Pat Meehan

Last updated
Pennsylvania's 7th district during Meehan's term
PACongressionalDistrict7.png
The 7th district before 2012
Pennsylvania US Congressional District 7 (since 2013).tif
and after 2012.
2010

Meehan began his campaign for Pennsylvania governor in 2008. [16] On August 7, 2009, however, he announced that he was ending his exploratory bid and would instead run for Congress. Reports indicated that another candidate, Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett, was too far ahead of Meehan in fundraising and endorsements. [17]

Meehan ran in Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district election, vacated by Joe Sestak, who defeated U.S. Senator Arlen Specter in 2010 in the Democratic Party primary, but lost to Republican Pat Toomey in the general election. Meehan ran unopposed for the Republican Party nomination in the May 18, 2010, Republican primary.

To appear on the primary election ballot a candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania is required to collect valid signatures of 1,000 registered voters in the congressional district. When evidence of fraud in some of Meehan's petitions was discovered by the Meehan campaign, Meehan alerted the Delaware County District Attorney. Michael Green, the District Attorney and Meehan supporter, turned over the matter to the office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General. Because the Attorney General, Tom Corbett, is the Republican candidate for governor, Lentz requested that the United States Department of Justice take over the investigation. [18] Paul Summers, a Republican campaign operative and volunteer, was charged with seven counts of forgery and seven counts of making false signatures. [19] He was convicted on seven of the charges after pleading guilty as part of a plea-bargain deal. [20]

Meehan defeated Democratic State Representative Bryan Lentz 55%–44%. [21] [22] [23]

2012

Meehan won re-election to a second term with 60% of the vote over Democrat George Badey. [24]

2014

Meehan won re-election in 2014, defeating Democrat Mary Ellen Balchunis with 62% of the vote. [25]

2016

Meehan ran for re-election in 2016. He defeated Stan Casacio in the Republican primary. [26] He defeated Democrat Mary Ellen Balchunis in the general election with 60% of the vote. [27] The general election was held on November 8, 2016. As the election concluded, Meehan easily won another term with 219,314 votes, which was 59.7%. [28] [29] Meehan won all the counties in the 7th Congressional District that include Delaware, Montgomery, Chester, Berks, and Lancaster counties. This is Meehan's fourth term in the 7th Congressional District. This election was a rematch of the election between Meehan and Balchinis in 2014. [30] The difference between this election and the one in 2014 is that this election occurred during a Presidential election year. [31]

Meehan's 7th district had been considered the poster child for egregious gerrymandering and its shape compared to an alien character from the classic arcade game Space Invaders. [32] In January 2018, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the boundaries of the 7th and other Pennsylvania districts as unconstitutional. [33]

On April 27, 2018, Meehan resigned from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations. [34]

Tenure

Meehan was sworn in on January 5, 2011. He was appointed to serve as one of three freshman members on the House Republican Steering Committee and became one of the few[ quantify ] House freshmen to chair a subcommittee. Meehan was ranked as the 35th most bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 114th United States Congress (and the second most bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania) in the Bipartisan Index created by The Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy. [35]

Meehan supported reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. [36]

In February 2017, while serving on the Ways and Means Committee, he voted against a measure that would have led to a request of the Treasury Department for President Donald Trump's tax returns. [37] The measure failed 23–15 on a party-line, with all 23 Republicans voting against the measure. [37]

Committee assignments

Political positions

Economy

As far as fiscal policy, he voted for the Budget Control Act of 2011, [38] Cut, Cap and Balance Act, [39] and voted to defund NPR. [40] Among bills that became law, he voted for the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act [41] and to extend the Patriot Act. [42]

Meehan has introduced the Jump Start for Job Creators Act, legislation that would encourage entrepreneurs to create jobs by increasing the maximum tax deduction for small business start-up expenses. [43] Meehan has led the effort to preserve funding for the V-22 Osprey, an advanced military aircraft manufactured in Meehan's district. [44]

In June, Meehan announced that six Chester County fire companies in Pennsylvania will receive $430,000 in federal grants to purchase new radios and rescue equipment. [45]

In November 2015, Meehan's H.R. 1314, The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, was enacted into law, [46] avoiding a government shutdown. [47]

Healthcare

Meehan has voted to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. [48] [49]

