Thomas J. Bliley Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Bliley
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Bliley, c. 1999
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| Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | |
| In office January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2001 |
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| Preceded by | John Dingell |
| Succeeded by | Billy Tauzin |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia |
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| In office January 3, 1981 – January 3, 2001 |
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| Preceded by | David E. Satterfield III |
| Succeeded by | Eric Cantor |
| Constituency | 3rd district (1981–1993) 7th district (1993–2001) |
| 69th Mayor of Richmond | |
| In office July 1, 1970 – March 7, 1977 |
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| Preceded by | Phil Bagley |
| Succeeded by | Henry L. Marsh |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Jerome Bliley Jr.
January 28, 1932 Chesterfield County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | November 16, 2023 (aged 91) Henrico County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (before 1980) Republican (1980–2023) |
| Spouse | Mary Kelley |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Georgetown University (BA) |
Thomas Jerome Bliley Jr. (January 28, 1932 – November 16, 2023) was an American businessman and politician. He also served in the U.S. Navy. Bliley represented the state of Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was a member of Congress for 20 years, from 1981 to 2001. During this time, he led an important committee called the House Energy and Commerce Committee for six years.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Jerome Bliley Jr. was born in Chesterfield County, Virginia, on January 28, 1932. He went to Catholic schools and finished high school at Benedictine High School when he was 16.
In 1952, Bliley earned a college degree in Political Science from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.. After college, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy for three years, from 1952 to 1955. Later, he worked in his family's business, Joseph W. Bliley Co. Funeral Home, and eventually became its president.
Family Life
Bliley was a Roman Catholic. He was married to Mary Virginia Kelley. They had two children together. Thomas Bliley Jr. passed away in Henrico, Virginia, on November 16, 2023, at the age of 91.
Political Journey
Bliley started his political career in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia. In 1968, he was elected vice-mayor. He then became the mayor of Richmond in 1970 and served until 1977. Bliley grew up as a conservative Southern Democrat. However, after his time as mayor, he decided to join the Republican Party.
Joining Congress
In 1980, Bliley ran for a seat in the U.S. Congress. He won the election, becoming the first Republican to win in Virginia's 3rd congressional district in a very long time. This district had traditionally voted for Democrats.
Bliley was re-elected many times from this district. After the 1990 census, the district boundaries changed. His district became the 7th district, which included wealthier parts of Richmond and its suburbs. This new district was very supportive of Republicans. Bliley easily won re-election four more times from the 7th district. He decided to retire from Congress in January 2001.
Leading a Committee
In 1995, the Republican Party gained control of the Congress. Bliley was chosen to be the Chairman of the House Commerce Committee. This was a very powerful position, and he held it for six years. As chairman, he helped write several important laws. These laws included the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which updated rules for phones and the internet, and the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997, which changed how new medicines and medical devices were approved. He also helped create the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999, which changed banking rules.
After Congress
After leaving Congress, Bliley continued to be involved in public life. He played a key role in a successful effort to allow people in Richmond to directly vote for their mayor.
Elections Summary
Thomas Bliley Jr. was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives ten times.
- In 1980, he won his first election with 52% of the vote.
- He was re-elected in 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, and 1998.
- In 1988, he ran for re-election without anyone running against him.
- He often won with a large percentage of the votes, showing strong support from his district.
