Jim Sensenbrenner

F. James Sensenbrenner

Republican Party

Prior offices

Wisconsin State Assembly

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Wisconsin State Senate

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U.S. House Wisconsin District 9

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U.S. House Wisconsin District 5

Successor: Scott Fitzgerald

Predecessor: Tom Barrett

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Compensation

Net worth

$18,558,166.50

Education

High school

Milwaukee Country Day School

Bachelor's

Stanford University

Law

University of Wisconsin Law School

Personal

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Campaign Facebook

F. James Sensenbrenner (Republican Party) was a member of the U.S. House, representing Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2003. He left office on January 3, 2021.

Sensenbrenner (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District. He won in the general election on November 6, 2018.

On September 4, 2019, Sensenbrenner announced that he would not seek re-election in 2020. In his announcement, he said, "You can see the end of the line sometime. Being able to do this on my timetable rather than after a redistricting in 2022 will allow me to go out on a high note."

At the time of his retirement, Sensenbrenner was the second most senior member of Congress after Don Young (R-Alaska).

Sensenbrenner served on the Committee on Foreign Affairs; the Committee on Judiciary; and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. He was re-assigned to the Committee on Foreign Affairs in 2019-2020.

In 2001, Sensenbrenner introduced the U.S. Patriot Act. He also authored the Real ID Act of 2005, concerning immigration status and the issuing of driver licenses.

Sensenbrenner served in the Wisconsin State Senate from 1975 to 1979. He served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1969 to 1975.

Biography

Sensenbrenner was born in Chicago, Illinois. He earned his bachelor's from Stanford University in 1965 and his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1968. Prior to his election to the U.S. House, Sensenbrenner served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1969 to 1975 and the Wisconsin State Senate from 1975 to 1979.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Sensenbrenner's academic, professional, and political career:

• 2003-2021: U.S. Representative from Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District
• 1979-2003: U.S. Representative from Wisconsin's 9th Congressional District
• 1975-1979: Member of the Wisconsin State Senate
  • 1977-1979: Assistant Minority Leader
• 1969-1975: Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
• 1968: Graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison with a J.D.
• 1965: Graduated from Stanford University with an A.B.
• 1965: Staff, U.S. Rep. J. Arthur Younger

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Sensenbrenner was assigned to the following committees:

• Committee on Foreign Affairs
• Committee on Judiciary

2015-2016

Sensenbrenner served on the following committees:

• Judiciary Committee

• Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet
• Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Chairman

• Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Chairman Emeritus
  • Subcommittee on Environment
  • Subcommittee on Oversight

2013-2014

Sensenbrenner served on the following committees:

• Committee on the Judiciary
  • Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet
  • Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations - Chairman
• Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
  • Subcommittee on Environment
  • Subcommittee on Oversight

2011-2012

Sensenbrenner was a member of the following committees:

• Committee on the Judiciary
  • Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Chairman
  • Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet
• Committee on Science and Technology Vice Chair
  • Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
  • Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021

