"I hope you know how much I appreciate IAPAC's contribution to my campaign committee. The Iranian American community has made significant contributions to the social and economic fabric of our society. I applaud the mission of IAPAC and truly appreciate this gesture of encouragement. With the support of IAPAC, I look forward to learning more from Iranian Americans on issues such as business, healthcare, and education. In addition, I will continue to condemn discrimination against Iranian Americans and protect civil liberties."

Congressman Tom Feeney represents the 24th District of Florida, which covers portions of Brevard, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia counties. Feeney, elected in 2002, was previously Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.  He serves on the powerful Financial Services and Judiciary committees as well as the Science committee and serves as a Deputy Whip. 

In his first term in Congress, Feeney co-sponsored and led a reform to the tax code which allows Florida taxpayers to deduct the amount of sales tax they pay, in lieu of deducting a state income tax.  This measure corrected an eighteen year inequity in the tax code which discriminated against Floridians simply because they do not fund their state government with an income tax.  Congressman Feeney also co-founded the Washington Waste Watchers, a working group formed to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in federal government.

A proponent of civil liberties, Congressman Feeney is a original cosponsor 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.  Congressman Feeney has openly expressed his admiration for Iranian culture and history. He believes that Iranian Americans have an important voice on issues such as education, healthcare, business and civil liberties, which not only affect the Iranian American community, but all Americans.

Background Information

Party: Republican
Term: 2nd
First Elected: 2002
Committees: Financial Services; Judiciary; Science
Prev. Occupation: Attorney
Prev. Political Exp.: FL House, 1990-94, 1996-2002
Education: BA Penn State University, 1980; JD University of Pittsburgh, 1983

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