Spencer Bachus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Spencer Bachus
Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2024
President	Joe Biden
In office May 9, 2019 – July 20, 2023
President	Donald Trump Joe Biden
Preceded by	Patricia Loui
Chair of the House Financial Services Committee
In office January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2013
Preceded by	Barney Frank
Succeeded by	Jeb Hensarling
Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee
In office January 3, 2007 – January 3, 2011
Preceded by	Barney Frank
Succeeded by	Barney Frank
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 6th district
In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 2015
Preceded by	Ben Erdreich
Succeeded by	Gary Palmer
Chair of the Alabama Republican Party
In office 1991–1992
Preceded by	Elbert Peters
Succeeded by	Elbert Peters
Member of the Alabama State Board of Education from the 6th District
In office January 3, 1987 – January 3, 1991
Preceded by	Howard Martin
Succeeded by	Bettye Fine Collins
Member of the Alabama House of Representatives from the 46th district
In office January 3, 1984 – January 3, 1987
Preceded by	Bryant Melton
Succeeded by	William Slaughter
Member of the Alabama Senate from the 17th district
In office January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1984
Preceded by	Doug Cook
Succeeded by	Mac Parsons
Personal details
Born	Spencer Thomas Bachus III (1947-12-28) December 28, 1947 (age 77) Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Linda Bachus
Children	5
Education	Auburn University (BA) University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa (JD)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1969–1971
Unit	Alabama Army National Guard

Spencer Thomas Bachus III (born December 28, 1947) is an American politician from Alabama. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1993 to 2015, representing his home state. As a member of the Republican Party, he became a leader on the House Financial Services Committee, which deals with the nation's banking and money systems.

Bachus announced his retirement from Congress in 2013, and his final term ended in 2015. After leaving Congress, he was appointed to the board of the Export–Import Bank of the United States, a government agency that helps American companies sell their goods to other countries.

Early Life and Education

Spencer Bachus was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He went to college at Auburn University and later earned a law degree from the University of Alabama Law School in 1972.

From 1969 to 1971, he served in the Alabama National Guard. Before starting his career in politics, Bachus practiced law and owned a sawmill.

Beginning a Career in Politics

Bachus first entered politics in 1982 when he was elected to the Alabama Senate. He later served in the Alabama House of Representatives.

In 1986, he was elected to the Alabama State Board of Education, where he helped make decisions about schools in the state. In 1991, he became the Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, a top leadership role in his party for the state.

Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives

In 1992, Bachus was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Alabama's 6th congressional district. He would go on to win re-election many times, serving for over 20 years.

From 2006 to 2012, Bachus was the top Republican on the House Financial Services Committee. When the Republicans became the majority party in the House, he served as the committee's chairman from 2011 to 2013. After his term as chairman ended, he rejoined the Judiciary Committee.

Important Work in Congress

Spencer Bachus as Chair of the House Financial Services Committee

During his time in Congress, Bachus worked on many important issues. He was known for having a conservative voting record and for providing good service to the people in his district.

Protecting People and Communities

• Fighting Identity Theft: Bachus helped pass the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003. This law gave people stronger protections against identity theft. It also allowed them to get a free copy of their credit report each year.
• Creating a National Cemetery: In 1995, Bachus led the effort to create the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama. This cemetery provides a final resting place for military veterans. Bachus has said this is the achievement he is most proud of.
• Helping Children: He was a strong supporter of the National Child Identification Program. This program gives parents kits to keep their children's fingerprints and other information at home, which can help in an emergency.
• Finding Natalee Holloway: Bachus was active in supporting the search for Natalee Holloway, a high school student from his district who disappeared in Aruba in 2005.

Working on Financial Issues

As a leader on the Financial Services Committee, Bachus was involved in major laws related to banking. In 1999, he voted for the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which changed the rules for banking and insurance companies.

During the 2008 financial crisis, Bachus suggested a plan to give money directly to banks to keep them stable. This idea, called a capital injection, was included in the government's final plan to help the economy recover.

Investigation and Clearing

In 2011, Bachus was accused of using private information he received as a congressman to make money in the stock market. This is often called insider trading. The Office of Congressional Ethics investigated the claims. In 2012, the office announced it found no evidence that Bachus had broken any rules and recommended the case be closed.

Medical Research and Health Care

Spencer Bachus and his wife, Linda, have been strong supporters of medical research. They have received awards for their work in fighting cancer. Linda Bachus was the first executive director of the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program.

Bachus was also a member of several groups in Congress focused on health issues, including the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. He also sponsored laws to improve palliative care, which is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses.

Life After Congress

After retiring from the House of Representatives, Bachus was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve on the board of directors of the U.S. Export-Import Bank. The Senate confirmed him in 2019.

His first term ended in July 2023. President Joe Biden nominated him for a second term, and he was confirmed again in December 2023. The bank helps American businesses sell their products in other countries.

Personal Life

Bachus and his wife, Linda, have five children.

Electoral History

See also

• List of Auburn University people