the William S. Hart Union High School District Board of Trustees from 1978 to 1987. During that time, the city of Santa Clarita was incorporated and its citizens selected Rep. McKeon as a member of the city council. It was during the city council's first meeting that Rep. McKeon was chosen by his colleagues as Santa Clarita's first mayor. During his tenure on the City Council, Santa Clarita expanded its sheriff's and park programs and earned a reputation as one of the safest cities in America.

Rep. McKeon's legislative efforts have been recognized by several national organizations. He has been consistently recognized by The Watchdogs of the Treasury, the National Taxpayers Union and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for his leadership in cutting federal spending, reducing taxes and improving America's economic competitiveness in the world. He has also been recognized for his advocacy of higher education issues by many organizations, among them, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, American Association of Community Colleges and the Career College Association.

Rep. McKeon and his wife, Patricia, have six children and 29 grandchildren, and currently live in Santa Clarita.