Robert Brady

Robert Brady

Democratic Party

Prior offices

U.S. House Pennsylvania District 1

Successor: Brian Fitzpatrick

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Compensation

Net worth

(2012) $1,640,503.50

Education

High school

Saint Thomas More High School, 1963

Personal

Religion

Christian: Catholic

Contact

Personal website

Personal Facebook

Personal Twitter

Robert "Bob" A. Brady is a former Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the state of Pennsylvania. Brady was first elected by the voters of Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District in 1998. On January 31, 2018, Brady announced that he would not seek re-election. He said, “I’ve been married for 21 years. For twenty of those years, I’ve been going to Washington four days a week. I need to come back home.”

Biography

Brady is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from St. Thomas More High School in 1963 and entered the workforce as a carpenter. He joined the Carpenters' Union and eventually became one of its leaders. Brady has lectured at the University of Pennsylvania and is also a member of the Teachers Union. In addition, he has experience working as an insurance and real estate agent and union lobbyist. Before becoming a congressman, Brady was chairman of the Philadelphia Democratic Party and a member of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

Career

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

• 1998-2019: U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District
• 1991-1998: Member of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
• 1975-1983: Sergeant-at-arms, Philadelphia City Council

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2017-2018

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

• Committee on Armed Services
• Committee on House Administration

2015-2016

Brady served on the following committees:

• Armed Services Committee
  • Subcommittee on Military Personnel
• House Administration Committee, Ranking Member
• Joint Committee on Printing

2013-2014

Brady served on the following committees:

• Committee on Armed Services
  • Subcommittee on Military Personnel
• Committee on House Administration, Ranking member
• Joint Committee on the Library

2011-2012

Brady served on the following committees:

• Armed Services
  • Subcommittee on Military Personnel
• House Administration
  • Subcommittee on Elections

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: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

• Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

  Voted Yea 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 Nay 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 Nay 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 Yea 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 Nay 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 Nay 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 Nay 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 Nay 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 Yea 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 Yea 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 Nay 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 Yea 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 Nay 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 Nay 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 Nay 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 Nay 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 Nay 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 Nay 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 Nay 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 Nay 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 Nay 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 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

  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 Nay 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 Yea 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 Nay 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 Nay 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 Nay 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.

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 Brady'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. Brady was one of 144 Democrats to vote against the bill. 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. Brady was one of 157 Democrats to vote against 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 his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Brady was one of 158 Democrats to vote against 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. Brady was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of 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." Brady voted with 142 other Democrats and eight Republicans against 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. Brady voted with 134 other Democrats and 235 Republicans 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, including Brady, voted against the resolution. 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. Brady voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of 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. Brady voted with 176 Democrats 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. Brady voted with 161 Democrats for 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." Brady voted with 185 Democrats against 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. Brady voted with 185 Democrats against 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. Brady voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans 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, 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." Brady was one of five Democrats 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 a fetus 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. Brady 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 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. Brady voted with 43 Democrats and 19 Republicans against 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. Brady and three other Democrats did not vote. 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. Brady voted with 134 Democrats and two Republicans against 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 Brady's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security DHS Appropriations Brady voted against HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines. Keystone Pipeline Amendment Brady voted in favor of House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines. CISPA (2013) Brady 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. NDAA Brady 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, known as the Farm Bill. The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill provides for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop. However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states. Brady voted with 102 other Democratic representatives against the bill. 2014 Budget On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014. 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 the protection of the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Brady joined with the majority of the Democratic party and voted 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. Brady voted against 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. Brady voted for HR 2775. Immigration Morton Memos Prohibition Brady voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status. The vote largely followed party lines. Healthcare Healthcare Reform Rules Brady voted against House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines. Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act Brady voted against HR 2009 - Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act of 2013. The bill passed through the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 232-185. The bill would prevent the IRS and Treasury Secretary from enforcing the powers provided to them in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The vote largely followed party lines. Social issues Amash amendment Brady voted in favor of House Amendment 413 - Prohibits the National Security Agency from Collecting Records Under the Patriot Act. The amendment failed on July 4, 2013, by a vote of 205-217. The amendment would have prohibited the collection of records by the National Security Agency under the Patriot Act. Both parties were split on the vote. Previous congressional sessions Fiscal cliff Brady voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003, while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 172 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.