Although he voted the bill out of Ways and Means Committee, Meehan opposed his own party and voted against the American Health Care Act of 2017, arguing that the bill's economic effects were insufficiently known and that the replacement did not adequately fund insurance for sick people. [50]

Homeland security

On November 14, 2013, Meehan introduced the Preclearance Authorization Act of 2014 (H.R. 3488; 113th Congress), a bill that would authorize the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish preclearance facilities, conduct preclearance operations, or provide customs services outside of the United States of America to prevent terrorists, terrorist instruments, and other national security threats from gaining access to the United States. [51]

On February 6, 2014, Meehan introduced the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program Authorization and Accountability Act of 2014 (H.R. 4007; 113th Congress), a bill that would make permanent the United States Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) authority to regulate security at certain chemical facilities in the United States. [52] Under the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program, DHS collects and reviews information from chemical facilities in the United States to determine which facilities present security risks and then requires them to write and enact security plans. [52]

As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Meehan chairs the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. Meehan has held hearings to investigate issues such as Iran's ties to terrorism and the risks posed by extremists in Pakistan. [53]

Other

Meehan introduced legislation, titled the 'Critical Infrastructure Research and Development Advancement Act of 2013' (CIRDA), that passed the subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies in 2013. The bill aims to make key improvements in security for important infrastructure. The measure calls for expansion in research and development for security technology as well as implementing a new strategy in dealing with cyber threats that the Department of Homeland Security faces. This bill would also streamline sharing of these technologies to many other branches of government, thus making them more secure as a whole. [54] [55]

In 2013, Meehan introduced a bill called the Critical Infrastructure Research and Development Advancement Act of 2013 (H.R. 2952; 113th Congress). If signed into law, the bill would require more oversight of the Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity goals, according to Ripon Advance. The bill would require DHS to transmit to the Congress a strategic plan for research and development efforts addressing the protection of critical infrastructure and a report on departmental use of public-private consortiums to develop technology to protect such infrastructure. [56] On January 16, 2014, the United States House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies passed the bill, [57] and in February the full Homeland Security Committee approved the bill. [58] On July 28, 2014, the House voted to pass the bill in a voice vote. [59] [60]

Sexual harassment settlement

The New York Times revealed in January 2018 that Meehan used taxpayers' money to settle a sexual harassment claim brought by a female staff member. [61] After the alleged victim rejected his advances, Meehan allegedly grew hostile. [62] [61] The staff member began remote work to avoid Meehan's advances and ultimately left the job. [61] Following the report, Meehan denied the allegations against him. [61] He was removed from the U.S. House Ethics Committee. [15]

A few days later in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Meehan denied harassment and said he was not sexually interested in the staffer, though explained she was his "soul mate" and he had reacted poorly to learning she had a new boyfriend. [63] Another two days later, on January 25, 2018, Meehan announced that he would retire from Congress at the end of his current term, and not seek re-election in 2018. He said he would repay the taxpayer money if the Ethics Committee determines he committed sexual harassment. He also responded regarding his prior use of the term "soul mate". [1] On April 27, 2018, he abruptly resigned, saying that his intent is to repay the $39,000 settlement funds within 30 days of his resignation because "I did not want to leave with any question of violating the trust of taxpayers." [2] [64]

Post-political career

Following his resignation from Congress, Meehan worked as a consultant, forming the firm Harvey Run Strategies, and registered as a lobbyist. [65]

Personal life

Meehan, his wife Carolyn, and their three sons live in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, [66]  – in Chadds Ford as of 2017 [67] and formerly Drexel Hill. [68]

