"I am proud to represent the people of rural Colorado. For me, the right choice has never been about politics -- the right choice is what rings best with rural values. We need to work together and do what's best for our communities." -- Congressman John Salazar
A veteran and lifelong farmer, John Salazar has put his natural understanding of rural values to work as rural Colorado’s voice in Congress. Congressman Salazar was first elected to the U.S. Congress in 2004, and has been re-elected with convincing victories in 2006 and 2008.
Putting the principles of hard work, honesty, integrity ahead of partisanship, Congressman Salazar has been an effective advocate for rural communities. He is one of only four active farmers in the House of Representatives, and each weekend he returns home to work the land his family has been farming for six generations.
Congressman Salazar is a veteran – as were his father who served in World War II and his son who served in the National Guard. He has been committed to keeping the promises our nation made to veterans, service members and their families.
During his first two terms in Congress, Congressman Salazar served on the House Committees on Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Veterans Affairs.
As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, he worked to enact into law the 2007 Farm bill, which is crucial to our state’s farmers and ranchers and will be essential to maintaining a safe and secure supply of food for our nation. He has been recognized with the Golden Triangle Award from the National Farmers Union and for outstanding service by the American Farm Bureau.
In his role as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Salazar has brought millions of dollars of funding for our state’s highways, roads and bridges. These transportation improvements are critical for safety and for economic development in rural communities.
Congressman Salazar has fought on the Veterans Affairs Committee to keep the promises we’ve made to our brave men and women who serve our nation in uniform. In 2006, Congressman Salazar’s Stolen Valor Act was enacted into law, making it a federal crime for people to wear false military combat medals, or to falsely represent themselves as recipients of such awards. The Colorado State Board of Veteran’s Affairs awarded Congressman Salazar the title “Outstanding Colorado Legislator”.
His efforts to restore fiscal responsibility to our nation’s budget have been recognized by the Conservative Blue Dog Coalition with its “Spirit of Freedom” award. And as a strong advocate for our 2nd Amendment rights, Congressman Salazar has earned the coveted grade of “A” from the National Rifle Association.
At the beginning of the 111th Congress, Congressman Salazar was named to the powerful House Appropriations Committee. In this new role, he will not only be able continue his work on behalf of our farmers and veterans, but he will also be addressing critical issues such as energy, health care, jobs and the economy.
Congressman Salazar and his wife, Mary Lou, have been married for over 30 years. The couple has three sons, Jesus, Esteban, and Miguel, and two grandchildren.