Issues

FBI investigation into campaign finance fraud

According to an approved search warrant application submitted to a federal district court in Pennsylvania on November 1, 2017, Brady is under investigation by the FBI for campaign finance fraud. In the application, FBI Special Agent Jonathan Szeliga said that he had probable cause to believe that Brady, along with his 2012 primary rival, Jimmie Moore, and three other staffers and political consultants, had conspired to conceal payments to Moore, in exchange for his withdrawal from the race.

Carolyn Cavaness, a former aide to Moore named in the alleged conspiracy, pleaded guilty in July 2017 to making false statements to the Federal Election Commission about the payments. She said that she had been instructed by Moore to create a company to funnel the money from Brady. In September 2017, Moore also pleaded guilty to making false statements in his campaign filings.

Political consultants Kenneth Smukler and Donald “D.A.” Jones, who were also named in the search warrant application, pleaded not guilty in October 2017 to charges related to the alleged campaign fraud. Their trial was scheduled to begin on December 12, 2017.

An attorney for Brady denied that Brady was a target of the investigation, according to a CBS News report on November 21, 2017.

Elections

2018

See also: Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District election, 2018

On January 31, 2018, Brady announced that he would not seek re-election. He said, “I’ve been married for 21 years. For twenty of those years, I’ve been going to Washington four days a week. I need to come back home.”

2016

See also: Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Robert Brady (D) defeated Deborah Williams (R) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Neither candidate faced a primary opponent in April.

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 1 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Robert Brady Incumbent	82.2%	245,791
	Republican	Deborah Williams	17.8%	53,219
Total Votes				299,010
Source: Pennsylvania Department of State

2014

See also: Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District elections, 2014

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

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 1 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Robert Brady Incumbent	82.8%	131,248
	Republican	Megan Rath	17.2%	27,193
Total Votes				158,441
Source: Pennsylvania Department of State

2012

See also: Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District elections, 2012

Brady ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Pennsylvania's 1st District. He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary on April 24 and defeated Republican John Featherman in the Nov. 6 general election.

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 1 General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Robert Brady Incumbent	84.9%	235,394
	Republican	John Featherman	15.1%	41,708
Total Votes				277,102
Source: Pennsylvania Department of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Robert A. Brady, click [show] to expand the section.

2010 On November 2, 2010, Robert A. Brady won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 1 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert A. Brady incumbent 100% 149,944 Total Votes 149,944 2008 On November 4, 2008, Robert A. Brady won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Mike Muhammad (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 1 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert A. Brady incumbent 90.8% 242,799      Republican Mike Muhammad 9.2% 24,714 Total Votes 267,513 2006 On November 7, 2006, Robert A. Brady won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Write-in challengers in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 1 General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert A. Brady incumbent 100% 137,987 Total Votes 137,999 2004 On November 2, 2004, Robert A. Brady won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Deborah L. Williams (R) and Christopher Randolph (Randolph for Congress) in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 1 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert A. Brady incumbent 86.3% 214,462      Republican Deborah L. Williams 13.4% 33,266      Randolph for Congress Christopher Randolph 0.3% 857 Total Votes 248,585 2002 On November 5, 2002, Robert A. Brady won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Marie G. Delany (R) and Mike Ewall (Green) in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 1 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert A. Brady incumbent 86.4% 121,076      Republican Marie G. Delany 12.5% 17,444      Green Mike Ewall 1.1% 1,570 Total Votes 140,090 2000 On November 7, 2000, Robert A. Brady won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Steven N. Kush (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 1 General Election, 2000 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert A. Brady incumbent 88.3% 149,621      Republican Steven N. Kush 11.7% 19,920 Total Votes 169,541 1998 On November 3, 1998, Robert A. Brady won election to the United States House. He defeated William M. Harrison (R), John Featherman (L) and Nancy Cole (Socialist Workers Campaign) in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 1 General Election, 1998 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert A. Brady 81.2% 77,788      Republican William M. Harrison 16.6% 15,898      Libertarian John Featherman 1.2% 1,198      Socialist Workers Campaign Nancy Cole 1% 964 Total Votes 95,848