References

  1. 1 2 Tamari, Jonathan (January 25, 2018). "Rep. Pat Meehan will not seek reelection after sexual harassment furor". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Philadelphia, PA. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  2. 1 2 Tamari, Jonathan (April 27, 2018). "Rep. Pat Meehan resigns; will pay back $39,000 used for harassment settlement". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  3. McCutcheon, Michael; Barone, Chuck (2013). 2014 Almanac of American Politics. The University of Chicago Press.
  4. "Meehan, Patrick – Biographical Information". bioguide.congress.gov. United States Congress. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
  5. 1 2 Joseph A. Slobozian, "A decisive, focused style from new U.S. attorney." The Philadelphia Inquirer. 9/15/2001; Pg. B01
  6. Lynch, Danielle (October 28, 2012). "Meehan, Badey square off in 7th Congressional District race". Daily Times News. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  7. 1 2 "U.S. Attorney Patrick L. Meehan (Official Bio)". Archived from the original on February 18, 2008. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  8. Pirro, J.F. (July 11, 2007). "Justice Served (Straight Up)". Mainline Today.[ permanent dead link ]
  9. Lounsberry, Emilie (July 7, 2008). "U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan to step down". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved July 7, 2008.
  10. Fazlollah, Mark; Tanfani, Joseph (June 30, 2004). "Probe reveals city's shadow government". The Philadelphia Inquirer . p. A01.
  11. Egan, Nicole Weisensee (October 9, 2003). "Meehan 'Plays It Straight'; U.S. Attorney Lauded As Man of Integrity". Philadelphia Daily News . p. 06.
  12. Hinkelman, Michael (June 6, 2007). "5 guilty in City Hall corruption case appeal convictions". Philadelphia Daily News . p. 06.
  13. Shiffman, John (November 3, 2007). "Big jail time for museum cheat; John Carter". The Philadelphia Inquirer . p. A01.
  14. McCoy, Craig R.; Shiffman, John (February 7, 2007). "The Case Against Fumo". State and Regional News. The Philadelphia Inquirer .
  15. 1 2 Bowden, John (January 20, 2018). "GOP rep loses spot on Ethics Committee over sexual harassment settlement". The Hill. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
  16. Bumsted, Brad (July 13, 2008). "Opinion: The GOP shootout for governor". Trib Live. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  17. Fitzgerald, Thomas (August 7, 2009). "Meehan quits governor's race". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  18. Logue, Timothy (April 2, 2010). "Lentz continues to petition for probe of Meehan camp". Delaware County Daily Times.
  19. "Delaware County man charged with forging information on Congressional election petitions". Pennsylvania Attorney General. February 2, 2011. Archived from the original on September 30, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  20. DiGiacomo, Marlene (April 5, 2011). "Upper Darby man guilty in Meehan petition flap". The Delaware County Daily Times. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  21. "2010 Election Results". Politico. Archived from the original on 2012-01-06.
  22. Rose, Alex (May 18, 2010). "Sestak shocks the world as voters dump Specter". The Delaware County Daily Times. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  23. "Top Recruit Poised to Enter Race for Sestak Seat". Roll Call. August 7, 2009. Retrieved August 23, 2010.
  24. "2012 Election Results Map by State". Politico. November 29, 2012. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  25. "2014 General Election". Pennsylvania Department of State. Archived from the original on 15 February 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  26. Rose, Alex (April 27, 2016). "Meehan, Balchunis win right to run for Congress in 7th District". Daily Local News. Retrieved May 24, 2016.
  27. "Pennsylvania U.S. House 7th District Results: Patrick Meehan Wins". The New York Times . November 15, 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
  28. "Pennsylvania U.S. House 7th District Results: Patrick Meehan Wins". The New York Times . December 13, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  29. "Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District election, 2016". Ballotpedia. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  30. Kopp, John (November 7, 2016). "2016 Pennsylvania general election: What you need to know". Philly Voice. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  31. Carey, Kathleen E. (October 24, 2016). "Rematch: It's Meehan vs. Balchunis in 7th District". Politics. Daily Local News. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  32. Lazarski, Lindsay. "Dividing Lines: How Pennsylvania's elections really are rigged". Keystone Crossroads. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
  33. "Pennsylvania Supreme Court strikes down state's congressional districts". CBS News. Associated Press. January 22, 2018. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
  34. "Patrick Meehan". BallotPedia. Retrieved November 4, 2019.
  35. The Lugar Center – McCourt School Bipartisan Index (PDF), The Lugar Center, March 7, 2016, retrieved April 30, 2017
  36. Bendery, Jennifer (11 December 2012). "Violence Against Women Act: John Boehner, Eric Cantor Pressured By Republicans To Act". The Huffington Post .
  37. 1 2 Friedersdorf, Conor. "These 23 Republicans Passed on a Chance to Get Trump's Tax Returns". The Atlantic. Retrieved 2017-02-16.
