Greg Walden
Greg Walden
Full Name and Common Aliases
Greg Paul Walden is a former American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Oregon's 2nd congressional district from 1999 to 2021.
Birth and Death Dates
He was born on September 10, 1957.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Walden holds American nationality and is a professional politician and former radio broadcasting executive.
Early Life and Background
Greg Walden was raised in Hood River, Oregon. His family had a long history of involvement in the region's agricultural industry. He attended high school at Hood River Valley High School and later graduated from Willamette University with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science.
Walden began his professional career as a radio broadcasting executive, eventually serving as the President and CEO of Clear Channel Communications' Oregon operations. During this time, he also became involved in local politics, serving on various boards and commissions.
Major Accomplishments
As a congressman, Walden served multiple terms on several committees, including the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where he was a senior member. He was also a key figure in the passage of significant legislation related to telecommunications, healthcare, and energy policy.
Walden's tenure as chairman of the House Republican Conference from 2010 to 2012 showcased his leadership skills within his party. During this period, he played a crucial role in shaping the legislative agenda and messaging for House Republicans.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable actions taken by Walden during his tenure include:
Co-sponsorship of the "Every Kid Outdoors" bill (2019), which aimed to provide free national park passes to fourth-grade students.
Advocacy for rural broadband expansion and digital inclusion in underserved communities.
* Support for various conservation initiatives, including the preservation of public lands and waters.
Impact and Legacy
Walden's impact on Oregon and the nation is multifaceted. His work on healthcare policy has been particularly notable, as he helped shape key aspects of the Affordable Care Act during his time on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
The congressman's experience in broadcasting also lent him expertise on telecommunications issues, allowing him to guide legislation that promoted investment in rural broadband infrastructure and advanced digital services for consumers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Greg Walden is remembered as a dedicated public servant who leveraged his unique blend of policy acumen and industry expertise to shape significant legislation. His commitment to serving Oregon's 2nd congressional district earned him the respect of constituents, colleagues, and policymakers alike.
The breadth of his accomplishments, combined with his genuine dedication to addressing critical issues affecting Americans nationwide, has solidified Walden's position as a notable figure in contemporary U.S. politics.
Quotes by Greg Walden
As the GAO report recognizes, the long-term health of our forests relies on additional fuel reduction options and funding to reduce the risks that catastrophic fire poses to our nation’s ecosystems, communities and federal budgetary resources.
Small businesses are seeing huge rate increases every year, and more and more of them are saying they just can’t afford to provide coverage. That’s part of the reason more than 45 million Americans are now uninsured.
I’ve experienced first-hand the wonderful work organizations like J Bar J do for young people in Central Oregon and I am encouraged that the federal government is taking an active role in the Cascade Youth and Family Center.
It is no secret that those of us in the Northwest believe the Administration’s proposal to drive up the cost of electricity in our region is not only misguided, but also will not achieve the intended goal of raising money for the treasury.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was originally enacted in 1973 with the primary function being recovery of endangered and threatened species.
Graham is a bright and talented young man who is enthusiastic about helping Oregonians in the Second District and learning more about the inner-workings of a congressional office, ... I look forward to having him in the Bend office and know that he'll be a tremendous asset to my team on the ground in Oregon. His family and friends should be proud.
Let's start and build a House that works for the people, because this is the people's House,
In addition to hydropower, Oregon and the Northwest have pioneering companies leading the way in environmentally friendly energy technology.
A $1.7 billion average increase in electricity costs is estimated to result in a $1.3 billion decrease in personal income and a loss of 13,000 more jobs in the region.