Lou Barletta

Lou Barletta
Current candidacy
Running for U.S. Senate, Pennsylvania
Date of primary	May 15, 2018
General election	November 6, 2018
Current office
U.S. House, Pennsylvania, District 11
Tenure
2011-Present
Term ends
January 3, 2019
Years in position	6
Party	Republican
Predecessor	Paul Kanjorski (D)
Report an officeholder change
Compensation
Base salary	$174,000/year
Elections and appointments
Cost per vote	$8.99 in 2014
First elected	November 2, 2010
Campaign $	$5,772,014
Term limits	N/A
Prior offices
Member, Hazleton City Council
1998-2000
Mayor, City of Hazleton
Education
High school	Hazleton High School, 1974
Personal
Date of birth	July 28, 1956
Place of birth	Hazleton, PA
Net worth	(2012) $2,083,544.50
Religion	Catholic
Websites
Office website
Campaign website
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Lou Barletta (b. January 1, 1956, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania) is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the state of Pennsylvania. Barletta was first elected by voters from Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District in 2010. During the period of transition between the Obama and Trump administrations, Barletta was reported to be in consideration for a high-level appointment in the Trump administration. Politico reported that Barletta was being considered for secretary of labor.

Barletta is a 2018 Republican candidate seeking election to the U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania.

Based on analysis of multiple outside rankings, Barletta is a more moderate right of center Republican Party vote. As a result, he may break with the Republican Party line more than his fellow members.

Career

Early career

Returning to Pennsylvania after college and trying out for a Major League Baseball team, Lou Barletta started up a line-painting business. According to Barletta's bio, the company is the sixth largest in the nation for line-painting.

Political career

Barletta began his political career in 1998, when he ran for city council in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Two years later, he ran for mayor and won. He served three terms as the city's mayor. While mayor, he opposed illegal immigration by passing an ordinance in 2006 that fined landlords $1,000 a day for providing housing to undocumented immigrants. The ordinance was struck down in 2007.

In 2004, under President George W. Bush, Barletta was appointed by the White House to the United Nation Advisory Committee of Local Authorities.

In 2011, Barletta was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District.

Donald Trump presidential transition team

See also: Donald Trump presidential transition team

Barletta was a member of Donald Trump's presidential transition team. The transition team was a group of around 100 aides, policy experts, government affairs officials, and former government officials who were tasked with vetting, interviewing, and recommending individuals for top cabinet and staff roles in Trump's administration. According to Fox News, he was part of the team's executive committee.

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2017-2018

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

• Committee on Education and the Workforce
• Committee on Homeland Security
• Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

2015-2016

Barletta served on the following committees:

• Education and the Workforce Committee
  • Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training
  • Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions
• Homeland Security Committee
  • Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security
  • Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence
• Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
  • Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings & Emergency Management, Chairman
  • Subcommittee on Highways & Transit
  • Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines & Hazardous Materials

2013-2014

Barletta served on the following committees:

• Committee on Education and the Workforce
  • Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training
  • Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions
• United States House Committee on Homeland Security
  • Subcommittee on Border, Maritime Security
  • Subcommittee on Transportation Security
• United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management - Chair
  • Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
  • Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials

Possible Trump appointee
During the 2016 presidential transition of power, Barletta was reported to be in consideration for a high-level appointment in Donald Trump's administration.
Full list of possible appointees

2011-2012

Barletta served on the following committees:

• Education and the Workforce
  • Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education
  • Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions
  • Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training
• Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials
  • Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
  • Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management

Key votes

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

Votes on domestic policy

Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

 Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017

This bill 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 is 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

Voted Yea on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

 Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017

The bill proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who are convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-enter the U.S. illegally.

Voted Yea on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

 Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017

This bill proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that do not follow federal immigration laws.

Voted Yea on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

 Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017

The bill 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

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

Funded the government until December 22, 2017.

Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

 Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017

This bill amends 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

Establishes the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and sets 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

Establishes the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and sets forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.

Voted Yea on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

 Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017

This bill proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.

Voted Yea 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

A bill to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government until December 8, 2017, and provide 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

"This bill 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

This bill proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.

Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

 Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017

The $1.2 trillion budget bill funded the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.

Votes on foreign policy and national security issues

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

 Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017

This bill authorizes FY2018 appropriations and sets 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

Making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year (FY) ending September 30, 2018.

Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

 Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017

To provide congressional review and 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

This bill 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

This bill 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

This bill proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and set 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.

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

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

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 Barletta'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 - Trade Act of 2015 by a vote of 126 to 302. TAA is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. Although the measure has generally been opposed by Republicans in the past, the vote divided the party because it was packaged in a bill featuring the more popular trade promotion authority (TPA). For this reason, even though the two measures were voted on separately, some considered a vote for TAA to be a de facto vote for TPA. Barletta was one of 86 Republicans to vote in favor of TAA Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House narrowly passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314 - Trade Act of 2015 by a vote of 219 to 211. TPA would give the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Barletta was one of 191 Republicans to support the measure. 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 had been rejected earlier the same day. Trade promotion authority second vote After the House failed to pass trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) together on June 12, 2015, it voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146 - Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Barletta was one of 190 Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment. Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295 - 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 had rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314 - Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146 - Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act, TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Barletta was one of 111 Republicans to vote in favor of HR 1295. Defense spending authorization On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735 - 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." Barletta and seven other Republicans did not vote. 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. Barletta 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. Barletta voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill. 2015 budget On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314 - 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. Barletta 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. Republican Reps. Lou Barletta (Pa.) and Reid Ribble (Wis.) did not vote on 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. Barletta 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 prohibits "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." Barletta voted with 244 Republicans and 2 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. Barletta 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 proposes reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that want to buy U.S. goods. Barletta voted with 126 Republicans and 186 Democrats in favor of 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 terminating the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, increasing transparency of 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." Barletta was the only Republican who did not vote. 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 proposes prohibiting abortions from being performed after an unborn child is determined to be 20 weeks or older. If a woman's life is in danger or her pregnancy is the result of rape or incest which has been reported to law enforcement or an appropriate government agency at any time, an abortion may be performed. Barletta was one of five members of the House who did not vote on the bill. The vote largely followed party lines. 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 proposes creating an information sharing program that will allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats and includes liability protections for companies. Barletta 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 proposes procedures that will allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Barletta 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 proposes instituting a stronger screening process for refugees from Iraq and Syria who apply for admission to the U.S. Barletta 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 Barletta's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security DHS Appropriations Barletta voted in favor of HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines. Keystone Pipeline Amendment Barletta 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) Barletta voted in favor of 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. NDAA Barletta voted in support of HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote. 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. However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states. Barletta voted with 161 other Republican representatives in favor of 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 increased the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel by 1 percent, increased Head Start funding for early childhood education by $1 billion, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and protected the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Barletta voted with the majority of the Republican party in favor of 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. Barletta voted for 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. Barletta voted for HR 2775. Immigration Morton Memos Prohibition Barletta voted in favor of 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 illegal aliens residing in the United States. The vote largely followed party lines. Healthcare Healthcare Reform Rules Barletta voted in favor of House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines. Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act Barletta voted in favor of HR 2009 - Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act of 2013. The bill passed through the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 232-185. The bill would prevent the IRS and Treasury Secretary from enforcing the powers provided to them in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The vote largely followed party lines. Social issues Amash amendment Barletta did not vote on House Amendment 413 - Prohibits the National Security Agency from Collecting Records Under the Patriot Act. The amendment failed on July 4, 2013, by a vote of 205-217. The amendment would have prohibited the collection of records by the National Security Agency under the Patriot Act. Both parties were split on the vote. 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. Barletta joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution. Previous congressional sessions Fiscal cliff Barletta voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003, while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 85 Republicans that voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.

Issues

Statement on government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

Barletta switched his stance and announced he no longer supported a bill to reopen the federal government without strings attached. Barletta said on October 8, 2013, that he believed the best chance to win congressional approval of a government funding bill was to attach a provision repealing a medical devices tax that was included in the 2010 health care law.

