Now
in his third term in Congress, Dennis Cardoza has established
a reputation as an effective, fiscally-responsible legislator
who delivers results for the Central Valley. Cardoza represents
California 's 18th Congressional District, which includes
Merced County and portions of San Joaquin, Stanislaus,
Madera , and Fresno Counties.
Cardoza serves as Chairman of the House
Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Horticulture and
Organic Agriculture, which will play a leading role
in the formation of the 2007 Farm Bill. The subcommittee
is critical to Central Valley farmers because it has jurisdiction
over the crops that constitute the lion's share of Central
Valley agricultural production. Cardoza also serves on
the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry and the
Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research.
In 2007, Cardoza joined the prestigious House
Rules Committee, which serves as the gateway for all
major legislation considered on the House floor. Having
a seat at the table on this powerful committee gives the
Congressman a strong platform from which to advocate for
the interests and values of California 's Central Valley
on a wide range of important bills. The Congressman also
serves on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee,
which determines committee assignments and guides policy
priorities.
Cardoza's centrist philosophy is highlighted in his role
as a leading member of the Blue
Dog Coalition, a group of 44 moderate to conservative
House Democrats who are committed to fiscal responsibility
and accountability for taxpayer dollars.
Since taking office in 2003, Cardoza has demonstrated
a commitment to reaching across the partisan divide to
find common ground between Democrats and Republicans.
He has a strong record on national security, veterans'
issues, and defending Social Security. Cardoza has worked
tirelessly to support legislation that helps Central Valley
farmers and has secured millions in funding for vital
infrastructure projects in the
18th district.
Cardoza has been a strong and consistent
advocate for reducing our nation's dangerous dependence
on foreign oil. He strongly supports investing in alternative
and renewable energy sources. Cardoza, who has installed
solar panels on his family residence
in Atwater, recently introduced a bill that would extend and increase tax credits for solar installation
on residential and commercial properties. In 2006, the
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) named him “Solar
Champion of the Year.”
Cardoza, who has two adopted children, has been a strong
voice on behalf of adoption and foster children. In April
of 2005, he introduced the “Military
Adoption Act,” which makes it easier for military
service members to adopt children by allowing them to
take paid leave. The bill was signed into law by President
Bush in December 2005.
Prior to serving in Congress, Cardoza spent six years
in the California State Assembly, where he chaired the
powerful Rules Committee and helped forge the Moderate
Democratic Caucus. A broad group of organizations honored
Cardoza as Legislator of the Year for his efforts to cut
taxes, help family farms, and promote education and children's
safety.
Cardoza's
interest in public service began in college when he interned
on Capitol Hill during the summer of 1979. The first in
his family to graduate from college, Cardoza went on to
run a successful small business. His belief that government
should do more to help small businesses and foster economic
growth inspired him to serve a term on the Atwater City
Council beginning in 1984.
In 1994, Cardoza was appointed to the
Merced City Council. His council-related duties on the
Merced County Regional Solid Waste Board, the Merced County
Association of Governments, and the Atwater Redevelopment
Agency provided invaluable experience on dealing with
a wide range of important local and county issues.
Cardoza has been relentless in his efforts to establish
a University of California campus in the Central Valley.
UC Merced, once
a dream of Valley educators, students, and parents opened
its campus doors in the fall of 2005.
The Congressman has never forgotten his agricultural
roots. His grandparents emigrated from Portugal in the
early 20th century to farm the rich Merced County soil.
The Cardoza family raised dairy cattle and grew sweet
potatoes, almonds, watermelons, wheat, oats, and alfalfa.
Representative Cardoza married Dr.
Kathleen McLoughlin. They have three children, Joey,
Brittany Mari, and Elaina.
Click HERE
for a High Resolution Photograph of Congressman
Cardoza |