Tom DeLay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom DeLay
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| House Majority Leader | |
| In office January 3, 2003 – September 28, 2005 |
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| Speaker | Dennis Hastert |
| Preceded by | Dick Armey |
| Succeeded by | Roy Blunt (acting) |
| House Majority Whip | |
| In office January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2003 |
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| Speaker | Newt Gingrich (1995–1999) Dennis Hastert (1999–2003) |
| Preceded by | David Bonior |
| Succeeded by | Roy Blunt |
| Secretary of the House Republican Conference | |
| In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 1995 |
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| Leader | Bob Michel |
| Preceded by | Vin Weber |
| Succeeded by | Barbara Vucanovich |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 22nd district |
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| In office January 3, 1985 – June 9, 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Ron Paul |
| Succeeded by | Shelley Sekula-Gibbs |
| Member of the Texas House of Representatives |
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| In office January 9, 1979 – January 8, 1985 |
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| Preceded by | Joe A. Hubenak |
| Succeeded by | Jim Tallas |
| Constituency | 21st district (1979–1983) 26th district (1983–1985) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Dale DeLay
April 8, 1947 Laredo, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Christine Furrh |
| Children | 1 |
| Residences | Sugar Land, Texas, U.S. |
| Education | University of Houston (BS) |
| Profession | Politician |
Thomas Dale DeLay (born April 8, 1947) is an American author and retired politician. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1985 to 2006. A Republican, DeLay represented Texas's 22nd congressional district. He served as the House Majority Leader from 2003 to 2005.
DeLay started his political journey in 1978. He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. In 1984, he was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He became the House Majority Whip in 1995. This role meant he helped gather votes for his party's laws. He was known for his strong conservative views. In 2005, DeLay faced legal charges related to campaign funding. He stepped down from his leadership role and later left Congress. He was found guilty in 2010, but his conviction was overturned in 2013.
After leaving Congress, DeLay wrote a book called No Retreat, No Surrender: One American's Fight. He also started a lobbying firm.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Tom DeLay was born in Laredo, Texas. He was one of three sons. He spent much of his childhood in Venezuela. This was because his father worked in the petroleum and natural gas industry. He went to Calallen High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. He played football and was a lead dancer in school shows. DeLay later graduated from the University of Houston in 1970. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
Starting His Career
After college, DeLay worked for a pesticide company. Then he bought his own pest control business, Albo Pest Control. He made it a successful company. This work earned him the nickname "the Exterminator." The government's ban on a certain pesticide made DeLay dislike government rules for businesses. This belief stayed with him throughout his political career.
Political Journey
Joining Texas Politics
In 1978, DeLay won a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. He was the first Republican from Fort Bend County to serve there. He was a state representative until 1985. In 1984, he ran for the U.S. Congress from the 22nd District. He won easily and was reelected ten times. His district became very supportive of Republicans.
Early Years in Congress
In the 1980s, DeLay was part of the Republican minority in Congress. He became known for criticizing government agencies. He was appointed to important committees, like the House Appropriations Committee. This committee decides how government money is spent. In 1988, he became a deputy Republican whip.
Becoming Majority Whip
In 1995, the Republican Party took control of the House of Representatives. This was after the "Republican Revolution" election in 1994. DeLay was elected Majority Whip. This role means he was responsible for making sure his party's members voted together. He was nicknamed "The Hammer" for his ability to keep party members in line. He liked the name, saying a hammer is a valuable tool.
As Whip, DeLay helped pass many bills. For example, in one Congress, he successfully guided 300 out of 303 bills. He also worked to support the impeachment of President Bill Clinton in 1998. When the Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, decided to step down, DeLay helped choose Dennis Hastert as the new Speaker. DeLay was reelected as House Majority Whip.
Serving as Majority Leader
After eight years as Whip, DeLay was elected Majority Leader in 2003. This is a very powerful position. As Majority Leader, he worked to keep Republicans in control of the House. He was known for his strong party discipline. He would encourage Republicans who disagreed with him to vote with the party. He also worked closely with lobbyists to help pass bills. His ability to raise money for campaigns also gave him influence.
In 2004, the House Ethics Committee warned DeLay. They said he "created the appearance that donors were being provided with special access" regarding a bill. In 2005, DeLay was charged with crimes related to campaign funding. He stepped down as Majority Leader. He later resigned from Congress in June 2006.
Legal Outcome
DeLay was found guilty of campaign finance charges in 2010. However, he appealed the decision. In 2013, a Texas appeals court overturned his convictions. They ruled that there was not enough evidence to support the charges. This acquittal was later upheld by a higher court in 2014.
The K Street Project
DeLay was involved in something called the K Street Project. This was an effort by the Republican Party to encourage lobbying firms in Washington, D.C., to hire Republicans for top jobs. DeLay suggested that firms with Democrats in charge might not get as much attention from Republican leaders in Congress.
Cuban Cigar Photo
DeLay has always been strongly against the Cuban government and supported the U.S. trade ban against Cuba. However, in 2005, a photo was published showing him smoking a Cuban cigar during a trip to Israel in 2003. At that time, it was illegal for U.S. citizens to buy or smoke Cuban cigars, even abroad.
Using Government Resources
During a debate about new voting districts in Texas in 2003, some Democratic lawmakers left the state. This was to stop a vote from happening. DeLay, though not a Texas lawmaker, contacted federal agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the FBI. He asked them to help find the missing lawmakers. The House Ethics Committee later warned DeLay. They said he improperly used FAA resources and involved federal agencies in a state matter.
Political Beliefs
Domestic Issues
DeLay was a strong conservative. He supported policies that favored businesses and aimed to lower taxes. He received high scores from groups that support lower taxes and businesses. He received very low scores from groups that support labor unions and environmental protection. He was a strong critic of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
DeLay also strongly supported gun owners' rights. He received a top rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA). He also supported stricter immigration laws.
He opposed the teaching of evolution in schools. He believed that shootings happened partly because schools taught children they were "glorified apes."
Foreign Policy
DeLay was a strong supporter of Israel. He said that supporting Israel was a key part of the Republican foreign policy. He visited Israel in 2003 and spoke to their parliament. He was known for his strong stance against giving land to Palestinians.
He also remained a strong critic of Cuban leader Fidel Castro. He called Castro's government a "thugocracy" and supported the U.S. trade ban against Cuba.
Life After Congress
After leaving Congress, Tom DeLay wrote a political book. He also gave interviews about politics and started a personal blog. He became active on social media like Facebook and Twitter.
One notable appearance was on the TV show Dancing with the Stars in 2009. He was paired with a professional dancer and competed on the show.
DeLay has also spoken about his faith. He said he believes he is meant to help rebuild the conservative base of the Republican Party. He and his wife are involved in a foster care community in Richmond, Texas. This community provides homes for children who have been abused or neglected.
Personal Life
Tom DeLay married Christine Furrh in 1967. They had known each other since high school. In 1972, they had a daughter named Danielle, who became a math teacher. DeLay became a born-again Christian in 1985. He has spoken about how his faith helped him.
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