I rise very sadly tonight in opposition to this legislation. I have spent hundreds of hours negotiating this, including with the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, my friends on the Republican side, reauthorization after reauthorization. I have the scars to show for how much work has been done. Here we are on the verge of a great deal. The Senate has a bill that reauthorizes FISA and puts in stronger safeguards than the bill that we passed here in the House.
2026 MidtermsSafe SeatD+24D shift +4$804K raised
Jim Himes
Representative · Connecticut · Democrat
Jim Himes
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I want to start by thanking Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters for doing a remarkable thing. In this polarized and angry Congress, we are actually getting something done, and we are getting something done that is really important. Throughout my district, from Greenwich to Bridgeport, from Ridgefield to Oxford, I don't spend a day where I don't hear somebody say: I can't afford the rent. I can't afford to buy. We have a crisis of housing in this country. While this won't fix everything, this is a huge step in the right direction.
Mr. Speaker, here we are again, debating something that is not debatable. It is in the Constitution that every single one of us pledges to uphold. You can read it. It says that the Congress authorizes military action. It doesn't matter how good or bad or evil or close to a nuclear weapon a foe is. What matters is that the Constitution says we debate and approve military action. Today, of course, we are well beyond the 60 days of the start of this hostility. Not only is this action unconstitutional, completely unapproved by the Congress, but it is now illegal.
Biography
Jim Himes began his career as a community development leader, focusing on affordable housing and economic opportunity. Elected to represent Connecticut’s 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, he prioritizes financial regulation, technology innovation, and infrastructure investment. Himes has authored legislation to expand broadband access and serves as Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He approaches his role with analytical rigor, aiming to strengthen both his district’s economy and national security.
Education
- M.phil, Oxford University, Oxford, England1990
- B.A., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA1988
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2009-PresentRepresenting Connecticut's 4th district
Vice President, Goldman Sachs and Co.
1990–2002Vice President, Enterprise Community Partners
2002–07Commissioner, Greenwich Housing Authority
Chair, Greenwich Democratic Town Committee
Policy Focus
Finance and Financial Sector22%
Taxation17%
Crime and Law Enforcement17%
International Affairs17%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Jim Himes's record in Congress.
Affordable Housing Advocacy
Championed increased federal funding for affordable housing initiatives, including the National Housing Trust Fund.
Financial Services Reform
Helped craft and pass the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act as a member of the House Financial Services Committee.
STEM Education Funding
Secured federal grants to expand STEM education programs in Connecticut schools and local colleges.
Transportation Infrastructure
Supported federal investments to upgrade Metro-North Railroad and improve transportation infrastructure in southwestern Connecticut.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Permanent Select Committee on IntelligenceRanking Member
- House Committee on Financial Services
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