After announcing his intent to retire from Congress last December, Congressman Bart Gordon capped off a distinguished career in office with a productive 26th year in Congress. “Looking back on the past 26 years, the beliefs I brought with me from Tennessee to Congress are the same ones that I am leaving with,” Gordon said. “I have always believed the best way to get things done is by working together with civility, cooperation and common sense. My experience has taught me no party has a monopoly on good ideas.”
The son of a farmer and schoolteacher, Gordon was named chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee in 2007, becoming Tennessee’s first full committee chairman in 30 years.
This year, Gordon passed a reauthorization of his landmark bill, the America COMPETES Act, through the House of Representatives and Senate. The bill protects America’s economic competitiveness by investing in science, technology, engineering and math education and research. Gordon also used his leadership to shepherd through new bills to support nuclear energy research and improve the country’s response to oil spills.
Gordon continued to draw inspiration from constituents. A national leader in the fight against meth, Bart authored the Combat Methamphetamine Enhancement Act to make it harder for meth producers to access the materials they need to make the dangerous drug.
“My best ideas have always come from home,” Gordon said. “Over the years, insight from Middle Tennesseans has helped to ensure workers keep their jobs while managing a family emergency, reform the student loan system to save taxpayers millions of dollars and help more students afford college, and put America on the path to energy independence.”
Helping constituents cut through red tape has been one of Gordon’s top priorities throughout his time in office. With the help of his staff in Murfreesboro, Gallatin and Cookeville, Gordon has continued to ensure local veterans receive the benefits they deserve and helped them obtain the medals they earned during their service to our country. He has helped local schools and community programs work through the federal grants process and assisted thousands of individuals to resolve issues with Social Security, disability and other needed benefits.
Gordon thanked his constituents for their support and inspiration over the years, and encouraged them to stay engaged in the work of Congress when Congressman-elect Diane Black transitions into the office on January 3rd, 2011.
“Throughout the past 26 years, your thoughtful advice has provided inspiration and guided my every decision,” Gordon said to constituents.
Educated in Rutherford County public schools, Gordon graduated with honors from Middle Tennessee State University in 1971 and later received his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He served in the Army Reserves from 1971-1972. Gordon is married to Leslie Peyton Gordon, who is a partner with Korn/Ferry International, and they have one daughter.
