Peter Visclosky

Peter Visclosky

Democratic Party

Prior offices

U.S. House Indiana District 1

Successor: Frank Mrvan

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Compensation

Net worth

(2012) $1,348,011.50

Education

High school

Andrean High School

Bachelor's

Indiana University Northwest

Graduate

Georgetown University

Law

Notre Dame Law School

Personal

Religion

Christian: Catholic

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Peter Visclosky (Democratic Party) was a member of the U.S. House, representing Indiana's 1st Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 1985. He left office on January 3, 2021.

Visclosky (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Indiana's 1st Congressional District. He won in the general election on November 6, 2018.

On November 6, 2019, Visclosky announced that he would not seek re-election in 2020.

Visclosky was first elected to the office in 1984. Visclosky won re-election in 2018 with 65.1 percent of the vote.

As of a 2014 analysis of multiple outside rankings, Visclosky is an average Democratic member of Congress, meaning he will vote with the Democratic Party on the majority of bills. Click here to read about key votes made by Visclosky. On his congressional website, Visclosky describes himself as having "always fought for Northwest Indiana’s domestic steel industry, recognizing its importance to each of our communities and to our overall economy."

Prior to serving in the U.S. Congress, Visclosky worked as a congressional staffer and attorney.

Biography

Visclosky was born in Gary, IN, and graduated from Andrean High School in Merrillville. He earned a B.S. in accounting from Indiana University Northwest, a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame, and a master's in international and comparative law from Georgetown University.

Career

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

• 1985-Present: U.S. Representative from Indiana's 1st Congressional District

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2017-2018

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

• Committee on Appropriations

2015-2016

Visclosky served on the following committees:

• Appropriations Committee
  • Subcommittee on Defense, Ranking Member
  • Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies

2013-2014

Visclosky served on the following committees:

• Committee on Appropriations
  • Subcommittee on Defense (Ranking member)
  • Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies

2011-2012

• Committee on Appropriations
  • Subcommittee on Defense
  • Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development (Ranking Member)
  • Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government

Key votes

See also: Key votes

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

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021

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

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

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

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

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018 For detailed information about each vote, click here. Votes on domestic policy (click to expand) Voted 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 Yea 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 Nay 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 Nay on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority. Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)  Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017 The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding. 114th Congress The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Visclosky'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. Visclosky 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. Visclosky 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.). Visclosky 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. Visclosky 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." Visclosky 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. Visclosky 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 Visclosky, 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. Visclosky 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. Visclosky 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. Visclosky 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." Visclosky 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. Visclosky 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. Visclosky 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 ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Visclosky voted with 141 Democrats and 196 Republicans to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Visclosky voted with 179 Democrats against the bill. Cyber security On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies. Visclosky voted with 134 Democrats and 220 Republicans to approve the bill. On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Visclosky voted with 104 Democrats and 202 Republicans in favor of the bill. Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137. The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Visclosky 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 Visclosky's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security DHS Appropriations Visclosky 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 Visclosky 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) Visclosky 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 Visclosky 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. Visclosky 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. Visclosky 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. Visclosky 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. Visclosky voted for HR 2775. Immigration Morton Memos Prohibition Visclosky 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 Visclosky 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 Visclosky 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 Visclosky voted against 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 Visclosky voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 16 Democrats who voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.

Elections

2020

See also: Indiana's 1st Congressional District election, 2020

Peter Visclosky did not file to run for re-election.

2018

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

General election

General election for U.S. House Indiana District 1

Incumbent Peter Visclosky defeated Mark Leyva in the general election for U.S. House Indiana District 1 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Peter Visclosky (D)	65.1	159,611
		Mark Leyva (R)	34.9	85,594
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	4

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 245,209 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Indiana District 1

Incumbent Peter Visclosky defeated Antonio Daggett Sr. and Larry Chubb in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Indiana District 1 on May 8, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Peter Visclosky	80.5	42,269
		Antonio Daggett Sr.	11.1	5,813
		Larry Chubb	8.4	4,406

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 52,488
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Indiana District 1

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Indiana District 1 on May 8, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Leyva	27.0	5,960
	Submit photo	John Meyer	19.6	4,328
		Roseann Ivanovich	19.6	4,318
	Submit photo	Nicholas Pappas	19.5	4,311
	Submit photo	David Dopp	7.6	1,680
	Submit photo	Jeremy Belko	6.7	1,486

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 22,083
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2016

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

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Peter Visclosky (D) defeated John Meyer (R) and Donna Dunn (L) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Visclosky defeated Willie Brown in the Democratic primary on May 3, 2016.

