Congressman Pete Stark has served in Congress since 1973. A senior member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, Stark was Chairman of its Health Subcommittee between 1985 and 1994 and is currently the ranking minority member on the Subcommittee.
Stark was a successful businessman and banker before being elected to Congress in 1972. Upon entering Congress, he served on the House Banking and Currency Committee. After completing his second term, Stark was named to the Ways and Means Committee, whose scope includes taxes, Medicare, Social Security, trade and public assistance.
While Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, Stark became known as one of the nation's foremost advocates of tax reform and served a critical role in shaping the 1986 historic tax reform law. He has been a constant voice for tax fairness and has opposed corporate loopholes in the income tax laws.
In January of 1985, Stark became the chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee. While chairman, he presided over major reforms in the Medicare system. He continues to fight for universal health coverage.
