"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to my re-election campaign. Every two years, I ask Fourth District voters to judge the job I do representing them, and they decide whether to renew my contract. Your contribution will help us provide those voters with the information they need to make that decision."

In his over three decades of public service, Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) has distinguished himself as a committed advocate for the constituents of the Fourth District of Connecticut, a dedicated leader in the fight against terrorism, a budget hawk, an activist for good government, a respected voice on urban issues, and a staunch environmentalist.

As the Vice Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, Congressman Shays has been an outspoken advocate for good government practices. The Government Reform Committee is the main investigative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Shays has been a driving force behind such landmark legislation as the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, which transforms federal campaign finance law, and the Congressional Accountability Act, which requires Congress to live by the laws it writes.

A leader among centrist Republicans, Shays is an advocate of socially moderate views. He has led the charge to end racial profiling and sexual discrimination in the workplace. He helped author the 1993 Gun Control Act and advocates a sensible assault weapons ban reauthorization bill.

Congressman Shays is sponsor of House Resolution 367, condemning discrimination and bigotry against Iranian Americans. The resolution acknowledges the diversity of the Iranian American community and their contributions to the social and economic fabric of American society. In addition, he is a cosponsor of the Protection of Civil Liberties Act of 2005 (H.R. 1310). The bill amends the intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act by making the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board an independent agency within the Executive Branch. It requires the Board to receive and review reports from privacy and civil liberties officers and report to specified congressional committees on Board activities and other appropriate matters.

Background Information
Party: Republican
Term: 10th
First Elected: 1987
Committees: Budget, Financial Services, Government Reform, Vice Chair, Select Committee on Homeland Security
Prev. Occupation: Public Official
Prev. Political Exp.: CT House, 1974-87
Education: BA Principia College, 1968; MBA New York University, 1974; MPA New York University, 1978

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