Campaign themes

2016

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

“	Working for Working Families: Putting America back to work is my top priority. Too many families are struggling to make ends meet which is why I am working everyday to reduce unemployment and re-ignite the American Dream by investing in our middle class. Since the Bush recession started, I have supported efforts to prevent out-sourcing of American jobs overseas, create incentives for small business and support legislation that helps our manufacturing sector Make It In America once again. Standing Up for Civil Rights: Throughout my career I have been honored to received either an “A” or 100 percent rating from the NAACP, The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, the Human Rights Campaign among others. I have fought for expanding economic opportunities for America’s middle class. I have supported dramatic increases in funding for public education, job training programs and for initiatives to combat discrimination wherever it may be found. I have stood for legislation that invests in financially disadvantaged communities. I’ve worked tirelessly to to support affordable housing and will always work to make the American Dream available to everyone. Keeping America Safe: As a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have worked throughout my entire Congressional career to support our Armed Forces. I have voted for policies and programs that help our veterans and fought to make sure our brave men and women serving abroad have the resources they need to discharge their duties. I have also worked with the Pentagon to bring important funding back to the Delaware Valley for important national security projects at Philadelphia’s hospitals and universities as well as our local manufacturers such as Boeing. My commitment to America’s servicemen and women is without rival. Supporting Public Education: I believe a strong system of public education is a cornerstone of our democracy. I have supported education as a lifelong pursuit. From access to quality, early education programs like Head Start to working with labor and business for mid-career job retraining programs, my commitment to federal support for education has been steadfast. Making Government Work: As the Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, I have worked to make our federal elections work. I have championed the DISCLOSE Act, to require big corporations to disclose there spending our elections and to strengthen the ban on foreign money in our politics. I have also been pleased to support the Fair Elections Now Act, to create a hybrid public financing system for Congressional candidates.	”
—Robert Brady's campaign website, http://www.bobbrady.us/issues/

2014

Brady's campaign website listed the following issues:

“	Working for Working Families: "Putting America back to work is my top priority. Too many families are struggling to make ends meet which is why I am working everyday to reduce unemployment and re-ignite the American Dream by investing in our middle class." Standing Up for Civil Rights: "Throughout my career I have been honored to received either an “A” or 100 percent rating from the NAACP, The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, the Human Rights Campaign among others." Keeping America Safe: "As a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have worked throughout my entire Congressional career to support our Armed Forces. I have voted for policies and programs that help our veterans and fought to make sure our brave men and women serving abroad have the resources they need to discharge their duties." Supporting Public Education: "I believe a strong system of public education is a cornerstone of our democracy. I have supported education as a lifelong pursuit. From access to quality, early education programs like Head Start to working with labor and business for mid-career job retraining programs, my commitment to federal support for education has been steadfast." Making Government Work: "As the Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, I have worked to make our federal elections work. I have championed the DISCLOSE Act, to require big corporations to disclose there spending our elections and to strengthen the ban on foreign money in our politics."	”
—Bob Brady, http://www.bobbrady.us/issues/

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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Robert Brady campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2016	U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 1	Won	$755,372	N/A**
2014	U.S. House (Pennsylvania, District 1)	Won	$722,246	N/A**
Grand total			$1,477,618	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** 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, Brady's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $1,080,007 to $2,201,000. That averages to $1,640,503.50, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic House members in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Brady ranked as the 168th most wealthy representative in 2012. Between 2004 and 2012, Brady‘s calculated net worth increased by an average of 9 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Robert Brady Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$971,132
2012	$1,640,503
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	69%
Average annual growth:	9%
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). Brady received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Lawyers/Law Firms industry. Comparatively, the top industry employer in Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District was Educational services, and health care and social assistance, according to a 2012 U.S. Census survey.

From 1997-2014, 32.72 percent of Brady's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Robert Brady Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$6,041,870
Total Spent	$5,183,144
Top industry in the district	Educational services, and health care and social assistance
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$711,580
Building Trade Unions	$500,051
Industrial Unions	$311,700
Transportation Unions	$228,500
General Contractors	$224,770
% total in top industry	11.78%
% total in top two industries	20.05%
% total in top five industries	32.72%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

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

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Brady was a moderate Democratic follower as of July 2014. Brady was previously listed as a "rank-and-file Democrat" in June 2013.

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracked the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she voted most and least often. The results included a member from each party.

Brady most often voted with:

• Matthew Cartwright
• Chris Gibson

Brady least often voted with:

• Jim Matheson
• Jeff Duncan

Lifetime voting record

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

According to the website GovTrack, Brady missed 549 of 11,906 roll call votes from May 1998 to September 2015. This amounted to 4.6 percent, which was higher 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 compiled staff salary information for members of Congress. Brady paid his congressional staff a total of $1,156,396 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

Brady was one of two members of the House who ranked 77th in the liberal rankings in 2013.

