Chaka Fattah
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Chaka Fattah (b. November 21, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a former Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He represented the 2nd Congressional District of Pennsylvania from 1994 to 2016. Fattah resigned from office on June 23, 2016, following a racketeering conviction. On December 12, 2016, Fattah was sentenced to 10 years in prison as a result of the conviction.[1]
Fattah ran for re-election to his seat in 2016, but he was defeated by Dwight Evans in the Democratic primary. With his loss, Fattah became the first incumbent to lose in 2016.[2]
As of a 2014 analysis of multiple outside rankings, Fattah is an average Democratic member of Congress, meaning he will vote with the Democratic Party on the majority of bills.
Biography
Fattah was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended the Community College of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. He went on to study government at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, graduating in 1984. Two years later, he earned his master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania's Fels School of State and Local Government.[3] Prior to joining Congress, Fattah was a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1988-1994 and of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives before that, from 1982-1988.
Career
Below is an abbreviated outline of Fattah's academic, professional, and political career:[4]
- 1995-2016: U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 2nd Congressional District
- 1988-1994: Served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate
- 1982-1988: Served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- 1980-1981: Special Assistant to the Director of Housing and Community Development, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Committee assignments
U.S. House
2015-2016
Fattah served on the following committees:[5]
2013-2014
Fattah served on the following committees:[6]
- Committee on Appropriations
- Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (Ranking member)
- Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies
2011-2012
Fattah served on the following committees:[7]
- Committee on Appropriations
- Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies
Key votes
114th Congress
The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[8][9] For more information pertaining to Fattah's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.[10]
Economic and fiscal
Trade Act of 2015
Trade adjustment assistance
On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Fattah was one of 144 Democrats to vote against the bill.[11][12]
Trade promotion authority
On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Fattah was one of 157 Democrats to vote against the measure.[13][14]
Trade promotion authority second vote
After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Fattah was one of 158 Democrats to vote against the amendment.[15][16]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Fattah was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295.[17][18]
Defense spending authorization
On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Fattah voted with 142 other Democrats and eight Republicans against the bill.[19] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.[20]
On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.[21][22] Fattah voted with 134 other Democrats and 235 Republicans to approve the bill.[23] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.[24]
2016 Budget proposal
On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, including Fattah, voted against the resolution.[25][26][27]
2015 budget
On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.[28] Fattah voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of the bill.[29] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.[30] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.
Foreign affairs
Iran nuclear deal
- See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015
On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Fattah voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill.[31][32]
Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Fattah voted with 161 Democrats for the bill.[33][34]
Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Fattah voted with 185 Democrats against the bill.[35][36]
Presidential non-compliance of section 2
On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Fattah voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution.[37][38]
Export-Import Bank
On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.[39] Fattah voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill.[40]
Domestic
USA FREEDOM Act of 2015
On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Fattah voted with 40 Democrats and 47 Republicans against the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.[41][42]
Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Fattah voted with 179 Democrats against the bill.[43][44]
Cyber security
On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.[45] Fattah voted with 43 Democrats and 19 Republicans against the bill.[46]
On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.[47] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Fattah voted with 78 Democrats and 37 Republicans against the bill.[48]
Immigration
On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.[49] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Fattah voted with 134 Democrats and two Republicans against the bill.[50]
113th Congress
The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[51] For more information pertaining to Fattah's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[52]
National security
DHS Appropriations
Fattah voted against HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines.[53]
Keystone Pipeline Amendment
Fattah voted in favor of House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.[53]
CISPA (2013)
Fattah voted against HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities.[54] The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[53]
NDAA
Fattah voted in support of HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[53]
Economy
Farm bill
On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, known as the Farm Bill.[55] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill provides for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.[56][57] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.[57] Fattah voted with 102 other Democratic representatives against the bill.
