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CHA Chairman Robert A. Brady tours the Capitol Visitor Center construction site.
Congressman Robert A. Brady was sworn into office to represent the people of Pennsylvania’s
First Congressional District on May 21, 1998. The First Congressional District includes
portions of South Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, Northeast
Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, Northwest Philadelphia, Center City and parts
of Delaware County. District One is among the most ethnically diverse districts
in Pennsylvania.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Brady graduated from St. Thomas More High School,
found employment as a carpenter and was soon part of the leadership of the Carpenters’
union. He continues to be a dues paying member of both the Carpenters’ and
the Teachers’ unions.
Congressman Brady was elected Chairman of the Committee on House Administration
in May of 2007. In announcing his election, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi highlighted
Brady’s “...experience as a leading member of the House Administration
Committee for 4 years and his in-depth knowledge of the internal functions of the
House.” She also highlighted his ability “to promote equality and diversity
on Capitol Hill.”
In his role as Chairman, Brady leads the Committee’s oversight of federal
elections and the day-to-day functions of the House of Representatives, as well
as budget authorizations for expenses of House committees, and those for expenses
of Members of Congress. The Committee is responsible for oversight of the House
officers, including the administrative and technical functions of the House.
Additionally, under Chairman Brady’s direction, the House Administration Committee
oversees security on the House side of the Capitol Complex and works closely with
the Capitol Police to ensure that every effort is made to keep the Capitol Complex
secure while maintaining accessibility for the millions of constituents who visit
every year. The Committee also oversees the management of the Library of Congress
and the Smithsonian Institution including the National Zoo.
Brady held various leadership positions prior to becoming a member of the U.S. House
of Representatives. His accomplishments include, but are not limited to serving
as Deputy Mayor for Labor in the administration of Philadelphia Mayor W. Wilson
Goode, serving as a consultant to the Pennsylvania State Senate, serving as a Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commissioner and his role as a member of the Board of Directors of the
Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.
Throughout his legislative career, Congressman Brady has consistently earned an
“A” or 100 percent rating from the AFL-CIO, NAACP, The Leadership Conference
on Civil Rights, the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, the Human Rights Campaign
and every other national human rights organization that scores Congress. In addition,
Brady has twice been honored as a “Friend of the National Parks” by
the National Parks Conservation Association for his contribution to protecting and
enhancing the environment in America's national parks. He is the first Philadelphian
to chair either a full or subcommittee since former Congressman Bill Gray was Chairman
of the Budget Committee in the 99th and 100th Congresses.
Brady has been an unwavering advocate for legislation that supports the well-being
of financially disadvantaged communities. He has sponsored or co-sponsored legislation
that promotes affordable housing, as well as strategies to ensure that all Americans
have access to quality healthcare and life-saving prescription drugs. As a member
of the Armed Services Committee, Brady has called for programs to support veterans
as well as current members of our Armed Forces. While he has been one of the strongest
supporters of our men and women serving in uniform, he has also been an outspoken
opponent of the escalation of the Iraq War and has supported imposing a timeline
for safe and orderly withdrawal from Iraq. In his role as Chairman of the Committee
on House Administration, Brady has been a leading advocate for election reform.
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