The 116th United States Congress began on January 9, 2019, and ended on January 3, 2021. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (235-200), and Republicans held the majority in the U.S. Senate (53-47). Donald Trump (R) was the president and Mike Pence (R) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021
Vote	Bill and description	Status
Nay	Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020   The Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020 (H.R. 1044) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives seeking to increase the cap on employment-based visas, establish certain rules governing such visas, and impose some additional requirements on employers hiring holders of such visas. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended.	Passed (365-65)
Nay	The Heroes Act   The HEROES Act (H.R. 6800) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to address the COVID-19 outbreak by providing $1,200 payments to individuals, extending and expanding the moratorium on some evictions and foreclosures, outlining requirements and establishing finding for contact tracing and COVID-19 testing, providing emergency supplemental appropriations to federal agencies for fiscal year 2020, and eliminating cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatments. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (208-199)
Nay	For the People Act of 2019   The For the People Act of 2019 (H.R.1) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to protect election security, revise rules on campaign funding, introduce new provisions related to ethics, establish independent, nonpartisan redistricting commissions, and establish new rules on the release of tax returns for presidential and vice presidential candidates. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (234-193)
Yea	CARES Act   The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 27, 2020, that expanded benefits through the joint federal-state unemployment insurance program during the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation also included $1,200 payments to certain individuals, funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and funds for businesses, hospitals, and state and local governments. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (419-6)
Nay	Equality Act   The Equality Act (H.R. 5) was a bill approved by the House Representatives that sought to ban discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity by expanding the definition of establishments that fall under public accomodation and prohibiting the denial of access to a shared facility that is in agreement with an indiviual's gender indenitity. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (236-173)
Nay	Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019   The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 (H.R. 8) was a bill approved by the House that sought to ban firearm transfers between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (240-190)
Nay	American Dream and Promise Act of 2019   The American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 (H.R.6) was a bill approved by the House Representatives that sought to protect certain immigrants from removal proceedings and provide a path to permanent resident status by establishing streamlined procedures for permanant residency and canceling removal proceedings against certain qualifed individuals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (237-187)
Yea	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (S. 1790) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, setting policies and appropriations for the Department of Defense. Key features of this bill include appropriations for research/development, procurement, military construction, and operation/maintenence, as well as policies for paid family leave, North Korea nuclear sanctions, limiting the use of criminal history in federal hiring and contracting, military housing privatization, and paid family leave for federal personnel. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (377-48)
Nay	Families First Coronavirus Response Act   The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 18, 2020, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing access to unemployment benefits and food assistance, increasing funding for Medicaid, providing free testing for COVID-19, and requiring employers to provide paid sick time to employees who cannot work due to COVID-19. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (363-40)
Yea	Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019   The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (H.R. 1994) was a bill passed by the House Representatives that sought to change the requirements for employer provided retirement plans, IRAs, and other tax-favored savings accounts by modfying the requirements for things such as loans, lifetime income options, required minimum distributions, the eligibility rules for certain long-term, part-time employees, and nondiscrimination rules. The bill also sought to treat taxable non-tuition fellowship and stipend payments as compensation for the purpose of an IRA, repeal the maximum age for traditional IRA contributions, increase penalties for failing to file tax returns, allow penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans if a child is born or adopted, and expand the purposes for which qualified tuition programs may be used. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (417-3)
Nay	Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act   The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) was a bill approved by the House Representatives that sought to address the price of healthcare by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate prices for certain drugs, requiring drug manufactures to issue rebates for certain drugs covered under Medicare, requiring drug price transparency from drug manufacturers, expanding Medicare coverage, and providing funds for certain public health programs. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (230-192)
Nay	Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020   The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1865) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, providing appropriations for federal agencies in fiscal year 2020. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (297-120)
Yea	Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019   The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 (S. 1838) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on November 27, 2019, directing several federal departments to assess Hong Kong's unique treatment under U.S. law. Key features of the bill include directing the Department of State to report and certify annually to Congress as to whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous from China to justify its unique treatment, and directing the Department of Commerce to report annually to Congress on China's efforts to use Hong Kong to evade U.S. export controls and sanctions. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (417-1)
Nay	MORE Act of 2020   The MORE Act of 2020 (H.R. 3884) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to decriminalize marijuana by removing marijuana as a scheduled controlled substance and eliminating criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana. This bill required a simple majority vote from the House.	Passed (228-164)
Yea	Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020   The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 6074) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 6, 2020, providing emergency funding to federal agencies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Key features of the bill include funding for vaccine research, small business loans, humanitarian assistance to affected foreign countries, emergency preparedness, and grants for public health agencies and organizations. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to suspend the rules and pass the bill.	Passed (415-2)
Nay	Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.J.Res. 31) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on February 15, 2019, providing approrations for Fiscal Year 2019. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (300 -128)
Nay	John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act   The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (S. 47) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Doanld Trump on March 12, 2019. This bill sought to set provisions for federal land management and conservation by doing things such as conducting land exchanges and conveyances, establishing programs to respond to wildfires, and extending and reauthorizing wildlife conservation programs. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (363-62)
Yea	William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (On passage)   The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2020. Congress voted to override Trump's veto, and the bill became law on January 1, 2021. The bill set Department of Defense policies and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021. Trump vetoed the bill due to disagreement with provisions related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the renaming of certain military installations, limits on emergency military construction fund usage, and limits on troop withdrawals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House on passage, and a two-thirds majority vote in the House to override Trump's veto.	Passed (335-78)
Nay	William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Overcoming veto)   The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2020. Congress voted to override Trump's veto, and the bill became law on January 1, 2021. The bill set Department of Defense policies and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021. Trump vetoed the bill due to disagreement with provisions related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the renaming of certain military installations, limits on emergency military construction fund usage, and limits on troop withdrawals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House on passage, and a two-thirds majority vote in the House to override Trump's veto.	Passed (322-87)
Not Voting	Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019   The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (S.24) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on January 16, 2019, that requires federal employees who were furloughed or compelled to work during a lapse in government funding to be compensated for that time. The bill also required those employees to be compensated as soon as the lapse in funding ends, irregardless of official pay date. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to suspend the rules and pass the bill.	Passed (411-7)
Nay	Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (Article 1)   The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry. The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. The articles of impeachment required a simple majority vote in the House.	Guilty (230-197)
Nay	Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (Article 2)   The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry. The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. The articles of impeachment required a simple majority vote in the House.	Guilty (229-198)