2014 Budget
On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.[58][59] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.[59] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[60] It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the protection of the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Fattah joined with the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill.[58][59]
Government shutdown
- See also: United States budget debate, 2013
On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[61] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[62] Fattah voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[63]
The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[64] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Fattah voted for HR 2775.[65]
Immigration
Morton Memos Prohibition
Fattah voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status. The vote largely followed party lines.[53]
Healthcare
Healthcare Reform Rules
Fattah voted against House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.[53]
Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act
Fattah voted against HR 2009 - Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act of 2013. The bill passed through the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 232-185. The bill would prevent the IRS and Treasury Secretary from enforcing the powers provided to them in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The vote largely followed party lines.[53]
Social issues
Amash amendment
Fattah voted in favor of House Amendment 413 - Prohibits the National Security Agency from Collecting Records Under the Patriot Act. The amendment failed on July 4, 2013, by a vote of 205-217. The amendment would have prohibited the collection of records by the National Security Agency under the Patriot Act. Both parties were split on the vote.[53]
Previous congressional sessions
Fiscal cliff
Fattah voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003, while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 172 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[66]
Issues
Racketeering conviction
In August 2014, Gregory Naylor, an aide and political adviser to Fattah, pleaded guilty "to concealing the misuse of $622,000 in campaign contributions and federal grant funds, in a case that appears to have led investigators straight to the congressman's door," according to Philly.com. During the court proceedings, "Naylor said, he helped steer more than $22,000 in federal campaign donations to his own firm, Sydney Lei & Associates, that were then covertly used to pay off college debts for the elected official's son. A source close to the investigation confirmed that Fattah's 31-year-old son, Chaka Jr., was the beneficiary of those payments."[67]
On September 3, 2014, after Naylor's guilty plea, Fattah denied having anything to do with Naylor's actions. Fattah said he had "never engaged in any illegal conduct. He also stated, "I would never do anything to embarrass my family or my constituents."[68]
Federal prosecutors then investigated Fattah's possible involvement with the crimes committed by Naylor. According to Philly.com, on January 12, 2014, "Prosecutors investigating U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah asked a three-judge federal appeals panel...to give them access to seven years of his private e-mails, a position Fattah's lawyer argued violates the protection the Constitution provides Congress."[69]
On July 29, 2015, Fattah was indicted on charges of bribery, money laundering and bank and mail fraud, among other charges. He was accused of using campaign funds to pay off his son's student loan debt and using "federal grants and charitable contributions to Fattah's educational foundation to pay back part of a $1 million loan from a wealthy campaign supporter and arranging a federal grant in lieu of a $130,000 payment to a political consultant."[70]
Following the indictment, Fattah said that he would stay in office and contest the charges against him. However, he did announce that he would resign his position as the ranking Democratic member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science. Fattah wrote, "As I have previously stated, I have never participated in any illegal activity or misappropriation of taxpayer dollars as an elected official. This will not be a distraction from my service to the people that elected me, and I am confident that I will be cleared of these charges."[71]
Fattah was convicted of all charges on June 21, 2016. He initially submitted his letter of resignation effective October 3, 2016, the day before his sentencing. However, following pressure to resign from Speaker Paul Ryan, Fattah resigned effective immediately. Prior to Fattah's decision Ryan had said, "Mr. Fattah has betrayed the trust of this institution and the people of Pennsylvania, and for that he should resign immediately from the House of Representatives. We must hold members to the highest ethical standard, and I hope that Democratic leaders will join me in seeking his immediate resignation."[72][73][74] Fattah was ultimately sentenced to 10 years in prison as a result of the conviction.[1]
Elections
2016
Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Dwight Evans (D) defeated James Jones (R) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Evans defeated incumbent Chaka Fattah, Dan Muroff, and Brian Gordon to win the Democratic nomination in the primary. In 2015, Fattah was indicted on charges of bribery, money laundering, and bank and mail fraud, among other charges, making him vulnerable in the primary. Fattah was the first congressional incumbent to lose a primary election in 2016.[75][76]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic |  Dwight Evans |
90.2% | 322,514 | |
| Republican | James Jones | 9.8% | 35,131 | |
| Total Votes | 357,645 | |||
| Source: Pennsylvania Department of State | ||||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dwight Evans |
