Mike Rogers (Alabama politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mike Rogers
Chair of the House Armed Services Committee
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2023
Preceded by	Adam Smith
Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee
In office January 3, 2021 – January 3, 2023
Preceded by	Mac Thornberry
Succeeded by	Adam Smith
Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee
In office January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2021
Preceded by	Bennie Thompson
Succeeded by	John Katko
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 3rd district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2003
Preceded by	Bob Riley
Member of the Alabama House of Representatives from the 36th district
In office 1994–2002
Preceded by	James Campbell
Succeeded by	Randy Wood
Commissioner of Calhoun County
In office 1987–1990
Personal details
Born	(1958-07-16) July 16, 1958 (age 66) Hammond, Indiana, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Beth Phillips ​ (m. 1982)​
Children	3
Education	Jacksonville State University (BA, MPA) Birmingham School of Law (JD)

Michael Dennis Rogers (born July 16, 1958) is an American lawyer and politician. He has been a U.S. representative for Alabama's 3rd district since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party. Currently, Rogers is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. He was also a top Republican member (Ranking Member) of this committee from 2021 to 2023. Before that, he was the Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee from 2019 to 2021.

Early Life and Education

Mike Rogers grew up in Calhoun County, Alabama. He is from a family that has lived there for many generations. He went to Saks High School. After high school, he studied political science at Jacksonville State University. He also earned a Master's degree in Public Administration from the same university.

Early Political Career

Mike Rogers started his political career at a young age. When he was 28, he became the youngest person to join the Calhoun County Commission.

In 1994, Rogers was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives. During his second term, he became the leader for the minority party. In 2002, the U.S. Representative for Alabama's 3rd district, Bob Riley, became governor. This meant his seat in Congress was open. Rogers won the Republican nomination for this seat.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

In 2002, Mike Rogers ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. He was promised a spot on the Armed Services Committee if he won. He spent more money on his campaign than his opponent. Rogers won the election with 50% of the votes.

Time in Office

Working in the 112th Congress (2011–2013)

In 2011, Rogers supported a bill called H.R. 10. This bill would have required Congress to approve any big new rules made by the executive branch.

Working in the 115th Congress (2017–2019)

In 2017, Rogers worked with another representative, Jim Cooper. They suggested creating a "Space Corps" under the Air Force. This idea passed in the House of Representatives but not in the Senate. However, a very similar idea became law two years later, creating the United States Space Force. Rogers has been a strong supporter of developing space military technology.

Working in the 117th Congress (2021–2023)

Mike Rogers was at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, when it was attacked. The next day, he said that political violence has no place in America. He also called for law and order. Even after the attack, Rogers supported efforts to question the results of the 2020 United States presidential election. He voted against removing Donald Trump from office a second time. He said this action would "further divide our nation."

In February 2021, Rogers voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. He said the bill was too expensive and had "extreme socialist initiatives." He felt it was too soon for another large spending bill.

Working in the 118th Congress (2023–2025)

During the election for Speaker of the House in January 2023, Rogers suggested that representatives who did not vote for Kevin McCarthy might lose their committee assignments. He told Politico that he was serious about this.

Richard Hudson (far right) holds back Rogers as he moves towards Matt Gaetz (far left)

During one of the votes for Speaker, Rogers had a heated moment with Representative Matt Gaetz. Another representative, Richard Hudson, had to hold Rogers back. Later, Gaetz said he had forgiven Rogers, and Rogers tweeted that he regretted losing his temper. They both said they looked forward to working together.

Rogers initially considered stepping down from the House Steering Committee after this event. However, he later decided not to, saying that leaders from both parties asked him to stay.

In April 2023, as the head of the House Armed Services Committee, Rogers spoke about moving forward with the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) missile program. This program helps support Taiwan against China. Rogers has often supported developing weapons, including for Ukraine. He has never served in the military himself.

During the Speaker election in October 2023, after Kevin McCarthy was removed, Rogers called those who supported the removal "traitors." He said they were "paralyzing" the House. Rogers first refused to support Jim Jordan for Speaker. He even said he would work with the Democratic leader to find a moderate Speaker. Some of his Republican colleagues criticized these comments. Members of the Alabama Republican Party also threatened to challenge his ability to run in the 2024 election. On October 16, 2023, Rogers changed his mind and announced his support for Jordan. He said he was "always a team player."

After Donald Trump was re-elected in 2024, Rogers was reportedly considered for the role of United States Secretary of Defense.

Committees

For the 118th Congress, Mike Rogers is involved in the following:

• Committee on Armed Services (Chair)
  • As the Chair of this committee, he can attend all subcommittee meetings.

Caucus Memberships

Mike Rogers is part of several groups in Congress, called caucuses. These include:

• Congressional Cement Caucus
• United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus
• Veterinary Medicine Caucus
• Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus
• Republican Study Committee
• Rare Disease Caucus

Political Positions

Mike Rogers is known for having a conservative voting record. He has supported laws that protect the right to pray in public places, including schools. He also supported a law to prevent the disrespect of the U.S. flag. Rogers has introduced bills to make sure military recruiters have equal access to colleges. He also introduced a bill that would make it illegal to make fun of the Transportation Security Administration.

Economy

Rogers has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, which means he promises not to raise taxes. He voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which lowered taxes.

Foreign Affairs

In 2016 and 2017, Rogers suggested that the United States should leave the United Nations. He introduced a bill called the American Sovereignty Act of 2017 to make this happen. He introduced a similar bill again in 2019.

Juneteenth

In June 2021, Rogers was one of 14 House Republicans who voted against making June 19, or Juneteenth, a federal holiday.

Terrorism

Rogers voted in favor of the Patriot Act, a law passed after the September 11 attacks to help prevent terrorism.

2020 Presidential Election

In December 2020, Mike Rogers was one of many Republican members of the House of Representatives who supported a lawsuit that questioned the results of the 2020 United States presidential election. The Supreme Court did not hear the case. Rogers was also among the lawmakers who voted to overturn the election results on January 6, 2021.

Honors

On June 8, 2017, Mike Rogers was given the title of Commander of the Order of the Star of Romania. This is a special honor from Romania.

Electoral History

Personal Life

Mike Rogers is married and has three children. He and his family live in Weaver. They are members of a Baptist Church in nearby Saks.

Images for kids

• 

  Mike Rogers' official portrait for the 118th Congress.

• 

  Richard Hudson (far right) holds back Rogers as he moves towards Matt Gaetz (far left).

See also

In Spanish: Mike D. Rogers para niños