Before the October 1, 2013, shutdown began, Barletta voted with GOP leaders on bills to scale back elements of the law. Then he joined four other Pennsylvania Republicans in breaking party ranks and saying he supported a budget bill without strings attached.

Presidential preference

In June 2015, Barletta endorsed Rick Santorum for president, but Santorum withdrew from the race in February 2016.

2016 presidential endorsement

✓ Barletta endorsed Donald Trump for the Republican primary in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

See also: Endorsements for Donald Trump

2012

See also: Endorsements by state officials of presidential candidates in the 2012 election

Lou Barletta endorsed Rick Santorum in the 2012 presidential election.

Elections

2018

See also: United States Senate election in Pennsylvania, 2018

Barletta is seeking election to the U.S. Senate seat from Pennsylvania in 2018.

2016

See also: Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Lou Barletta (R) defeated Mike Marsicano (D) in the general election. Neither candidate faced a primary opponent in April.

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 11 General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Lou Barletta Incumbent	63.7%	199,421
	Democratic	Mike Marsicano	36.3%	113,800
Total Votes				313,221
Source: Pennsylvania Department of State

Campaign themes

The following issues were listed on Barletta's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

“	Illegal Immigration: While Lou Barletta was mayor of Hazleton, they city’s population increased by 50 percent, but its tax revenue remained flat. He knew there was an illegal immigration problem. His response was rooted in a pragmatic approach to government. Barletta introduced the Illegal Immigration Relief Act (IIRA) in 2006. This first-of-its-kind legislation cracked down on businesses who knowingly hired illegal immigrants and landlords who knowingly provided refuge to them. This legislation went on to serve as a blueprint for state and local governments across the country. Government Spending: Washington has a spending problem that cannot be allowed to continue. The current level of spending is unsustainable and irresponsible. Families across Pennsylvania adhere to a budget, and the federal government should be held to the same standard. Economy and Jobs: As the founder of his own small business, Lou feels that this segment of our economy holds a great deal of promise. He will continue to fight to ensure that Americans get and keep jobs. Transportation: Roads, bridges, and related transportation infrastructure connect communities and combine to serve as an economic life source of our nation. However, in many states, including Pennsylvania, transportation infrastructure is suffering from a lack of sufficient maintenance. Pennsylvania alone is home to more than 5,000 structurally deficient bridges. Energy: America needs a better energy policy. To see why, all consumers have to do is look at what they pay at the pump today compared to the $1.79 they paid for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in January of 2009.	”
—Lou Barletta's campaign website, http://www.loubarletta.com/issues/

2014

See also: Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District elections, 2014

Barletta won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary on May 20, 2014.

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 11 General Election, 2014
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Lou Barletta Incumbent	66.3%	122,464
	Democratic	Andy Ostrowski	33.7%	62,228
Total Votes				184,692
Source: Pennsylvania Department of State

To view more details about the 2014 election, click [show] to expand the section.

Race background In early 2013, PoliticsPA and The Hill previewed three Pennsylvania races which showed promise for a competitive primary or potential partisan switch. Of the eighteen total House seats up for election in 2014, Republicans held thirteen. In the 11th District race, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was looking at Chris Carney as a potential challenger to incumbent Lou Barletta; however, Carney declined to enter the race. Barletta instead faced Democrat Andy Ostrowski in the general election. Campaign themes Barletta's campaign website listed the following issues: Agriculture Excerpt: "Pennsylvania is a world leader in agriculture, a critical industry to both our national security and national economy. Maintaining this position requires that our elected officials do whatever they can to ensure farmers have all the resources they need to do their job effectively." Energy Excerpt: "America needs a better energy policy. All you have to do is look at what you pay at the pump today compared to the $1.79 you paid for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in January of 2009 to see why." Illegal Immigration Excerpt: "As the mayor of Hazleton, I introduced the Illegal Immigration Relief Act (IIRA) in 2006. This first-of-its-kind legislation cracked down on businesses who knowingly hired illegal immigrants and landlords who knowingly provided refuge to them. This legislation went on to serve as a blueprint for state and local governments across the country." Right to Life Excerpt: "Simply stated, I am Pro-Life. I believe that innocent life should be protected at every stage of development. I support the restoration of legal protection for innocent human life. I will oppose the efforts of some to increase or expand the protection or establishment of legal euthanasia, abortion, and human cloning." Second Amendment Excerpt: "As a gun owner, recreational shooter, and an NRA member, I understand the meaning and significance of the Second Amendment. I believe in an individual right to keep, own, and use firearms." Veterans Excerpt: "No matter where they put their boots at night, this nation owes all veterans a debt of gratitude. We owe our veterans the best benefits we can provide."