42.3% | 75,515 | ||
| Chaka Fattah Incumbent | 34.4% | 61,518 | ||
| Brian Gordon | 13.2% | 23,655 | ||
| Dan Muroff | 10.1% | 18,016 | ||
| Total Votes | 178,704 | |||
| Source: Pennsylvania Department of State |
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Fattah claimed franking privileges as a current officeholder, which meant he was able to send 2016 campaign mail without paying postage. Congress reimburses the United States Postal Service with tax dollars.[77][78]
2014
Fattah won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary on May 20, 2014.[79]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Chaka Fattah Incumbent |
87.7% | 181,141 | |
| Republican | Armond James | 12.3% | 25,397 | |
| Total Votes | 206,538 | |||
| Source: Pennsylvania Department of State | ||||
2012
Fattah ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Pennsylvania's 2nd District. He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary on April 24 and defeated Republican Robert Mansfield on November 6, 2012.[80]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Chaka Fattah Incumbent |
89.3% | 318,176 | |
| Republican | Robert Mansfield | 9.4% | 33,381 | |
| Independent | James Foster | 1.4% | 4,829 | |
| Total Votes | 356,386 | |||
| Source: Pennsylvania Department of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election" | ||||
Full history
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2010 On November 2, 2010, Chaka Fattah won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Rick Hellberg (R) in the general election.[81]
2008 On November 4, 2008, Chaka Fattah won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Adam A. Lang (R) in the general election.[82]
2006 On November 7, 2006, Chaka Fattah won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Michael Gessner (R) and David G. Baker (Green) in the general election.[83]
2004 On November 2, 2004, Chaka Fattah won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Stewart Bolno (R) in the general election.[84]
2002 On November 5, 2002, Chaka Fattah won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Thomas G. Dougherty (R) in the general election.[85]
2000 On November 7, 2000, Chaka Fattah won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Kenneth Crawchuk (L) in the general election.[86]
1998 On November 3, 1998, Chaka Fattah won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Anne Marie Mulligan (R) in the general election.[87]
1996 On November 5, 1996, Chaka Fattah won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Larry G. Murphy (R) and Write-in challengers in the general election.[88]
1994 On November 8, 1994, Chaka Fattah won election to the United States House. He defeated Lawrence R. Watson (R) in the general election.[89]
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Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Personal Gain Index
- See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)
- See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)
The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:
PGI: Change in net worth
Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Fattah's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $150,002 to $350,000. That averages to $250,001, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic House members in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Fattah ranked as the 331st most wealthy representative in 2012.[90] Between 2004 and 2012, Fattah's calculated net worth[91] decreased by an average of 5 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.[92]
| Chaka Fattah Yearly Net Worth | |
|---|---|
| Year | Average Net Worth |
| 2004 | $422,361 |
| 2012 | $250,001 |
| Growth from 2004 to 2012: | −41% |
| Average annual growth: | −5%[93] |
| Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.[94] | |
The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.
PGI: Donation Concentration Metric
Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Fattah received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Lawyers/Law Firms industry. Comparatively, the top industry employer in Pennsylvania's 2nd Congressional District was Educational services, and health care and social assistance, according to a 2012 U.S. Census survey.[95]
From 1991-2014, 33.84 percent of Fattah's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.[96]
| Chaka Fattah Campaign Contributions | |
|---|---|
| Total Raised | $5,302,054 |
| Total Spent | $5,276,540 |
| Top industry in the district | Educational services, and health care and social assistance |
| Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
| Lawyers/Law Firms | $693,551 |
| Public Sector Unions | $383,125 |
| Building Trade Unions | $316,250 |
| Real Estate | $220,022 |
| Industrial Unions | $181,500 |
| % total in top industry | 13.08% |
| % total in top two industries | 20.31% |
| % total in top five industries | 33.84% |
Analysis
Ideology and leadership
Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Fattah was a rank-and-file Democrat as of July 2014.[97] This was the same rating Fattah received in June 2013.[98]
Like-minded colleagues
The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.[99]
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Fattah most often voted with: |
Fattah least often voted with: |
Lifetime voting record
According to the website GovTrack, Fattah missed 992 of 14,061 roll call votes from January 1995 to September 2015. This amounted to 7.1 percent, which was higher than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.[100]
Congressional staff salaries
The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Fattah paid his congressional staff a total of $1,094,664 in 2011. Overall, Pennsylvania ranked 34th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[101]
National Journal vote ratings
- See also: National Journal vote ratings
Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.
