Howard Lawrence Berman

Democrat Representative of California's 28th district

Representative
California, district 26
January 3, 1983 - January 3, 1985
Representative
California, district 26
January 3, 1985 - January 3, 1987
Representative
California, district 26
January 6, 1987 - January 3, 1989
Representative
California, district 26
January 3, 1989 - January 3, 1991
Representative
California, district 26
January 3, 1991 - January 3, 1993
Representative
California, district 26
January 5, 1993 - January 3, 1995
Representative
California, district 26
January 4, 1995 - January 3, 1997
Representative
California, district 26
January 7, 1997 - January 3, 1999
Representative
California, district 26
January 6, 1999 - January 3, 2001
Representative
California, district 26
January 3, 2001 - January 3, 2003
Representative
California, district 28
January 7, 2003 - January 3, 2005
Representative
California, district 28
January 4, 2005 - January 3, 2007
Representative
California, district 28
January 4, 2007 - January 3, 2009
Representative
California, district 28
January 6, 2009 - January 3, 2011
Representative
California, district 28
January 5, 2011 - January 3, 2013

202-225-4695

http://house.gov/berman

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 1, 1941 (84 years old)

Birthday

Served as a U.S. representative from California for 30 years (1983-2013)
Served in both the 26th and 28th congressional districts due to redistricting
Born in Los Angeles to Jewish parents with Russian immigrant grandparents
Graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in international relations and an LL.B.
Worked as a VISTA volunteer and as an associate at a law firm specializing in labor relations before entering politics
Elected to the California Assembly in 1972, serving until 1982, and became the youngest majority leader in Assembly history
Played a significant role in redistricting efforts, making deals to protect incumbents and party interests
Described as a creative and clear-sighted operator in politics, but not one who sought publicity
Sponsored the 1986 False Claims Act, leading to significant recoveries for the U.S. Government
Advocated for protecting American film industry jobs and opposed amending the constitution for a balanced budget and banning flag desecration
Supported foreign policy and trade measures, including the invasion of Iraq and NAFTA, but opposed CAFTA
Led investigations into the conduct of House members and co-sponsored legislation to reinstate tax credits for films produced in the U.S.
Known for protecting copyright interests and proposed legislation to curb piracy
Supported Israel and co-sponsored the Anti-Boycott Act to prohibit boycotting Israeli goods
Expressed concerns over the Patriot Act’s impact on illegal immigrants and proposed amnesty for undocumented farm laborers
Named by OpenSecrets for having investments in companies doing business with the U.S. Department of Defense
Served on the House Ethics Committee and investigated the House’s page program in the wake of the Mark Foley scandal
After Congress, joined Covington & Burling as a senior advisor and serves on several boards
Married with two daughters and has received various awards and honors for his service and advocacy