Lamar S. Smith

Full Name and Common Aliases

Lamar Seeligson Smith is commonly known as Lamar Smith.

Birth and Death Dates

Born on October 19, 1954 (age 68) in San Antonio, Texas.

Nationality and Profession(s)

American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 21st congressional district from 1987 to 2019. He is also an attorney by profession.

Early Life and Background

Smith was born to parents Lamar Seeligson Smith Sr. and Dianne (née LeBlanc) in San Antonio, Texas. His family has a long history of public service; his father served as the mayor of San Antonio from 1977 to 1981. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from the University of Virginia in 1976 and later obtained a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in 1979.

Major Accomplishments

During his tenure as a congressman, Lamar S. Smith was involved in various high-profile issues. He served as the Chairman of the House Science Committee from 2013 to 2017 and was also a member of the House Judiciary Committee. Some notable accomplishments include:

Chairman of the House Science Committee: Under his leadership, the committee prioritized legislation addressing climate change, space exploration, and scientific research funding.
Authoring the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA): Smith introduced this bill in 2011 to combat online copyright infringement. Although SOPA was met with controversy, it sparked a national conversation about internet governance and intellectual property rights.

Notable Works or Actions

Some notable works and actions include:

Supporting the Space Exploration Program: Lamar S. Smith has been an advocate for NASA's space exploration program, particularly in his role as Chairman of the House Science Committee.
Fighting against Net Neutrality: He was a vocal opponent of the FCC's 2015 decision to implement net neutrality rules, arguing that they would stifle innovation and hinder economic growth.

Impact and Legacy

As a prominent figure in the U.S. Congress, Lamar S. Smith has left an indelible mark on various issues related to science, technology, and intellectual property rights. His leadership on the House Science Committee and his advocacy for NASA's space exploration program have contributed significantly to these fields. However, his stance on net neutrality has been met with criticism from many in the tech industry.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Lamar S. Smith is widely quoted and remembered due to his involvement in several high-profile issues, including SOPA and his advocacy for NASA's space exploration program. His quotes often reflect his conservative views on governance and technology policy.