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018 For detailed information about each vote, click here. Votes on domestic policy (click to expand) Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)  Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023. Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))  Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program. Voted Yea on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)  Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018 Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border. Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)  Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018 Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)  Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017 Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest. Voted Yea on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)  Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017 Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally. Voted Yea on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)  Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017 Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws. Voted Yea on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)  Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017 Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand) Voted Nay on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)  Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Nay on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)  Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)  Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Nay on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)  Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Yea on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)  Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018 Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)  Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. Voted Nay on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)  Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Yea on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)  Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)  Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018. Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)  Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018. Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)  Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018. Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017 Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018. Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)  Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017 Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017. Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017 Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)  Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.) Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)  Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. Voted Nay on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)  Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017 Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills. Voted Nay on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)  Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017 Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts. Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)  Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017 Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey. Voted Yea on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)  Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017 Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts. Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)  Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017 Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017. Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand) Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)  Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)  Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. Voted Yea on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)  Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017 Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018. Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)  Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017 Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)  Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)  Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority. Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)  Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017 The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding. 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. For more information pertaining to Sensenbrenner's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 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. Sensenbrenner was one of 158 Republicans to vote against TAA. 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. Sensenbrenner was one of 191 Republicans to support the measure. 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 their original positions on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Sensenbrenner was one of 190 Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment. 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. Sensenbrenner was one of 132 Republicans to vote against HR 1295. 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." Sensenbrenner voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill. 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. 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. Sensenbrenner voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. 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. 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, voted against the resolution. Sensenbrenner voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill. 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. Sensenbrenner voted with 166 Republicans against the bill. It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015. 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. Sensenbrenner voted with 222 other Republican representatives to approve the bill. 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. Sensenbrenner voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill. 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." Sensenbrenner voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill. 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. Sensenbrenner voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution. 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. Sensenbrenner voted with 116 Republicans and one Democrat against the bill. 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." Sensenbrenner voted with 195 Republicans and 142 Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. 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. Sensenbrenner voted with 237 Republicans in favor of the bill. 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. Sensenbrenner voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Sensenbrenner voted with 201 Republicans and 105 Democrats in favor of the bill. Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137. The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Sensenbrenner voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill. 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. For more information pertaining to Sensenbrenner's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security NDAA Sensenbrenner voted for 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. DHS Appropriations Sensenbrenner 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 that was largely along party lines. Keystone Pipeline Amendment Sensenbrenner voted against 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. CISPA (2013) Sensenbrenner 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. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party. 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, also known as the Farm Bill. The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various 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. It also cut the food stamp program an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states. Sensenbrenner voted with 62 other Republican 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. The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill. The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations. 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 protected the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Sensenbrenner joined with the 63 other Republicans and 3 Democrats who voted against the bill. 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. 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. Sensenbrenner voted to approve the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate. 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. 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. Sensenbrenner voted against HR 2775. Immigration Morton Memos Prohibition Sensenbrenner voted for 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. Healthcare Healthcare Reform Rules Sensenbrenner voted for 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 that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines. Social issues Abortion Sensenbrenner voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill is to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization. Government affairs HR 676 See also: Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration On July 30, 2014, the U.S. House approved a resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. Five Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Broun of Georgia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Steve Stockman of Texas—voted with Democrats against the lawsuit. Sensenbrenner joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution. Previous congressional sessions Fiscal cliff Sensenbrenner voted against 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 1 of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.