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

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Peter Visclosky Incumbent	81.5%	207,515
	Libertarian	Donna Dunn	18.5%	47,051
	N/A	Write-in	0%	17
Total Votes				254,583
Source: Indiana Division of Elections

U.S. House, Indiana District 1 Democratic Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Peter Visclosky Incumbent	80%	77,095
Willie Brown	20%	19,315
Total Votes		96,410
Source: Indiana Secretary of State

2014

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

Visclosky ran for re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary election on May 6, 2014. The general election took place on November 4, 2014.

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

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Peter Visclosky Incumbent	60.8%	86,579
	Republican	Mark Leyva	35.8%	51,000
	Libertarian	Donna Dunn	3.3%	4,714
Total Votes				142,293
Source: Indiana Secretary of State Official Results

2012

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

Visclosky ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Indiana's 1st Congressional District. Visclosky was unopposed in the Democratic primary and defeated Republican Joel Phelps in the November 6 general election.

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

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Peter J. Visclosky Incumbent	67.3%	187,743
	Republican	Joel Phelps	32.7%	91,291
Total Votes				279,034
Source: Indiana Secretary of State "House of Representatives Election Results"

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Peter J. Visclosky, click [show] to expand the section.

2010 On November 2, 2010, Peter Visclosky won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Mark Leyva (R) and Jon Morris (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky incumbent 58.6% 99,387      Republican Mark Leyva 38.6% 65,558      Libertarian Jon Morris 2.8% 4,762 Total Votes 169,707 2008 On November 4, 2008, Peter Visclosky won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Mark Leyva (R) and Jeff Duensing (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky incumbent 70.9% 199,954      Republican Mark Leyva 27.2% 76,647      Libertarian Jeff Duensing 1.9% 5,421 Total Votes 282,022 2006 On November 7, 2006, Peter Visclosky won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Mark Leyva (R) and Charles E. Barman (I) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky incumbent 69.6% 104,195      Republican Mark Leyva 26.8% 40,146      Independent Charles E. Barman 3.5% 5,266 Total Votes 149,607 2004 On November 2, 2004, Peter Visclosky won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Mark Leyva (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky incumbent 68.3% 178,406      Republican Mark Leyva 31.7% 82,858 Total Votes 261,264 2002 On November 5, 2002, Peter Visclosky won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Mark Leyva (R) and Timothy P. Brennan (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky incumbent 66.9% 90,443      Republican Mark Leyva 31% 41,909      Libertarian Timothy P. Brennan 2% 2,759 Total Votes 135,111 2000 On November 7, 2000, Peter Visclosky won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jack Reynolds (R) and Christopher Nelson (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 2000 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky incumbent 71.6% 148,683      Republican Jack Raynolds 27% 56,200      Libertarian Christopher Nelson 1.4% 2,907 Total Votes 207,790 1998 On November 3, 1998, Peter Visclosky won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Michael Petyo (R) and Michael Crass (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 1998 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky incumbent 72.5% 92,634      Republican Michael Petyo 26.2% 33,503      Libertarian Michael Crass 1.3% 1,617 Total Votes 127,754 1996 On November 5, 1996, Peter Visclosky won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Michael Edward Petyo (R) and Michael Crass (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 1996 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky incumbent 69.2% 133,553      Republican Michael Edward Petyo 29.2% 56,418      Libertarian Michael Crass 1.6% 3,142 Total Votes 193,113 1994 On November 8, 1994, Peter Visclosky won re-election to the United States House. He defeated John Larson (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 1994 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky incumbent 56.5% 68,612      Republican John Larson 43.5% 52,920 Total Votes 121,532 1992 On November 3, 1992, Peter Visclosky won re-election to the United States House. He defeated David J. Vucich (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 1992 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky incumbent 69.6% 147,954      Republican David J. Vucich 30.4% 64,770 Total Votes 212,724 1990 On November 6, 1990, Peter Visclosky won re-election to the United States House. He defeated William Bill Costas (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 1990 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky incumbent 66% 68,920      Republican William Bill Costas 34% 35,450 Total Votes 104,370 1988 On November 8, 1988, Peter Visclosky won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Owen W. Crumpacker (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 1988 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky incumbent 77.1% 138,251      Republican Owen W. Crumpacker 22.9% 41,076 Total Votes 179,327 1986 On November 4, 1986, Peter Visclosky won re-election to the United States House. He defeated William Costas (R), Tracy E. Kyle (Worker's League) and James E. Willis (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 1986 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky incumbent 73.4% 86,983      Republican William Costas 25.7% 30,395      Libertarian James E. Willis 0.6% 660      Worker's League Tracy E. Kyle 0.3% 408 Total Votes 118,446 1984 On November 6, 1984, Peter Visclosky won election to the United States House. He defeated Joseph B. Grenchik (R) and James Elliott Willis (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Indiana District 1 General Election, 1984 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Peter J. Visclosky 70.7% 147,035      Republican Joseph B. Grenchik 28.8% 59,986      Libertarian James Elliott Willis 0.5% 943 Total Votes 207,964

