Representative Richard Neal, Democratic from Massachusetts

Richard Neal

Representative · Massachusetts · Democrat

Richard Neal

House Floor

Recent comments in the House

Mr. Speaker, there is very little that the chairman said that I disagree with. However, amnesia apparently has overtaken this debate. Do we remember the humiliation that President Trump and the Vice President offered to President Zelenskyy in the Oval Office? Is there a moment of clarity here as to whose side we are really on? Every Democrat in this House is supportive of President Zelenskyy and Ukraine.
SUPPORTING EARLY-CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS' DEDUCTIONS ACT··Share
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

Policy Focus
Social Welfare28%
Immigration17%
International Affairs11%
Taxation11%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from Richard Neal's record in Congress.

  • 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.

Committee Assignments
View details →
  • House Committee on Ways and MeansRanking Member
  • Joint Committee on Taxation

Rep. Richard Neal FAQ

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