Mike Rogers (Alabama politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mike Rogers
Official portrait, 2023
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 67) 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)
Website

Michael Dennis Rogers (born July 16, 1958) is an American lawyer and politician. He has served as a U.S. representative for Alabama's 3rd congressional district since 2003. A member of the Republican Party, he is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. This important committee is in charge of funding and overseeing the U.S. military.

Before becoming chairman, Rogers was the committee's Ranking Member from 2021 to 2023. He was also the Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee from 2019 to 2021.

Early Life and Education

Rogers was born in Hammond, Indiana, but his family has lived in Calhoun County, Alabama, for six generations. He grew up in East Alabama and went to Saks High School.

He later attended Jacksonville State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a Master of Public Administration degree. He also earned a law degree from the Birmingham School of Law.

Political Career

Rogers began his political career at age 28 when he was elected to the Calhoun County Commission. In 1994, he won a seat in the Alabama House of Representatives. During his second term, his fellow party members chose him to be their minority leader.

In 2002, Rogers was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he has served ever since.

Work in the U.S. House of Representatives

As a representative, Rogers has been involved in many important issues, especially related to the military and national security.

Creating the U.S. Space Force

In 2017, Rogers and another representative, Jim Cooper, proposed creating a "Space Corps." They wanted a new branch of the military focused on space. Their idea passed in the House of Representatives but not in the Senate.

However, two years later, a very similar law was passed, which created the United States Space Force. Rogers was a major supporter of this idea and believes the U.S. should be strong in space.

Committee Leadership

Rogers is the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. This role gives him a lot of influence over decisions about the U.S. military. He helps decide how much money the military gets and what equipment it can buy.

For example, in 2023, he supported developing a new missile defense system called the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI). He also supported sending weapons to help Ukraine.

January 2023 Speaker Election

Richard Hudson (far right) holds back Rogers during a tense moment with Matt Gaetz (far left).

In January 2023, the House of Representatives held a long election to choose its new Speaker. During the vote, Rogers had a heated disagreement with another representative, Matt Gaetz. Another lawmaker, Richard Hudson, stepped in to calm the situation.

Later, both Rogers and Gaetz said they had forgiven each other. Gaetz said he looked forward to working with Rogers on the Armed Services Committee. Rogers also said he regretted losing his temper and that he and Gaetz would continue to work together.

What Mike Rogers Believes

Rogers is known for his conservative views. The American Conservative Union gave him a lifetime rating of 86%, showing that he often votes with other conservatives.

• Government Spending: Rogers signed the "Taxpayer Protection Pledge," a promise not to raise taxes. He voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
• Foreign Policy: Rogers has suggested that the U.S. should leave the United Nations. He believes this would protect American independence.
• Civil Rights: Rogers has a 0 out of 100 rating from the Human Rights Campaign for his voting record on LGBTQ+ issues. In 2021, he was one of 14 House Republicans who voted against making Juneteenth a federal holiday.
• 2020 Election: After the 2020 presidential election, Rogers supported a lawsuit that challenged the results. He also voted against certifying the election results on January 6, 2021.

Personal Life

Rogers is married and has three children. His family lives in Weaver, Alabama. They are members of a Baptist church in the nearby community of Saks.

Electoral History

See also

In Spanish: Mike D. Rogers para niños