About Congressman Robert Wexler

For the past seven terms, Robert Wexler has served as a Congressman of the United States House of Representatives. As a Congressman, Robert divides his time working at the Capitol in Washington, DC trying to pass legislation and traveling throughout his district to keep in touch with constituents. His typical day in Washington is filled with numerous votes on legislation (every Member must vote in the House Chamber -- the same room where the President gives his State of the Union Address); attending congressional hearings to discuss such issues as crime, gun control, education, and foreign policy; and meeting with government officials from Florida and the Federal government to discuss new legislation and how it would impact the lives of Floridians. Congressman Wexler also meets with ambassadors and officials from other countries to build good relations between the US and other nations throughout the world.

Robert was first elected to Congress in 1996 by winning the majority of votes from the voters in his district. His district includes parts of Palm Beach and Broward counties in south Florida. As a Member of Congress, Robert is responsible for representing the views and opinions of more than 650,000 Floridians. He works hard to stay in close contact with his constituents so that he can learn about their concerns and decide how to best represent them in Congress.

Robert was named one of the "50 Most Effective Legislators in Congress" by the magazine Congressional Quarterly and was named to the Forward 50 list as one of the most influential leaders in the American Jewish Community. He works hard on many, such as lowering the cost of prescription drugs for the elderly; making sure that the US economy is growing and stable; and guaranteeing that kids receive an excellent education, great healthcare, and a happy and secure world to grow up in.

Congressman Wexler is also working hard to change our election process; he wants to be sure that all elections run smoothly and fairly, ensuring that everyone who votes has their vote counted. Because the 2000 Presidential election controversy happened in Robert's district, he is very concerned with making sure similar problems do not ever happen again. During the summer of 2007 Congressman Wexler joined Florida Governor Charlie Christ in signing into law the requirement of a paper trail during elections.   A paper trail will ensure that a physical copy of every person's votes exists.

Congressman Wexler is a Democrat and is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe. He serves as a member of the Judiciary Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee. The Members of the Judiciary Committee are responsible for such issues as crime, immigration, terrorism, the Internet, and the Constitution. The Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee are responsible for US relations with other countries of the world, including such issues as the Middle East peace process, security for Israel, healthcare and nutrition for poor countries, and meeting with world leaders to help bring peace to troubled areas of the world. As a Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Robert has traveled to many foreign countries, such as Israel, Taiwan, India, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, Poland, and Oman.

Robert served in the Florida State Senate for six years before becoming a Congressman of the United States. He was born in Queens, New York and moved to South Florida with his family when he was 10 years old. Congressman Wexler went to college and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Florida; then, he attended George Washington University Law School and earned a law degree. He is married to Laurie Wexler, and they have three children.

Robert loves spending time with his kids, playing basketball, and watching the Miami Heat. He is very grateful for his position as a United States Representative, and he hopes to use his position to help create a better life and more opportunity for all Americans.