Issues

March on Washington anniversary luncheon

Sensenbrenner spoke at the luncheon marking the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington in August 2013. He broke with other Republicans' remarks praising the Republican Party's record on civil rights and instead vowed to reinstate the Voting Rights Act provisions stripped by the Supreme Court ruling in June. He said, "I am committed to restoring the Voting Rights Act. The first thing we have to do is take the monkey wrench that the court threw in it out of the Voting Rights Act, and then use that monkey wrench to be able to fix it so that it is alive, well, constitutional and impervious to another challenge that will be filed by the usual suspects.” Sensenbrenner planned to file legislation by the end of the year addressing the issue. RNC spokesman Raffi Williams said Sensenbrenner wasn’t speaking for the party, which has no official stance on the changes in the law.

House Judiciary Committee

Sensenbrenner was first appointed to the House Judiciary Committee shortly after he was sworn into Congress in 1979. During his thirty year tenure on the committee, the Congressman has managed the impeachment proceedings of federal judges Samuel Kent and Walter Nixon, along with the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton.

European Parliament hearing

Sensenbrenner blasted the NSA in a hearing with the European Parliament in November 2013. Sensenbrenner, who co-wrote the PATRIOT Act in 2001, said the NSA abused the act with their wiretaps. Sensenbrenner said, "I firmly believe the Patriot Act saved lives by strengthening the ability of intelligence agencies to track and stop potential terrorists, but in the past few years, the NSA has weakened, misconstrued and ignored the civil liberty protections we drafted into the law." He added, "Worse, the NSA has cloaked its operations behind such a thick cloud of secrecy that, even if the NSA promised reforms, we would lack the ability to verify them." Sensenbrenner planed to introduce a new bill, the “Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ending Eavesdropping, Dragnet-collection, and Online Monitoring Act” or the USA FREEDOM ACT. The new bill aimed to rein in the NSA.

NSA criticism

Sensenbrenner continued to have harsh words for the NSA and the House and Senate Intelligence committees in December 2013. He said, "Instead of putting the brakes on overreaches, they’ve been stepping on the gas." He accused Director of National Intelligence James Clapper of lying and said he should be prosecuted. Sensenbrenner blamed the abuses on the Judiciary Committee, saying, "I don’t think the oversight was vigorously done by the Judiciary Committee. When I was running the Judiciary Committee, it was being vigorously done." Sensenbrenner also blasted Dianne Feinstein's bill that would protect phone data collection, calling it "a joke."

ACA

Ron Johnson announced plans to sue the Office of Personnel Management over the subsidies provided by the government for Congressional members and staffers. The subsidies were established to help offset the cost of their health insurance plans. Johnson sued on the grounds that these subsidies were not available to all people seeking insurance under the ACA. He said, "The American people have an expectation — Wisconsinites have an expectation — that members of Congress should be subjected to the letter of the law just like they’re held to the letter of the law. In this case, members of Congress now are not being held to the letter of the law, and that creates an alienation. It creates a wedge between a member of Congress and their constituents." Sensenbrenner had harsh words for Johnson's lawsuit. He said, "Senator Johnson’s lawsuit is an unfortunate political stunt. I am committed to repealing Obamacare, but the employer contribution he’s attacking is nothing more than a standard benefit that most private and all federal employees receive — including the President. Success in the suit will mean that Congress will lose some of its best staff and will be staffed primarily by recent college graduates who are still on their parents’ insurance. Senator Johnson should spend his time legislating rather than litigating as our country is facing big problems that must be addressed by Congress — not the courts. All Republicans want to repeal Obamacare, but this politically motivated lawsuit only takes public attention away from how bad all of Obamacare really is and focuses it on a trivial issue. Fortunately, Senator Johnson’s suit is likely frivolous and will not achieve the result he’s seeking."

