Biography
Throughout his time in office, Congressman André D. Carson has established himself as an influential leader and respected public servant, fighting for good paying jobs, safer communities, and equal opportunity for Hoosier families.
Congressman Carson consistently fights for the middle class, bringing over $1 billion in federal funding to benefit Indianapolis. His advocacy has resulted in transformational projects like mass rapid transit in Indianapolis, sidewalk and pedestrian safety projects, and funding to community organizations making a difference. Additionally, the congressman has made accessibility a priority for his office, holding regular meetings around Indianapolis and hosting Congress on Your Corner events to ensure constituents have easy access to the resources and information they need. Each year, he hosts a Youth Opportunities Fair and Job Fair to make it easier for Indianapolis residents to access the tools they need to succeed.
Since being elected to Congress, Congressman Carson has joined a number of caucuses, coalitions, and tasks forces that focus on some of the issues that he considers to be top priorities in the 7th District and around the country. Together with other like-minded Members of Congress, he has worked to bring about solutions to some of the most important issues facing our city and nation. Some of his memberships include: the Congressional Black Caucus, the Progressive Caucus, the New Democrat Coalition, and the LGBT Equality Caucus.
In Washington, Congressman Carson has long defended Medicaid and Medicare, especially as these essential programs face cruel cuts. As a former member of the House Financial Services Committee, Congressman Carson also helped pass Wall Street Reform, which protects consumers by ending government bailouts and the risky lending practices that almost destroyed our economy.
Congressman Carson is the first Muslim to serve on the House Intelligence Committee, where he continues to serve to this day. As Chairman of the House Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation Subcommittee, Congressman Carson oversaw the first congressional hearing on Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAPs) in more than 50 years. Congressman Carson continues to serve a vital role in ensuring dedicated intelligence personnel have the tools and resources needed to keep America safe and that their activities are in the best interest of its people.
In addition to the House Intelligence Committee, Congressman Carson also presently serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, sitting on the Aviation and the Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittees, and the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, a Bipartisan effort to build consensus on the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party and develop a plan of action to defend the American people, our economy, and our values.
A rising member of House leadership, Congressman Carson serves as a Senior Whip for the House Democratic Caucus. This high-profile position allows him to fight for Indiana's 7th Congressional District at the highest levels of congressional leadership.
As one of four Muslims serving in Congress, Congressman Carson is a champion for vulnerable populations and is committed to the goal of equal protection under the law. He has long been involved in the fight to achieve gender fairness, religious freedom, and LGBTQ equality.
Congressman Carson is a proud Indianapolis native, having grown up on the city's east side. He is a graduate of Arsenal Tech High School, and he holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Management from Concordia University-Wisconsin and a Master's in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Before taking office, Congressman Carson served on the Indianapolis City-County Council and worked full-time in law enforcement. He also worked in intelligence and counter-terrorism for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and served at the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center. There he worked in an anti-terrorism unit to protect Indianapolis and the United States from terrorist threats at home and abroad.
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