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

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2016

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

“	Support Our Troops and Veterans: As the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, Pete works to ensure that all our military personnel are as safe and effective in the performance of their duties as possible and that they have the economic opportunities and services they have earned when they return to civilian life. Pete also supports critical improvements to the Veteran’s Administration to reduce the unacceptable claims backlog by increasing staffing and streamlining claim processes. Standing up for Steel: As a life-long resident of Northwest Indiana, Pete Visclosky understands the steel industry is vital to America’s economic strength. As the Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, Pete has been leading efforts to ensure that our steelworkers are able to continue to make the best steel in the world. In order to improve our domestic manufacturing industry, he has secured federal funding to invest in industrial technology advancements to ensure our domestic producers are energy efficient and more profitable. Revitalizing the Lake Michigan Shoreline: Working with the local elected officials, industry, environmental organizations, and labor leaders of our five lakefront communities - Whiting, Hammond, East Chicago, Gary, and Portage - and the State of Indiana through the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, Pete has leveraged local funding to secure federal funding necessary to unlock one of our greatest assets here in the region and provide more public access to Lake Michigan. Invest in Our Local Transportation Infrastructure: Improving and expanding the South Shore Rail Line is an essential step in building a strong economy in Northwest Indiana. Pete has worked with NICTD and local communities to make capital investments to enhance the existing service. Faster and reliable service is what passengers demand and deserve. Ensure Seniors Receive the Benefits They Deserve: Pete believes that current and future generations of workers deserve stable, predictable Social Security and Medicare benefits, and that retirees should receive the benefits they have earned.	”
—Peter Visclosky's campaign website, http://www.viscloskyforcongress.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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Peter Visclosky campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2018	U.S. House Indiana District 1	Won general	$1,111,400	$1,054,010
2016	U.S. House, Indiana District 1	Won	$1,009,760	N/A**
2014	U.S. House (Indiana, District 1)	Won	$937,818	N/A**
2012	U.S. House Indiana District 1	Won	$785,240	N/A**
2010	U.S. House Indiana District 1	Won	$891,338	N/A**
2008	U.S. House Indiana District 1	Won	$1,763,060	N/A**
2006	U.S. House Indiana District 1	Won	$1,374,303	N/A**
2004	U.S. House Indiana District 1	Won	$127,315	N/A**
2002	U.S. House Indiana District 1	Won	$935,506	N/A**
2000	U.S. House Indiana District 1	Won	$447,337	N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Personal Gain Index

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth

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

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Visclosky's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $770,023 and $1,926,000. That averages to $1,348,011.50, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic representatives in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Visclosky ranked as the 184th most wealthy representative in 2012. Between 2004 and 2012, Visclosky's calculated net worth increased by an average of 23 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Peter Visclosky Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$474,635
2012	$1,348,011
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	184%
Average annual growth:	23%
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). Visclosky received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Building Trade Unions industry.