Johnson responded to Sensenbrenner's comments. He said, "I have always respected Congressman Sensenbrenner, but I am disappointed and puzzled by his disagreement with me on an issue that all but two congressional Republicans (including Congressman Sensenbrenner) have voted in favor of — ending the special treatment for members of Congress and their staffs under Obamacare. By no means do I believe this issue is trivial, or my lawsuit to overturn this injustice is frivolous,” Johnson said in his response. “This is an issue of basic fairness that I believe is worth fighting for."

Elections

2020

See also: Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District election, 2020

Jim Sensenbrenner did not file to run for re-election.

2018

See also: Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Wisconsin District 5

Incumbent F. James Sensenbrenner defeated Tom Palzewicz in the general election for U.S. House Wisconsin District 5 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		F. James Sensenbrenner (R)	62.0	225,619
		Tom Palzewicz (D)	38.0	138,385
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	1

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 364,005
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Kris Riley (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Wisconsin District 5

Tom Palzewicz advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Wisconsin District 5 on August 14, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Tom Palzewicz	100.0	43,192

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 43,192
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Ramon Hyron Garcia (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Wisconsin District 5

Incumbent F. James Sensenbrenner defeated Jennifer Vipond in the Republican primary for U.S. House Wisconsin District 5 on August 14, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		F. James Sensenbrenner	81.2	73,397
		Jennifer Vipond	18.8	17,011

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 90,408
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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2016

See also: Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Jim Sensenbrenner (R) defeated Khary Penebaker (D) and John Arndt (L) in the general election on November 8, 2016. No candidate faced a primary opponent in August.

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Jim Sensenbrenner Incumbent	66.8%	260,706
	Democratic	Khary Penebaker	29.3%	114,477
	Libertarian	John Arndt	3.9%	15,324
Total Votes				390,507
Source: Wisconsin Elections Commission

2014

See also: Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District elections, 2014

Sensenbrenner won re-election to the U.S. House to represent Wisconsin's 5th District. Sensenbrenner ran unopposed in the primary.

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Jim Sensenbrenner Incumbent	69.5%	231,160
	Democratic	Chris Rockwood	30.4%	101,190
	N/A	Scattering	0.1%	476
Total Votes				332,826
Source: Wisconsin Government Accountability Board

2012

See also: Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District elections, 2012

Sensenbrenner ran for re-election in 2012. He was unopposed in the Republican primary and defeated Democrat Dave Heaster in the November general election.

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5 General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Dave Heaster	32.1%	118,478
	Republican	Jim Sensenbrenner Incumbent	67.7%	250,335
	Miscellaneous	N/A	0.2%	851
Total Votes				369,664
Source: Wisconsin Government Accountability Board "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election" (dead link)

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Jim Sensenbrenner, click [show] to expand the section.