2012

See also: Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District elections, 2012

Barletta ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Pennsylvania's 11th District. He was unopposed in the Republican primary and defeated Gene Stilp (D) in the general election on November 6, 2012.

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 11 General Election, 2012
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Gene Stilp	41.5%	118,231
	Republican	Lou Barletta Incumbent	58.5%	166,967
Total Votes				285,198
Source: Pennsylvania Department of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

Full history

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

2010 On November 2, 2010, Lou Barletta won election to the United States House. He defeated Paul E. Kanjorski (D) in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 11 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Lou Barletta 54.7% 102,179      Democratic Paul E. Kanjorski incumbent 45.3% 84,618 Total Votes 186,797 2008 On November 4, 2008, Paul E. Kanjorski won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Lou Barletta (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 11 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Paul E. Jankorski incumbent 51.6% 146,379      Republican Lou Barletta 48.4% 137,151 Total Votes 283,530 2002 On November 5, 2002, Paul E. Kanjorski won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Louis J. Barletta (R), Thomas J. McLaughlin (Reform) and various write-in challengers in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 11 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Paul E. Kanjorski incumbent 55.6% 93,758      Republican Louis J. Barletta 42.4% 71,543      Reform Thomas J. McLaughlin 2% 3,304      N/A Write-in 0% 10 Total Votes 168,615

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor history

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.
Why is that? While candidates and parties must file detailed expenditure reports, independent organizations and unions are not required to file reports in every case. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer.

Comprehensive donor information is shown below. Based on available campaign finance records, Barletta raised a total of $7,052,035 in elections. Ballotpedia updates the information below in the years following a general election.

Lou Barletta Campaign Contribution History
Year	Office	Result	Contributions
2016	U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 11		$1,280,021
2014	U.S. House (Pennsylvania, District 11)		$1,265,318
2012	U.S. House (Pennsylvania, District 11)		$1,334,027
2010	U.S. House (Pennsylvania, District 11)		$1,253,913
2008	U.S. House (Pennsylvania, District 11)		$1,324,951
2002	U.S. House (Pennsylvania, District 11)		$593,805
Grand Total Raised			$7,052,035
Source: Follow the Money

2016

Barletta won re-election to the U.S. House in 2016. During that election cycle, Barletta's campaign committee raised a total of $1,280,021 and spent $942,149. This is less than the average $1.46 million spent by U.S. House winners in 2016.

Cost per vote

Barletta spent $4.72 per general election vote received in 2016.

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 11, 2016 - Lou Barletta Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,280,021
Total Spent	$942,149
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$422,488
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$123,748
Top contributors to Lou Barletta's campaign committee
CSX Corp	$15,000
Sheet Metal/AC Contractors Assn	$15,000
Berkshire Hathaway	$12,500
American Bankers Assn	$10,000
American Council of Engineering Cos	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Railroads	$60,825
Construction Services	$50,669
Air Transport	$49,000
Trucking	$46,200
Building Materials & Equipment	$46,000

2014

Barletta won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. During that election cycle, Barletta's campaign committee raised a total of $1,265,318 and spent $1,101,031. This is less than the average $1.45 million spent by House winners in 2014.

Cost per vote

Barletta spent $8.99 per general election vote received in 2014.

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 11, 2014 - Lou Barletta Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,265,318
Total Spent	$1,101,031
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$12,726
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$0
Top contributors to Lou Barletta's campaign committee
Savills Studley Inc	$36,267
Norfolk Southern	$20,500
Berkshire Hathaway	$15,000
CSX Corp	$15,000
Union Pacific Corp	$15,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Railroads	$91,450
Real Estate	$78,158
Air Transport	$35,700
Building Materials & Equipment	$34,750
Transportation Unions	$34,000

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Barletta's campaign funds before the 2014 election.