From 1989-2014, 26.39 percent of Visclosky's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Peter Visclosky Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$9,746,130
Total Spent	$9,767,856
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Building Trade Unions	$579,724
Lobbyists	$565,889
Industrial Unions	$530,800
Electric Utilities	$484,886
Lawyers/Law Firms	$410,396
% total in top industry	5.95%
% total in top two industries	11.75%
% total in top five industries	26.39%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

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

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Visclosky was a "centrist Democratic follower," as of July 30, 2014. Visclosky was rated as a "moderate Democratic follower" 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.

Visclosky most often votes with:

• Steve Israel
• Chris Gibson

Visclosky least often votes with:

• Jim Matheson
• Jeff Duncan

Lifetime voting record

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

According to the website GovTrack, Visclosky missed 364 of 18,827 roll call votes from January 1985 to September 2015. This amounted to 1.9 percent, which was lower than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Visclosky paid his congressional staff a total of $849,449 in 2011. He ranked 14th on the list of the lowest paid Democratic representative staff salaries and ranked 95th overall of the lowest paid representative staff salaries in 2011. Overall, Indiana ranked 35th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.

Staff bonuses

According to an analysis by CNN, Visclosky was one of nearly 25 percent of House members who gave their staff bonuses in 2012. Visclosky's staff was given an apparent $44,832.00 in bonus money.

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.

2013

Visclosky ranked 117th in the liberal rankings in 2013.

2012

Visclosky ranked 129th in the liberal rankings in 2012.

2011

Visclosky ranked 97th in the liberal rankings in 2011.

Voting with party

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

2014

Visclosky voted with the Democratic Party 90.0 percent of the time, which ranked 159th among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014.

2013

Visclosky voted with the Democratic Party 92.9 percent of the time, which ranked 147th among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.

Notable endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope.

Notable candidate endorsements by Peter Visclosky

Endorsee	Election	Stage	Outcome
Pete Buttigieg  source	President of the United States (2020)		Withdrew in Convention

2016 Democratic National Convention

• Delegate to the 2016 DNC (click to expand)

  See also: Democratic National Convention, 2016

  Peter Visclosky
  Democratic National Convention, 2016
  Status:	Superdelegate
  State:	Indiana
  Supporting:	Unknown
  Delegates to the DNC 2016
  Calendar and delegate rules overview • Types of delegates • State election law and delegates • Superdelegates by state

  Visclosky was a superdelegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention from Indiana. Visclosky was one of nine superdelegates from Indiana. Superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention were not bound by the results of their state’s primary or caucus to support a specific presidential candidate. Ballotpedia was not able to identify whether Visclosky supported Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders for the 2016 Democratic nomination.

  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.

  Indiana primary results

  See also: Presidential election in Indiana, 2016

  Bernie Sanders won the Indiana Democratic primary, defeating Hillary Clinton by five points. On the Democratic side, 83 pledged delegates were up for grabs. They were allocated proportionally. Sanders carried 73 of Indiana's 92 counties and, according to exit polls, outperformed Clinton with white voters, younger voters, and voters who held negative opinions of "Wall Street" and its impact on the U.S. economy. Clinton, on the other hand, won over African-Americans and older voters. For more, see Sanders upsets Clinton in Indiana.

  Indiana Democratic Primary, 2016
  Candidate	Vote %	Votes	Delegates
  Bernie Sanders	52.5%	335,074	44
  Hillary Clinton	47.5%	303,705	39
  Totals		638,779	83
  Source: Indiana Secretary of State and The New York Times

  Delegate allocation

  See also: 2016 presidential nominations: calendar and delegate rules

  

  Indiana had 92 delegates at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Of this total, 83 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.

  Nine 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.
Visclosky is married to Joanne Royce. They have two sons, John and Tim.

See also

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Katie Hall	U.S. House of Representatives - Indiana District 1 1985–2021	Succeeded by Frank Mvran (D)]]

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Indiana's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Jim Banks (R)

Todd Young (R)

Representatives

District 1

Frank Mrvan (D)

District 2

Rudy Yakym (R)

District 3

Marlin Stutzman (R)

District 4

Jim Baird (R)

District 5

Victoria Spartz (R)

District 6

Jefferson Shreve (R)

District 7

André Carson (D)

District 8

Mark Messmer (R)

District 9

Erin Houchin (R)

Republican Party (9)

Democratic Party (2)