  38. "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 690". Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. August 1, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  39. "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 606". Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. July 19, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  40. "To stop federal funding of National Public Radio". The Washington Post . March 17, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  41. "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 491". Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. June 23, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  42. "Extend three provisions of the Patriot Act". The Washington Post . February 14, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  43. Lynch, Danielle (October 30, 2011). "Meehan touts small business bill". The Delaware County Daily Times. Retrieved May 8, 2017.[ permanent dead link ]
  44. "unknown title". Daily Local News. July 13, 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  45. "6 Chester County fire companies receive grants". Daily Local News. June 24, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  46. "H.R.1314 – Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015". congress.gov. 2 November 2015. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  47. Moe, Alex (October 28, 2015). "House Passes Sweeping Two-Year Bipartisan Budget Deal". NBC News. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  48. Carey, Kathleen E. (January 19, 2017). "Meehan outlines stance on repeal of Obamacare". Delaware County Daily Times. Retrieved January 15, 2018. Meehan's voted repeatedly over the years to kill the program
  49. Olson, Laura (May 5, 2017). "4 Pennsylvania GOP congressmen vote against House bill to replace Obamacare". The Morning Call . Retrieved January 15, 2018. Meehan, of Delaware County, voted for the earlier bill in a House committee, but backed away
  50. Massie, Chris (May 4, 2017). "GOP congressman: Republicans doing same things we criticized Democrats for doing on Obamacare". CNN. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  51. "H.R. 3488 – Summary". United States Congress. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  52. 1 2 "CBO – H.R. 4007". Congressional Budget Office. 30 May 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  53. Bonawits, Laura (May 3, 2011). "Meehan Chairs Hearing on Pakistan Threats". Politics PA. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  54. "Bipartisan CIRDA Act passes subcommittee". Ripon Advance. 25 September 2013. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
  55. "Subcommittee Markup: H.R. 2952 CIRDA Act of 2013 and H.R. 3107 the Homeland Security Cybersecurity Boots-on-the-Ground Act". House Committee on Homeland Security. U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
  56. "CBO – H.R. 2952". Congressional Budget Office. 6 November 2013. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  57. Martin, Aaron (January 21, 2014). "Meehan bill would enhance cybersecurity". Ripon Advance. Archived from the original on January 31, 2014. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  58. "Cybersecurity bill gains subcommittee approval". Ripon Advance. February 11, 2014. Archived from the original on February 11, 2014. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  59. "H.R. 2952 – All Actions". United States Congress. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  60. "3 Bills To Protect Critical Infrastructure From Cyber Attack Passed By House". Homeland Security Today. 28 July 2014. Archived from the original on 5 August 2014. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  61. 1 2 3 4 Rogers, Katie; Vogel, Kenneth P. (January 20, 2018). "Congressman Combating Harassment Settled His Own Misconduct Case". The New York Times . Retrieved January 22, 2018.
  62. Bowden, John (January 20, 2018). "Republican lawmaker settled harassment complaint with former staffer: report". The Hill. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
  63. Cillizza, Chris. "Oh, Pat Meehan. No, no, no, no". CNN. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  64. Taylor, Jessica (27 April 2018). "Pennsylvania GOP Rep. Patrick Meehan Resigns After Sexual Harassment Scandal". NPR.
  65. Jonathan Tamari (4 October 2019). "Ex-Congressmen Pat Meehan, Charlie Dent, and Ryan Costello move to lobbying ranks". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  66. "House Biography". Congressman Patrick Meehan. U.S. House of Representatives. 11 December 2012. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  67. Carey, Kathleen E. (October 3, 2017). "Critics hit Meehan for record on the environment". The Delaware County Daily Times. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
  68. Hockensmith, Dustin (September 14, 2009). "Former US Attorney Pat Meehan running for Congress in Pa". PennLive. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
Pat Meehan
Pat Meehan, Official Portrait, 112th Congress.jpg
Member of the U.S.HouseofRepresentatives
from Pennsylvania's 7th district
In office
January 3, 2011 April 27, 2018
Legal offices
Preceded by District Attorney of Delaware County
1996–2001
Succeeded by
Patricia Holsten
Preceded by United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
2001–2008
Succeeded by
Laurie Magid
Acting
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district

2011–2018
Succeeded by
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded byas Former US Representative Order of precedence of the United States
as Former US Representative
Succeeded byas Former US Representative