Candidates for Congress were required to file reports with the Federal Election Commission during the 2014 elections season. Below are Lou Barletta's reports.

Lou Barletta (2014) Campaign Finance Reports
Report	Date Filed	Beginning Balance	Total Contributions for Reporting Period	Expenditures	Cash on Hand
April Quarterly	April 15, 2013	$7,897.02	$116,984.27	$(67,731.39)	$57,149.90
July Quarterly	July 15, 2013	$57,149.90	$228,167.90	$(123,782.21)	$161,535.59
October Quarterly	October 13, 2013	$161,535.59	$145,523.29	$(114,160.81)	$192,898.07
Year-End	January 31, 2014	$192,898	$100,957	$(130,506)	$163,348
April Quarterly	April 15, 2014	$163,348.80	$154,446.22	$(122,445.38)	$195,349.64
			Running totals
			$746,078.68	$(558,625.79)

2012

Barletta won re-election to the U.S. House in 2012. During that election cycle, his campaign committee raised a total of $1,334,027 and spent $1,335,284. This is less than the average $1.5 million spent by House winners in 2012.

Cost per vote

Barletta spent $7.99 per vote received in 2012.

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 11, 2012 - Lou Barletta Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,334,027
Total Spent	$1,335,284
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$99,105
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$87,380
Top contributors to Lou Barletta's campaign committee
American Bankers Association	$17,000
Diamond Manufacturing	$12,500
National Air Traffic Controllers Association	$11,000
Honeywell International	$10,999
Chesapeake Energy	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Leadership PACs	$90,187
Railroads	$50,390
Retired	$40,950
Health Professionals	$40,250
Oil & Gas	$35,550

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Barletta's campaign funds before the 2012 election.

2010

Barletta won re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010. During that re-election cycle, Barletta's campaign committee raised a total of $1,253,913 and spent $1,254,165.

His top five contributors between 2009-2010 were:

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 11, 2010 - Lou Barletta Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,253,913
Total Spent	$1,254,165
Total Raised by General Election Opponent	$1,877,477
Total Spent by General Election Opponent	$2,083,660
Top contributors to Lou Barletta's campaign committee
Diamond Manufacturing	$17,575
Associated Builders & Contractors	$10,000
Citizens United	$10,000
Every Republican is Crucial PAC	$10,000
Freedom Project	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Leadership PACs	$117,900
Retired	$52,983
Republican/Conservative	$43,017
Candidate Committees	$38,550
Oil & Gas	$31,725

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, Barletta's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $751,091 to $3,415,998. That averages to $2,083,544.50, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican House members in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Barletta ranked as the 145th most wealthy representative in 2012. Between 2009 and 2012, Barletta's calculated net worth increased by an average of 18 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Lou Barletta Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2009	$1,343,120
2012	$2,083,544
Growth from 2009 to 2012:	55%
Average annual growth:	18%
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, Barletta was the chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management. Barletta received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Leadership PACs industry. Comparatively, the top industry employer in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District was Educational services, and health care and social assistance, according to a 2012 U.S. Census survey.

From 2001-2014, 19.48 percent of Barletta's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Lou Barletta Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$5,482,706
Total Spent	$5,161,097
Chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management
Top industry in the district	Educational services, and health care and social assistance
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Leadership PACs	$464,991
Retired	$180,144
Railroads	$144,740
Real Estate	$139,458
Lawyers/Law Firms	$138,588
% total in top industry	8.48%
% total in top two industries	11.77%
% total in top five industries	19.48%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

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

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

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.

Barletta most often votes with:

• Mike Kelly
• John Barrow

Barletta least often votes with:

• Walter Jones
• Janice Schakowsky

Lifetime voting record

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

According to the website GovTrack, Barletta missed 90 of 3,358 roll call votes from January 2011 to September 2015. This amounts to 2.7 percent, which is worse than the median of 2.2 percent among current 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. Barletta paid his congressional staff a total of $788,475 in 2011. Overall, Pennsylvania ranked 34th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.

