Jackie Speier
Jackie Speier
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jackie Speier is a prominent American politician who serves as the U.S. Representative for California's 14th congressional district.
Birth and Death Dates
She was born on May 14, 1950.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Speier is an American politician, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2008.
Early Life and Background
Born in San Francisco, California, Speier grew up in a family that valued public service. Her father, John L. Burton Jr., was a prominent figure in state politics, having served as the Chairman of the California Democratic Party. This upbringing instilled in Speier a strong sense of civic duty and a desire to make a difference.
Speier's early life was marked by both privilege and tragedy. She attended high school at the prestigious Menlo School for Girls before going on to study Asian studies at the University of California, Berkeley. However, her academic pursuits were cut short when she suffered a severe gunshot wound during a 1978 kidnapping attempt in Iran. This harrowing experience left her with partial paralysis but did not deter her from pursuing a career in public service.
Major Accomplishments
Speier's entry into politics began as an aide to the late U.S. Representative Leo Ryan, who was assassinated alongside four others during that same 1978 trip to Jonestown, Guyana. Her experience as a staffer and her own personal tragedy led Speier to become deeply involved in issues related to international human rights and gun control.
Upon taking office in 2008, Speier became the first woman from California's Bay Area to serve on the House Intelligence Committee. She has been at the forefront of several high-profile investigations into government surveillance programs and national security policies. Her leadership roles include serving as Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-chairing the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth.
Speier's legislative accomplishments are numerous, but some notable examples include her work to strengthen gun safety laws, protect survivors of domestic violence, and support victims of international terrorism. She has been a vocal advocate for women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental protections.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Speier's most notable actions as a member of Congress include:
Chairing the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on Terrorism: During her tenure, she led several investigations into government surveillance programs and national security policies.
Sponsoring the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act: This legislation strengthened protections for victims of human trafficking and increased support for anti-trafficking efforts worldwide.
* Cosponsoring the Equality Act: Speier has been a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and this bill aimed to provide comprehensive federal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Impact and Legacy
As a dedicated public servant, Speier's impact extends far beyond her legislative accomplishments. Her unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice has inspired countless individuals around the world. She remains an influential voice in national politics, using her platform to elevate marginalized voices and champion critical causes.
Speier's personal story is also one of remarkable resilience and determination. Her experience as a survivor of kidnapping and attempted murder has given her a unique perspective on issues related to violence and trauma. Through her work in Congress, she continues to amplify the voices of survivors and push for policies that promote healing and justice.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jackie Speier's enduring impact as a public figure can be attributed to her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Her tireless advocacy, coupled with her unshakeable resilience in the face of adversity, has earned her widespread recognition and respect.
Speier's legacy is not limited to her legislative achievements but extends to the countless individuals whose lives have been touched by her dedication to social justice.
Quotes by Jackie Speier
With a measly 18 percent of our Congress composed of women, the U.S. ranks just 77th in the world in terms of women in elected office, surpassed by such countries as Ezbekistan and Moldova.
Planned Parenthood has a right to operate. Planned Parenthood has a right to provide family planning services. Planned parenthood has a right to perform abortions.
What a gun does to a person who survives is devastating as well. Whether it`s the surgeries, I had over ten, the years of physical therapy, the emotional and physical scars that you endure and have to come to grips with the fact that you are different.
If the director of the department doesn't even know what the privacy policy is, we are in trouble.
Every American has the right to feel safe in their schools, in their churches, in their movie theaters, and in their nightclubs.
In terms of transparency in total compensation, we need to look at what's a reasonable number, and to what extent it's appropriate.
In my district, California 14, we have about 4,000 families who are on food stamps, but some of my colleagues have thousands and thousands more. Yet, they somehow feel like crusaders, like heroes, when they vote to cut food stamps.
The truth of the matter is they are getting paid to do (state) jobs that the public perceives they're committed to 24/7. They accepted the positions knowing what the parameters are.
It's more important than ever for America to rededicate itself to manufacturing at home. When we make more products in America, more American families will make it.