Randy Forbes represents the diverse and expansive Fourth Congressional District of Virginia. Elected in a special election in 2001, he is now serving his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Randy focuses his efforts in Congress on protecting the security and sovereignty of our nation, preserving the moral and historical roots of our country, strengthening our military and supporting veterans, growing educational opportunities for our children, and promoting economic development through fiscal responsibility.
Since his election to Congress, Randy’s commitment to constituent service has quickly become a model on Capitol Hill. By placing a high priority on direct communication with constituents and by partnering with the 18 cities and counties in his encompassing district, Randy has earned a reputation for his ability to aptly serve the needs of the citizens of the Fourth District.
On the House Armed Services Committee, Randy works to provide our military with the proper tools, facilities, and training to be the most effective military in the world. Randy serves as Ranking Member of the Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, which oversees the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. His work in the most recent BRAC process nearly doubled the personnel assigned to Ft. Lee and kept the Defense Supply Center Richmond open. In addition, Randy was awarded the U.S. Navy’s highest civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Award, for his committed service and leadership in advancing the U.S. Navy.
Randy is also the founder of the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus, the Congressional China Caucus, and co-chair of the Navy and Marine Corps Caucus. Since taking office, Randy has sponsored legislation ranging from the prosecution of Weapons of Mass Destruction to the reformation of the military mail system.
As a Member of the House Judiciary committee, Randy addresses significant national issues including illegal immigration, combating terrorism, balancing the federal budget and reforming healthcare. He has served as Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. He received national recognition for his work to protect communities by authoring the Alien Gang Removal Act, which provides for the immediate deportation of aliens who are found to be members of violent criminal gangs. He also sits on the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims.
Randy is the founder of the Congressional Prayer Caucus whose purpose is to recognize the vital role that prayer by individuals of all faiths has played in Congress and in America.
Randy's commitment of service to others has been the cornerstone of his professional career. A life-long resident of Virginia, he began his career in the private practice of law helping small and medium-sized businesses and ultimately became a partner in the largest law firm in southeastern Virginia. From 1989-2001, he served the Commonwealth of Virginia in the General Assembly. As a member of the House of Delegates, he served 7 years, quickly establishing himself and serving as the Floor Leader until his election to the State Senate in 1997. One year later, he became the Senate Floor Leader. He served in the State Senate for 3 1/2 years, until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Randy was chief patron of some of Virginia's most important legislation in the past decade ranging from state funding for school construction to the abolition of parole.
Randy graduated from Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake in 1970. He was valedictorian of his 1974 class at Randolph-Macon College. In 1977, Randy graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law.
Randy attends Great Bridge Baptist Church, where he has taught adult Sunday school for over 20 years. He was born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia where he still resides with his wife Shirley. He and Shirley have been married since 1978 and have four children: Neil, Jamie, Jordan, and Justin.
http://forbes.house.gov/ |