A fourth generation Alabamian, Richard C. Shelby is a graduate of the University of Alabama's undergraduate and law programs. He and his wife, Annette Nevin Shelby, have two sons: Richard Jr. And Claude Nevin.

Sen. Shelby came to the U.S. Senate in 1987 with more than 20 years of experience in public service and business, an undeniable commitment to Alabama, and the simple philosophy that less is more in terms of an effective government. Over the years he has built an impressive reputation for defending the rights of working Americans and has diligently worked to increase fiscal responsibility and common sense in federal government.

Sen. Shelby continues to focus his legislative agenda on the concerns of hard-working Alabamians: from the protection and encouragement of small business to fiscal responsibility and reform of our nation's immigration laws. His economic and pro-business agenda is evident not only in the legislation he authors and supports, but also in the many awards he has received for his outstanding record on business issues, including: the "Spirit of Enterprise Award" from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; the "Courageous Vote Award" from the National Taxpayers Union; the "Guardian of Small Business Award" from the National Federation of Independent Business; and many others.

He is a leader in the movement to balance environmental concerns with the rights of private property owners and has authored legislation to reform the Endangered Species Act while protecting individual property owners against unauthorized governmental takings.

Since his arrival to Congress, Sen. Shelby has consistently advocated a Constitutional Amendment to balance the federal budget and has introduced legislation to do so each Congress. He combines his commitment to the Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment with measures to reform the budget process and provide line-item veto authority to the President. Also, he has managed to maintain a staff size much smaller than most Senate offices and to return a substantial portion of his office's operating budget each year while still maintaining effective representation and service to Alabamians.

Sen. Shelby serves on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, a position that will provide stronger support to two of Alabama's most important industries, defense and aerospace. Sen. Shelby is the first Alabama Senator to serve on the Senate Committee on Appropriations since the late Sen. Lister Hill in 1968. He chairs the Subcommittee on Transportation.

Additionally, Sen. Shelby serves on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, where he chairs the Subcommittee on financial Institutions and Regulatory Relief. This new subcommittee has jurisdiction and oversight over all financial institutions, banking regulatory agencies, and the laws and regulations they administer. Finally, Sen. Shelby serves on the Senate's Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Special Committee on Aging.

In November 1994, Sen. Shelby, a life-long conservative, made the courageous decision to change political party affiliations to the Republican party.

Senator Shelby's Committee Assignments for the 105^th Congress:

Committee on Appropriations

Subcommittee on Transportation - Chairman

Subcommittee on Defense

Subcommittee on Treasury and General Government

Subcommittee on Foreign Operations

Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies

Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs

Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Regulatory Relief

Subcommittee on Securities

Subcommittee on Housing Opportunity and Community Development

Special Committee on Aging

ADDRESS:

110 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510-0103

PHONE:

(202)224-5744

FAX:

(202)224-3416

Internet Home Page:

http://www.senate.gov/senator/shelby.html