Years in Office
36
Bills Sponsored
234
Bills Co-Sponsored
4647
Committees
2
Richard Neal Biography
Richard Neal began his career as a teacher and city mayor before representing Massachusetts’s 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, first elected in 1988. He focuses on tax policy, retirement security, and infrastructure investment. As Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Neal played a pivotal role in shaping major tax reform legislation and expanding access to retirement savings. His leadership has secured critical federal funding for local transportation projects. Neal is known for his methodical approach and commitment to delivering practical results for Western Massachusetts.
Education
- M.A. in Public Administration, University of Hartford Barney School of Business and Public Administration, West Hartford, CT(1976)
- B.A. in Political Science, American International College, Springfield, MA(1972)
Professional History
U.S. Representative
(1989-Present)Representing Massachusetts's 1st district
Mayor, City of Springfield
(1983–89)Member, Springfield City Council
(1978–84)(president, 1979)
Assistant, Mayor William C. Sullivan
(1973–78)Instructor/lecturer
Impact & Accomplishments
Notable contributions during Richard Neal's congressional service.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Negotiations
Played a key role in shaping tax provisions as Ranking Member during the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act negotiations.
Affordable Care Act Protections
Helped protect and expand Affordable Care Act provisions through legislative efforts in the Ways and Means Committee.
Social Security Fairness
Sponsored legislation to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset affecting Social Security benefits.
Springfield Union Station Revitalization
Secured federal funding for the restoration and reopening of Springfield Union Station in Massachusetts.
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