Randy Neugebauer



Randy Neugebauer, a Republican, has represented the Ninteenth Congressional District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2003. (map)

"Baby killer" remark
On March 22, 2010, Rep. Neugebauer acknowledged that he was the lawmaker who shouted out "baby killer" during a floor speech by Rep. Bart Stupak, an anti-abortion Democrat whose vote was crucial to the passage of healthcare reform. Neugebauer insisted in a statement that he was not referring directly to Stupak, but to the agreement that the Michigan Democrat helped work out with the White House in which President Barack Obama said he would issue an executive order pledging that no federal funds be used for abortions. He said his exact words, referring to that agreement, were "it's a baby killer."

Like Joe Wilson's "you lie!" outburst, "baby killer" instantly became the talk of the town, especially on the Internet. Between 11:30 p.m. EST and a quarter after midnight, "baby killer" became one of the most popular trends on Twitter, only behind HRC, Congress, and C-Span.

Based on the meager financial support Neugebauer has received from special interest groups that oppose abortion rights, he seemed perhaps an unlikely source for the outburst. For his career, Neugebauer has received less than $3,000 from people or political action committees directly associated with anti-abortion groups, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal campaign finance data shows. The National Pro-Life Alliance ($2,000), Republican National Coalition for Life ($750) and Pro-Life Campaign Committee ($62) are the only antil-abortion rights organizations to donate to Neugebauer's campaign committee. If Joe Wilson's situation is any indication, there is quite a possibility that Neugebauer's outburst will help his fundraising from abortion opponents.

Neugebauer adamantly opposes the Obama administration's agenda--most recently on health care--but his district will actually benefit greatly from the passage of health care reform, according to a Washington Post article. Many who live in the 27 counties of West Texas that constitute Neugebauer's 19th District stand to reap substantial benefits under the reform bill, according to the Energy and Commerce data. Some highlights:
 * A total of 144,000 families and 11,800 small businesses in the 9th District will receive health-insurance assistance under the bill
 * Some 8,000 uninsured residents with pre-existing conditions may not be denied coverage
 * Up to 45,000 young adults can join their parents' coverage
 * Four community health centers will receive $5.2 million in assistance

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Oil Record
Randy Neugebauer has voted in favor of big oil companies on 82% of important oil-related bills from 2005-2007, according to Oil Change International. These bills include Iraq war funding, climate change studies, clean energy, and emissions. See below for oil money in politics.

Bio
Neugebauer was born December 24, 1949 in St. Louis, Missouri and raised in Lubbock, Texas. He graduated from Coronado High School and later from Texas Tech University in 1972 with a BBA in accounting. Neugebauer was a Lubbock city councilman in 1992 and served as Mayor Pro Tempore from 1994 to 1996.

2006 elections
In 2006, Democrats nominated Robert Ricketts to face Neugebauer in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006) Neugebauer retained his seat.

Oil Money in Politics
Randy Neugebauer has received $93,450 in oil contributions during the 110th congress. $28,500 of those dollars were from industry PACS. In total, Neugebauer has accepted $357,885 from oil companies between 2000 and 2008. See above for oil and energy voting record.

Committees

 * House Committee on Agriculture
 * Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry
 * Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
 * House Committee on Financial Services
 * Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
 * Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity
 * House Committee on Science and Technology
 * Subcommittee on Environment and Energy
 * Subcommittee on Research and Science Education

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on Agriculture
 * Subcommittee on Specialty Crops and Foreign Agriculture Programs
 * Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
 * Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture
 * House Committee on Financial Services
 * Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
 * Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity
 * Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy Trade and Technology
 * House Committee on Science

Contact
DC Office: 429 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-4005 Fax: 202-225-9615 Web Email Website

District Office- Abilene: 500 Chestnut Street, Suite 819 Abilene, TX 79602 Phone: 325-675-9779 Fax: 325-675-5038

District Office - Big Spring 1510 Scurry Street, Suite B Big Spring, TX 79702 Phone: 432-264-0722 Fax: 432-264-1838

District Office - Lubbock 611 University Avenue, Suite 220 Lubbock, TX 79401 Phone: 806-763-1611 TollFree: 888-763-1611 Fax: 806-767-9168

Campaign Office Post Office Box 54175 Lubbock, TX 79453 Phone: 202-225-4005

External resources

 * Official website
 * Campaign website
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database
 * Follow the Oil Money
 * Vote Tracker
 * Follow the Coal Money
 * Appalachian Voices

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Ted Ankrum
 * Burnt Orange Report