2012

Brady ranked 46th in the liberal rankings in 2012.

2011

Brady ranked 82nd in the liberal rankings in 2011.

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracked how often members of Congress voted with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Robert A. Brady voted with the Democratic Party 95.3 percent of the time, which ranked 26th among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014.

2013

Robert A. Brady voted with the Democratic Party 95.9 percent of the time, which ranked 18th among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.

2011

Robert A. Brady voted with the Democratic Party 95.1 percent of the time, which ranked 11th among the 192 House Democratic members as of December 2011.

2016 Democratic National Convention

• Delegate to the 2016 DNC (click to expand)

  See also: Democratic National Convention, 2016

  Robert Brady
  Democratic National Convention, 2016
  Status:	Superdelegate
  State:	Pennsylvania
  Supporting:	Hillary Clinton
  Delegates to the DNC 2016
  Calendar and delegate rules overview • Types of delegates • State election law and delegates • Superdelegates by state

  Brady was a superdelegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention from Pennsylvania. Brady was one of 19 superdelegates from Pennsylvania. Superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention were not bound by the results of their state’s primary or caucus results to support a specific presidential candidate. Brady supported Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.Clinton formally won the Democratic nomination for president on July 26, 2016.

  What is a superdelegate?

  See also: Superdelegates and the 2016 Democratic National Convention

  Superdelegates in 2016 were automatic delegates to the Democratic National Convention, meaning that, unlike regular delegates, they were not elected to this position. Also unlike regular delegates, they were not required to pledge their support to any presidential candidate, and they were not bound by the results of their state's presidential primary election or caucus. In 2016, superdelegates included members of the Democratic National Committee, Democratic members of Congress, Democratic governors, and distinguished party leaders, including former presidents and vice presidents. All superdelegates were free to support any presidential candidate of their choosing at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

  Pennsylvania primary results

  See also: Presidential election in Pennsylvania, 2016

  Hillary Clinton won the Pennsylvania Democratic primary. A total of 189 pledged delegates were at stake. Polling from late-March and April showed Clinton with a lead over Bernie Sanders ranging from six to 22 points.

  Pennsylvania Democratic Primary, 2016
  Candidate	Vote %	Votes	Delegates
  Hillary Clinton	55.6%	935,107	106
  Bernie Sanders	43.5%	731,881	83
  Roque De La Fuente	0.9%	14,439	0
  Totals		1,681,427	189
  Source: The New York Times and Pennsylvania Secretary of State

  Delegate allocation

  See also: 2016 presidential nominations: calendar and delegate rules

  

  Pennsylvania had 208 delegates at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Of this total, 189 were pledged delegates. National party rules stipulated how Democratic delegates in all states were allocated. Pledged delegates were allocated to a candidate in proportion to the votes he or she received in a state's primary or caucus. A candidate was eligible to receive a share of the state's pledged delegates if he or she won at least 15 percent of the votes cast in the primary or caucus. There were three types of pledged Democratic delegates: congressional district delegates, at-large delegates, and party leaders and elected officials (PLEOs). Congressional district delegates were allocated proportionally based on the primary or caucus results in a given district. At-large and PLEO delegates were allocated proportionally based on statewide primary results.

  Nineteen party leaders and elected officials served as unpledged delegates. These delegates were not required to adhere to the results of a state's primary or caucus.

Personal

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

See also

• Pennsylvania
• United States congressional delegations from Pennsylvania
• United States House of Representatives
• United States House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Thomas M. Foglietta	U.S. House of Representatives - Pennsylvania District 1 1998–2019	Succeeded by Brian Fitzpatrick (R)

[show]

Pennsylvania's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

John Fetterman (D)

David McCormick (R)

Representatives

District 1

Brian Fitzpatrick (R)

District 2

Brendan Boyle (D)

District 3

Dwight Evans (D)

District 4

Madeleine Dean (D)

District 5

Mary Scanlon (D)

District 6

Chrissy Houlahan (D)

District 7

Ryan Mackenzie (R)

District 8

Rob Bresnahan (R)

District 9

Dan Meuser (R)

District 10

Scott Perry (R)

District 11

Lloyd Smucker (R)

District 12

Summer Lee (D)

District 13

John Joyce (R)

District 14

Guy Reschenthaler (R)

District 15

Glenn Thompson (R)

District 16

Mike Kelly (R)

District 17

Chris Deluzio (D)

Republican Party (11)

Democratic Party (8)

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