2010 On November 2, 2010, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Todd P. Kolosso (D) and Robert R. Raymond (I) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 69.3% 229,642      Democratic Todd P. Kolosso 27.4% 90,634      Independent Robert R. Raymond 3.3% 10,813      N/A Scattering 0.1% 169 Total Votes 331,258 2008 On November 4, 2008, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Robert R. Raymond (I) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 79.6% 275,271      Independent Robert R. Raymond 20.2% 69,715      N/A N/A 0.3% 913 Total Votes 345,899 2006 On November 7, 2006, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Bryan Kennedy (D), Robert R. Raymond (I) and Bob Levis (Wisconsin Green) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5 General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 61.8% 194,669      Democratic Bryan Kennedy 35.7% 112,451      Independent Robert R. Raymond 1.1% 3,525      Wisconsin Green Bob Levis 1.4% 4,432      N/A Scattering 0% 103 Total Votes 315,180 2004 On November 2, 2004, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Bryan Kennedy (D) and Tim Peterson (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 66.6% 271,153      Democratic Bryan Kennedy 31.8% 129,384      Libertarian Tim Peterson 1.6% 6,549      N/A Scattering 0.1% 205 Total Votes 407,291 2002 On November 5, 2002, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Robert Raymond (I) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 86.1% 191,224      Independent Robert Raymond 13.3% 29,567      N/A Scattering 0.5% 1,221 Total Votes 222,012 2000 On November 7, 2000, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Mike Clawson (D) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 2000 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 74% 239,498      Democratic Mike Clawson 25.9% 83,720      N/A Scattering 0.1% 237 Total Votes 323,455 1998 On November 3, 1998, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jeffrey M. Gonyo (I) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1998 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 91.3% 175,533      Independent Jeffrey M. Gonyo 8.5% 16,419      N/A Scattering 0.2% 342      N/A Write-in 0% 24 Total Votes 192,318 1996 On November 3, 1998, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Floyd Brenholt (D) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1998 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 74.4% 197,910      Democratic Floyd Brenholt 25.5% 67,740      N/A Scattering 0.1% 225 Total Votes 265,875 1994 On November 8, 1994, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1994 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 99.8% 141,617      N/A Scattering 0.2% 336 Total Votes 141,953 1992 On November 3, 1992, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Ingrid K. Buxton (D), David E. Marlow (I) and Jeffrey Holt Millikin (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1992 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 69.7% 192,898      Democratic Ingrid K. Buxton 28% 77,362      Independent David E. Marlow 1.7% 4,619      Libertarian Jeffrey Holt Millikin 0.7% 1,881      N/A Scattering 0% 27 Total Votes 276,787 1990 On November 6, 1990, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1990 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 99.7% 117,967      N/A Scattering 0.3% 354 Total Votes 118,321 1988 On November 3, 1998, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Thomas J. Hickey (D) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1998 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 74.9% 185,093      Democratic Thomas J. Hickey 25.1% 62,003      N/A Scattering 0% 8 Total Votes 247,104 1986 On November 4, 1986, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Thomas G. Popp (D) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1986 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 78.2% 138,766      Democratic Thomas G. Popp 21.8% 38,636      N/A Scattering 0% 6 Total Votes 177,408 1984 On November 6, 1984, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated John Krause (D) and Stephen K. Hauser (Constitution) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1984 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 73.4% 180,247      Democratic John Krause 26.1% 64,157      Constitution Stephen K. Hauser 0.5% 1,306      N/A Other 0% 6 Total Votes 245,716 1982 On November 2, 1982, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated write-in candidates in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1982 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 99.9% 111,503      N/A Write-in 0.1% 67 Total Votes 111,570 1980 On November 4, 1980, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Gary C. Benedict (D) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1980 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner incumbent 78.4% 206,227      Democratic Gary C. Benedict 21.6% 56,838      N/A Write-in 0% 14 Total Votes 263,079 1978 On November 7, 1978, Jim Sensenbrenner won election to the United States House. He defeated Matthew J. Flynn (D) in the general election. U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1978 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Jim Sensenbrenner 61.1% 118,386      Democratic Matthew J. Flynn 38.8% 75,207      N/A Scattering 0% 95 Total Votes 193,688

Campaign finance summary

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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.

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F. James Sensenbrenner campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2018	U.S. House Wisconsin District 5	Won general	$355,124	$482,431
2016	U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5	Won	$384,896	N/A**
2014	U.S. House (Wisconsin, District 5)	Won	$438,377	N/A**
2012	U.S. House Wisconsin District 5	Won	$554,919	N/A**
2010	U.S. House Wisconsin District 5	Won	$419,147	N/A**
2008	U.S. House Wisconsin District 5	Won	$479,866	N/A**
2006	U.S. House Wisconsin District 5	Won	$774,141	N/A**
2004	U.S. House Wisconsin District 5	Won	$806,716	N/A**
2002	U.S. House Wisconsin District 5	Won	$567,127	N/A**
2000	U.S. House Wisconsin District 5	Won	$501,176	N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Personal Gain Index

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:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Sensenbrenner's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $15,723,191 to $21,393,142. That averages to $18,558,166.50, which is higher than the average net worth of Republican House members in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Sensenbrenner ranked as the 34th most wealthy representative in 2012. Between 2004 and 2012, Sensenbrenner's calculated net worth decreased by an average of 6 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Jim Sensenbrenner Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$33,415,868
2012	$18,558,166
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	−44%
Average annual growth:	−6%
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.