2013
Fattah ranked 29th in the liberal rankings in 2013.[102]
2012
Fattah ranked 115th in the liberal rankings in 2012.[103]
2011
Fattah ranked 90th in the liberal rankings in 2011.[104]
Voting with party
The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.
2014
Chaka Fattah voted with the Democratic Party 95.1 percent of the time, which ranked 32nd among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014.[105]
2013
Chaka Fattah voted with the Democratic Party 93.8 percent of the time, which ranked 94th among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.[106]
2011
Chaka Fattah voted with the Democratic Party 94.6 percent of the time, which ranked 20th among the 192 House Democratic members as of December 2011.[107]
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Fattah is married to Renee Chenault-Fattah. They have four children.[108]
Recent news
This section links to a Google news search for the term Chaka + Fattah + Pennsylvania + Congress
- All stories may not be relevant to this page due to the nature of the search engine.
See also
- Pennsylvania
- United States congressional delegations from Pennsylvania
- United States House of Representatives
- United States House of Representatives elections, 2014
- Pennsylvania's 2nd Congressional District
External links
- Social media:
- Biographies:
- Political profiles:
- Financial (federal level):
- Interest group ratings:
- Issue positions:
- Public statements:
- Voting record:
- Media appearances:
- Media coverage:
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 CBS Philly, "Former Pa. Congressman Chaka Fattah Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison," December 12, 2016
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "Unofficial Candidate Listing – Pre Ballot Lottery," accessed February 17, 2016
- ↑ Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "FATTAH, Chaka, (1956 - )"
- ↑ Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "FATTAH, Chaka, (1956 - )," accessed February 9, 2015
- ↑ U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Clerk, "Committee Information," accessed February 20, 2015
- ↑ CQ.com, "House Committee Rosters for the 113th Congress," accessed January 22, 2013
- ↑ Congressman Chaka Fattah, 2nd District of Pennsylvania, "Committee Assignments"
- ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 113th Congress," accessed April 29, 2015
- ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 114th Congress," accessed January 5, 2017
- ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress," April 13, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 361," June 12, 2015
- ↑ Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 362," June 12, 2015
- ↑ Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 374," June 18, 2015
- ↑ Politico, "Trade turnaround: House backs new power for Obama," June 18, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 388," June 24, 2015
- ↑ The Hill, "Obama signs trade bills," June 29, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 239," accessed May 27, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R. 1735," accessed May 27, 2015
- ↑ The Hill, "Redone defense policy bill sails through House," accessed November 12, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "S. 1356," accessed November 12, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 618," accessed November 12, 2015
- ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 1356)," accessed November 12, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "S.Con.Res.11," accessed May 5, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 183," accessed May 5, 2015
- ↑ The Hill, "Republicans pass a budget, flexing power of majority," accessed May 5, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015," accessed November 1, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 579," accessed November 1, 2015
- ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1314)," accessed November 1, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1191 - Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015," accessed May 16, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 226," accessed May 16, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 3461," accessed September 11, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 493," accessed September 11, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 3460," accessed September 10, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 494," accessed September 11, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H Res 411," accessed September 10, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 492," accessed September 10, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 597," accessed November 2, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 576," accessed November 2, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.2048," accessed May 26, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 224," accessed May 26, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 36 - the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act," accessed May 16, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "HR 36," accessed May 16, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1731," accessed November 2, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 173," accessed November 2, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1560 - Protecting Cyber Networks Act," accessed November 1, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 170," accessed November 1, 2015
- ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015," accessed November 20, 2015
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 643," accessed November 20, 2015
- ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 112th Congress," accessed September 5, 2013
- ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 113th Congress," accessed March 4, 2014
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 53.3 53.4 53.5 53.6 53.7 Project Vote Smart, "Chaka Fattah Key Votes," accessed October 15, 2013
- ↑ The Library of Congress, "Bill Summary & Status - 113th Congress (2013 - 2014) - H.R.624," accessed August 27, 2013
- ↑ Clerk of U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 31: H.R. 2642," accessed February 12, 2014
- ↑ Politico, "House clears Farm Bill," accessed February 12, 2014
- ↑ 57.0 57.1 New York Times, "Senate passes long-stalled Farm Bill, with clear winners and losers," accessed February 12, 2014
- ↑ 58.0 58.1 CNN.com, "House passes compromise $1.1 trillion budget for 2014," accessed January 20, 2014
- ↑ 59.0 59.1 59.2 U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 21," accessed January 20, 2014
- ↑ Roll Call, "Omnibus Sails Through the Senate," January 16, 2014
- ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
- ↑ Buzzfeed, "Government shutdown: How we got here," accessed October 1, 2013
- ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
- ↑ The Washington Post, "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013
- ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013
- ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff," accessed January 4, 2013
- ↑ Philly.com, "Former aide's guilty plea raises questions for U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah," accessed January 13, 2015
- ↑ Philly.com, "Fattah says he "never engaged in any illegal conduct"," accessed January 13, 2015
- ↑ Philly.com, "Feds want seven years' worth of Fattah's private e-mails," accessed January 13, 2014
- ↑ 6abc.com, "Rep. Chaka Fattah indicted in racketeering case," July 29, 2015
- ↑ 6abc.com, "Rep. Chaka Fattah denies wrongdoing after indictment," July 29, 2015
- ↑ The Hill, "Rep. Chaka Fattah found guilty on corruption charges," June 21, 2016
- ↑ Politico, "Fattah submits resignation but wants to stay until October," June 22, 2016
- ↑ ABC 6, "Rep. Chaka Fattah resigns effective immediately," June 23, 2016
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "Unofficial Candidate Listing – Pre Ballot Lottery," accessed February 17, 2016
- ↑ The New York Times, "Pennsylvania Primary Results," April 26, 2016
- ↑ Philly.com, "Fattah uses taxpayer funds to pitch his case," February 14, 2016
- ↑ [http://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RS22771.pdf CRS Report for Congress, "Congressional Franking Privilege: Background and Current Legislation," December 11, 2007]
- ↑ Associated Press, "Pennsylvania - Summary Vote Results," May 20, 2014
- ↑ Politico, "2012 House race results," November 6, 2012
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2000," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 3, 1998," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 1996," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 8, 1994," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ Open Secrets, "Fattah, 2012," accessed January 14, 2014
- ↑ This figure represents the total percentage growth from either 2004 (if the member entered office in 2004 or earlier) or the member's first year in office (as noted in the chart below).
- ↑ This number was found by dividing each member's total net worth growth percentage by the number of years included in the calculation.
- ↑ This figure represents the total percentage growth divided by the number of years for which there are net worth figures for each member.
- ↑ This figure was calculated using median asset data from the Census Bureau. Please see the Congressional Net Worth data for Ballotpedia spreadsheet for more information on this calculation.
- ↑ Census.gov, "My Congressional District," accessed September 24, 2014
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Rep. Chaka Fattah," accessed September 24, 2014
- ↑ GovTrack, "Chaka Fattah," accessed July 23, 2014
- ↑ GovTrack, "Chaka Fattah," accessed June 19, 2013
- ↑ OpenCongress, "Rep. Chaka Fattah," accessed July 23, 2014
- ↑ GovTrack, "Chaka Fattah," accessed October 19, 2015
- ↑ LegiStorm, "Chaka Fattah," accessed September 18, 2012
- ↑ National Journal, "TABLE: House Liberal Scores by Issue Area," July 23, 2014
- ↑ National Journal, "TABLE: House Liberal Scores by Issue Area," February 21, 2013
- ↑ National Journal, "Searchable vote ratings tables: House," accessed February 23, 2012
- ↑ OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
- ↑ OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
- ↑ OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
- ↑ House.gov, "Biography," accessed April 3, 2014
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Lucien Blackwell |
U.S. House of Representatives - Pennsylvania District 2 1995–2016 |
Succeeded by Dwight Evans |
| Preceded by ' |
Pennsylvania Senate 1988-1994 |
Succeeded by ' |
| Preceded by ' |
Pennsylvania House of Representatives 1982-1988 |
Succeeded by ' |
