Jack Bergman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack Bergman
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 1st district |
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| Assumed office January 3, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Dan Benishek |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jack Warren Bergman
February 2, 1947 Shakopee, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Cindy Bergman |
| Education | Gustavus Adolphus College (BA) University of West Florida (MBA) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1969–2009 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
John Warren Bergman (born February 2, 1947) is an American politician. He is also a retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant general. Since 2017, he has been a U.S. representative for Michigan's 1st congressional district. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Before becoming a politician, he led the Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North. He was also a naval aviator, meaning he flew different types of aircraft. These included helicopters like the CH-46 and UH-1, and planes like the T-28 and KC-130.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jack Bergman was born on February 2, 1947, in Shakopee, Minnesota. He earned his first college degree in business from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1969. Later, he received a master's degree in business administration (M.B.A.) from the University of West Florida. He also completed many military training programs during his career.
Military Career Highlights
After college, Bergman joined the Marine Corps Reserve as a Second Lieutenant in 1969. He then began active duty. After completing his basic training and flight training, he became a Naval Aviator.
He flew CH-46 helicopters with different squadrons. He served in places like North Carolina, Okinawa, Japan, and Republic of Vietnam. Later, he became a flight instructor and flew the T-28 plane. In 1975, he left active duty and flew UH-1 helicopters with the Rhode Island Army National Guard.
In 1978, Bergman moved to Chicago. He then transferred back to the Marine Corps Reserve. He served in several units, flying UH-1 helicopters and KC-130 planes. In 1988, he became the first leader of a new KC-130 squadron called VMGR-452.
He continued to rise through the ranks. In 1995, he worked at the Marine Corps Reserve Support Command. In 1996, he became a chief of staff for a Marine Expeditionary Force unit. In 1997, he worked at the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing Headquarters. He was promoted to Brigadier General and became a deputy commanding general.
In 1998, Bergman served as deputy commander for Marine Forces Europe in Germany. He was called back to active duty in 1999 for a special role. He then commanded another Marine Expeditionary Force unit. In August 2000, he took command of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.
In 2002, Bergman took command of the 4th Force Service Support Group. He also chaired a policy board for the Marine Corps Reserve from 2001 to 2003. In 2003, he returned to active duty as director of Reserve Affairs. His final assignment began in June 2005, when he commanded the Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North. He retired from active duty in December 2009.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Election to Congress in 2016
Jack Bergman won the Republican primary election in Michigan's 1st congressional district in August 2016. He then won the main election in November. He defeated the Democratic and Libertarian candidates. Bergman won with 55% of the votes. He took over from the retiring Republican Representative Dan Benishek.
His district covers all of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It also includes the northern part of the Lower Peninsula.
His Time in Office
Bergman started his term in office on January 3, 2017. He is part of several groups in Congress. These include the Republican Study Committee, the Climate Solutions Caucus, and the U.S.–Japan Caucus.
In October 2023, Bergman ran for Speaker of the House but was not successful.
Committee Assignments
As a U.S. Representative, Bergman serves on important committees:
- Committee on Armed Services
- Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations (Chair)
- Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces
- Subcommittee on Military Personnel
- Committee on the Budget
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs
- Subcommittee on Health
- Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
Caucus Memberships
He is also a member of several caucuses, which are groups of lawmakers who share common interests:
- Republican Study Committee
- Climate Solutions Caucus
- Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans
- U.S.–Japan Caucus
Political Views
Spending and Budget
In 2016, Bergman stated that reducing government spending would be his main goal in Congress. He also said his top priorities were for Congress to work together, use the Constitution, and pass a balanced budget amendment.
In March 2021, Bergman and other House Republicans voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This bill was designed to help the U.S. economy recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthcare
Bergman does not support the Affordable Care Act. In May 2017, he voted to cancel it.
Environment
In September 2017, Bergman joined the Climate Solutions Caucus. This group works to find solutions for climate change.
He also voted for the Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act. This act helps Native American tribes get money to protect their history, the environment, and deal with climate change in the Great Lakes region.
2020 Presidential Election
After the 2020 presidential election, Bergman stated he would oppose confirming the Electoral College's vote in Congress. He also signed a legal document supporting a lawsuit that questioned the election results. In January 2021, he announced his plan to object to the official certification of the election results.
Israel
Bergman voted to provide support to Israel after the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
Awards and Decorations
Jack Bergman received many awards and decorations during his military career. These show his distinguished service and bravery.
Personal Life
Jack Bergman lives in Watersmeet, Michigan, with his wife, Cindy. They have ten grandchildren. Bergman is a Lutheran.