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

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

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). In the 113th Congress, Sensenbrenner was the chair of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations. Sensenbrenner received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the TV/Movies/Music industry. Comparatively, the top industry employer in Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District was Educational services, and health care and social assistance, according to a 2012 U.S. Census survey.

From 1989-2014, 21.78 percent of Sensenbrenner's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Jim Sensenbrenner Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$5,779,345
Total Spent	$5,575,754
Chair of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations
Top industry in the district	Educational services, and health care and social assistance
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
TV/Movies/Music	$362,631
Insurance	$278,848
Lawyers/Law Firms	$227,589
Retired	$196,875
Misc Manufacturing & Distributing	$193,070
% total in top industry	6.27%
% total in top two industries	11.1%
% total in top five industries	21.78%

Analysis

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.

Sensenbrenner most often voted with:

• Steve Chabot
• Jim Matheson

Sensenbrenner least often voted with:

• Chris Gibson
• Janice Schakowsky

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Sensenbrenner was a "rank-and-file Republican," as of July 2014. This was the same rating Sensenbrenner received in June 2013.

Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Sensenbrenner missed 340 of 21,826 roll call votes from January 1979 to September 2015. This amounted to 1.6 percent, which was lower than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Sensenbrenner paid his congressional staff a total of $883,916 in 2011. Overall, Wisconsin ranked 32nd in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.

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

Sensenbrenner ranked 129th in the conservative rankings in 2013.

2012

Sensenbrenner was one of two members who ranked 170th in the conservative rankings in 2012.

2011

Sensenbrenner was one of three members of congress who ranked 113th in the conservative rankings in 2011.

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Sensenbrenner voted with the Republican Party 90 percent of the time, which ranked 209th among the 234 House Republican members as of July 2014.

2013

Sensenbrenner voted with the Republican Party 92.8 percent of the time, which ranked 198th among the 234 House Republican members as of June 2013.

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Sensenbrenner and his wife, Cheryl, have two children.

See also

• Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District
• Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District elections, 2012
• Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District elections, 2014
• United States House of Representatives

External links

• Search Google News for this topic

• Social media:
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• Biographies:
  • U.S. Congress
  • NNDB
  • Wikipedia
• Political profiles:
  • GovTrack
  • CongressMerge
  • Project Vote Smart
  • Roll Call
• Fact-checking:
  • PolitiFact
• Financial (federal level):
  • FEC contributions
  • OpenSecrets.org
  • LegiStorm.com
• Interest group ratings:
  • Project Vote Smart
• Issue positions:
  • On The Issues
  • Project Vote Smart
• Legislation:
  • Congress.gov
• Public statements:
  • Project Vote Smart
• Voting record:
  • Project Vote Smart
  • Washington Post
• Media appearances:
  • C-SPAN
• Media coverage:
  • New York Times
  • Washington Post

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Tom Barrett	U.S. House of Representatives - Wisconsin, District 5 2003-2021	Succeeded by Scott Fitzgerald (R)
Preceded by Bob Kasten	U.S. House of Representatives - Wisconsin, District 9 1979-2003	Succeeded by District eliminated
Preceded by '	Wisconsin State Senate 1975-1979	Succeeded by '
Preceded by '	Wisconsin State Assembly 1969-1975	Succeeded by '

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Wisconsin's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Tammy Baldwin (D)

Ronald Johnson (R)

Representatives

District 1

Bryan Steil (R)

District 2

Mark Pocan (D)

District 3

Derrick Van Orden (R)

District 4

Gwen Moore (D)

District 5

Scott Fitzgerald (R)

District 6

Glenn Grothman (R)

District 7

Tom Tiffany (R)

District 8

Tony Wied (R)

Republican Party (7)

Democratic Party (3)