Representative Bobby Scott, Democratic from Virginia

Bobby Scott

Representative · Virginia · Democrat

Bobby Scott

House Floor

Recent comments in the House

Mr. Speaker, I also include in the Record a statement from the American Federation of Teachers which says in part: ``The AFT has long fought for academic freedom, the safety and dignity of all students and educators, and policies that keep higher education accessible. H.R. 4795 undermines those goals rather than advancing them.'' AFT, AFL-CIO, Washington, DC, September 1, 2026. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: On behalf of the 1.875 million members of the AFT who work in education, healthcare and public services, I am writing to urge you to oppose H.R.
On H.R. 4795··Share
Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 237, nays 169, not voting 27, as follows: [Roll No. 295] YEAS--237 Aderholt Alford Allen Amodei (NV) Arrington Auchincloss Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Barr Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Begich Bentz Bergman Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Boebert Bost Brecheen Bresnahan Buchanan Burchett Burlison Calvert Cammack Carey Carter (GA) Carter (TX) Castor (FL) Cisneros Cline Cloud Clyde Cole Collins Comer Costa Courtney Crane Crank Crawford Crenshaw…
PROTECT ECONOMIC AND ACADEMIC FREEDOM ACT OF 2026··Share
Mr. Speaker, today, we find ourselves here, again, purportedly to address anti-Semitism in American higher education. While we should be able to agree that there is no place in higher education for anti- Semitism, the fact is my colleagues on the other side have been curiously quiet, or selectively quiet, about addressing anti-Semitism when it actually does occur.
PROTECT ECONOMIC AND ACADEMIC FREEDOM ACT OF 2026··Share
Biography
Bobby Scott began his career as a civil rights attorney, advocating for social and economic justice in his community. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Virginia’s 3rd District in 1992, he has focused on criminal justice reform, education equity, and workers’ rights. Scott authored the Youth PROMISE Act to prevent juvenile crime and currently chairs the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, shaping national policy on schools and labor standards. He is known for his meticulous approach to legislation and commitment to serving his constituents with transparency and diligence.
Education
  • B.A., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
  • J.D., Boston College Law School, Newton Centre, MA
Professional History

  • U.S. Representative

    1993–Present

    Represented Virginia's 3rd congressional district for 17 terms.

  • Member, Senate of Virginia

    1982–1993

    Served as a Democratic state senator following election to the Virginia Senate in 1982.

  • Member, Virginia House of Delegates

    1978–1982

    Served as a Democratic state delegate after winning election to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1977.

  • Private Practice Lawyer, Newport News

    1973–1991

    Worked as an attorney in private legal practice in Newport News, Virginia.

  • Member, U.S. Army Reserve

    1974–1976

    Served in the United States Army Reserve following prior National Guard service.

  • Member, Massachusetts Army National Guard

    1970–1973

    Served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard while in his early legal and educational years.

Policy Focus
Labor and Employment32%
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues11%
Education11%
Families5%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from Bobby Scott's record in Congress.

  • Criminal Justice Reform

    Co-authored the First Step Act, which enacted significant sentencing and prison reforms.

  • Education Funding

    Championed the Every Student Succeeds Act to replace No Child Left Behind and increase local control in education.

  • Workforce Development

    Led efforts to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, improving job training and employment services.

  • Juvenile Justice

    Sponsored the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018, enhancing protections and rehabilitation for youth in the justice system.

Committee Assignments
View details →
  • House Committee on Education and WorkforceRanking Member
  • House Committee on the Budget

Rep. Bobby Scott FAQ

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