Paul Tonko

Democrat Representative of New York's 20th district

  • Representative

    New York, district 20

    January 3, 2023 - January 3, 2025

8

Congresses Served

8

House Terms

June 18, 1949 (75 years old)

Birthday

  • Serving as U.S. representative for New York’s 20th congressional district since 2013, previously represented the 21st district from 2009 to 2013.
  • Described as a staunch progressive.
  • Served in the New York State Assembly from 1983 to 2007, representing the 105th district.
  • Was president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority from 2007 to 2008.
  • Ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials in the 118th Congress.
  • Lifelong resident of Amsterdam, New York, with Polish descent.
  • Holds a degree in mechanical and industrial engineering from Clarkson University.
  • Became active in local politics in the early 1970s, serving on the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors from 1976 to 1983.
  • Sponsored significant legislation including Timothy’s Law for mental health treatment coverage and the Northeast Dairy Compact.
  • Has focused on energy policy in Congress, sponsoring bills related to wind energy research and efficiency of gas turbines.
  • Praised the 2011 State of the Union address for focusing on growing the economy and jobs.
  • Opposed the Trans Pacific Partnership citing trade deficits and the use of child labor.
  • Criticized for supporting Planned Parenthood by Bishop Edward Bernard Scharfenberger of Albany in 2017.
  • Co-signed a letter in 2020 condemning Azerbaijan’s offensive operations against Nagorno-Karabakh.
  • Instrumental in passing provisions in the CHIPS and Science Act into law in 2022.
  • Voted in favor of directing President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days in 2023.
  • Member of over 65 House caucuses, including the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus.