Biography of Senator Max Baucus
In 1973, Senator Max Baucus was elected to the Montana State Legislature. He served as a state representative from Missoula until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974. He was re-elected in 1976. Senator Baucus was then elected to the U.S. Senate in 1978 and has served consecutively ever since, winning a fifth term in 2002 by 62 percent of vote.
Using his seat on the powerful Finance Committee to be effective
For 28 years, Senator Baucus has served on the powerful Senate Finance Committee. Currently Max is Chairman of the Committee. This position is important to his home state of Montana, and America because the committee has jurisdiction over taxes, Social Security, Medicare, health care programs, and international trade. The Finance Committee is also responsible for examining all budget and tax plans that come before Congress.
A strong record of accomplishment
In 2001, Senator Baucus co-wrote and passed monumental tax relief for millions of Americans. Including major expansions for working Americans in the earned income tax credit, the child tax credit and savings vehicles.
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, Senator Baucus, then Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, led Congress in passing an essential stimulus package that restarted the American economy and helped rebuild lower-Manhattan.
In 2003, Senator Baucus co-wrote and passed major prescription drug and health care legislation which will provide long-overdue prescription drug benefits for millions of seniors.
In response to WTO rulings, which turned America's international tax system upside down, Senator Baucus co-wrote and passed the Jump-start Our Businesses Act of 2004. This legislation provides important incentives to keep good-paying jobs in America.
Strengthening Social Security and creating good-paying jobs
In 2005, Senator Baucus worked to strengthen Social Security for future generations and opposed a plan to privatize the retirement program that millions of Americans rely on. Also, he co-wrote and passed a new highway bill that will help create jobs and boost America's economy. And Senator Baucus included tax incentives in the 2004-passed Energy Bill that will help spur domestic production, promote conservation, and boost alternative sources such as wind, solar, biomass and ethanol. Baucus also has helped boost wind energy through the Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, or CREBs, which has brought more than $72 million in financing to Montana alone.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Senator Baucus led the charge in Congress to provide immediate relief for hurricane victims. He continues to work on getting health care, food, shelter and funds to those who need it most.
Known as a Moderate Consensus Builder
Senator Baucus is known in the U.S. Senate as a moderate who works together with both sides of the aisle to do what's right for Montana and America. He's using his seniority and trademark hard work ethic to bring all sides to the table and move America forward.
Senator Baucus was born in Helena, Mont., on December 11, 1941. He graduated from Helena High School in 1959 and earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a law degree from Stanford University.
Max is married to Wanda Baucus, and he has one son, Zeno.
RSS Feeds
