Jim Ramstad was first elected to
Congress in 1990. He is a member of the House Ways and
Means Committee, Health Subcommittee and Oversight Subcommittee. Jim also co-chairs the
Addiction Treatment and Recovery Caucus, as well as the
Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, Law Enforcement Caucus
and Medical Technology Caucus.
Congressman Ramstad is the 1998 recipient of the "Fullbright Distinguished Public Service Award."
Jim was also named "Legislator of the Year"
in 1998 by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselors,
in 1999 by the National Mental Health Association and in 1997 and 2000 by the National
Association of Police Organizations.
In 2005, Jim was named “Leading
Light for Seniors” by the American Health Care
Association, and in 2006 he received the “Disabilities
Rights Award” from the American Association of People
with Disabilities.
Jim Ramstad was born in Jamestown,
North Dakota, the third generation member of a small
business family. He received his B.A. degree from the
University of Minnesota in 1968 (Phi Beta Kappa) and his
J.D. (with Honors) from George Washington University in
1973.
Congressman Ramstad served his
country as a First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Reserve, from
1968-75. He is a former Criminal Justice attorney and
adjunct professor of government and Constitutional law.
Prior to his election to Congress, Jim served three
terms in the Minnesota Senate, where he was Assistant
Minority Leader.
Jim Ramstad has a long history of
civic and community involvement. He currently
serves as a board member of Minnesota D.A.R.E. and the
Lake Country Food Bank. Jim is also a member of American
Legion Post 118, Minnesota Prayer Breakfast Committee,
Plymouth Lions Club and the MetroNorth and Wayzata Area Chambers of
Commerce.
Jim and his wife Kathryn have one daughter, Christen, a senior at Colorado College, and are
members of Wayzata Community Church.