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

Barletta was one of two members of the House who ranked 183rd in the conservative rankings in 2013.

2012

Barletta ranked 191st in the conservative rankings in 2012.

2011

Barletta ranked 168th 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

Lou Barletta voted with the Republican Party 93.1 percent of the time, which ranked 160th among the 234 House Republican members as of July 2014.

2013

Lou Barletta voted with the Republican Party 92.0 percent of the time, which ranked 205th among the 234 House Republican members as of June 2013.

2011

Lou Barletta voted with the Republican Party 91.2 percent of the time, which ranked 168 among the 242 House Republican members as of December 2011.

2016 Republican National Convention

See also: Republican National Convention, 2016

Lou Barletta
Republican National Convention, 2016
Status:	At-large delegate
State:	Pennsylvania
Bound to:	Donald Trump
Delegates to the RNC 2016
Calendar and delegate rules overview • Types of delegates • Delegate rules by state • State election law and delegates • Delegates by state

Barletta was an at-large delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention from Pennsylvania. All 17 at-large delegates from Pennsylvania were bound by the results of the state primary election to support Donald Trump at the national convention. As of July 13, 2016, Trump had approximately 1,542 delegates. The winner of the Republican nomination needed the support of 1,237 delegates. Trump formally won the nomination on July 19, 2016. Pennsylvania’s 54 district-level delegates were elected directly by voters in the state primary election as unpledged delegates, meaning they were not bound to vote for any specific candidate at the national convention.

Delegate rules

See also: RNC delegate guidelines from Pennsylvania, 2016 and Republican delegates from Pennsylvania, 2016

At-large delegates from Pennsylvania were selected at the summer meeting of the State Committee on May 21, 2016. They were allocated to the statewide winner of the state primary election. Pennsylvania's 54 congressional district delegates were directly elected on the primary ballot as unbound delegates. They were not required to disclose which candidate they supported at the time of their election.

Pennsylvania primary results

See also: Presidential election in Pennsylvania, 2016

Pennsylvania Republican Primary, 2016
Candidate	Vote %	Votes	Delegates
Donald Trump	56.6%	902,593	17
Ted Cruz	21.7%	345,506	0
John Kasich	19.4%	310,003	0
Jeb Bush	0.6%	9,577	0
Marco Rubio	0.7%	11,954	0
Ben Carson	0.9%	14,842	0
Totals		1,594,475	17
Source: The New York Times and Pennsylvania Secretary of State

Delegate allocation

See also: 2016 presidential nominations: calendar and delegate rules

Pennsylvania had 71 delegates at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Of this total, 54 were district-level delegates (three for each of the state's 18 congressional districts). According to the Republican National Committee, Pennsylvania's district delegates were "elected on the primary ballot as officially unbound," meaning that these delegates were not required to pledge their support to the winner of the state's primary.

Of the remaining 17 delegates, 14 served at large. Pennsylvania's at-large delegates were allocated on a winner-take-all basis; the plurality winner of the state's primary received all of the state's at-large delegates. In addition, three national party leaders (identified on the chart below as RNC delegates) served as bound delegates to the Republican National Convention. The RNC delegates were required to pledge their support to the winner of the state's primary.

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term Lou + Barletta + Pennsylvania + House

Lou Barletta News Feed

See also

• Pennsylvania
• United States Senate election in Pennsylvania, 2018
• United States congressional delegations from Pennsylvania
• United States House of Representatives
• United States House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District
  • Donald Trump potential high-level administration appointments

External links

Suggest a link

 

• Social media:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
• Biographies:
  • U.S. Congress
  • NNDB
  • Wikipedia
• Political profiles:
  • GovTrack
  • CongressMerge
  • OpenCongress
  • Project Vote Smart
  • Roll Call
• 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
  • IMDb
• Media coverage:
  • Washington Post

• Campaign website

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Paul Kanjorski	U.S. House of Representatives - Pennsylvania District 11 2011–present	Succeeded by -