Mary Miller (politician) explained

Mary Miller (politician) should not be confused with Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

Mary Miller
State:Illinois
Term Start:January 3, 2021
Predecessor:John Shimkus
Successor:incumbent
Birth Name:Mary E. Meyer
Birth Date:27 August 1959
Birth Place:Oak Park, Illinois, U.S.
Party:Republican
Children:7
Education:Eastern Illinois University (BS)
Residence:Oakland, Illinois

Mary E. Miller (née Meyer; born August 27, 1959) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Illinois's 15th congressional district since 2021.[1] She serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Education & Labor. Miller is a member of the Freedom Caucus and has been described as a far-right politician.[2]

Early life and education

Born in Oak Park, Illinois, to Annette (Jesh) and Harvey Meyer,[3] [4] [5] Miller graduated from Naperville Central High School in Naperville, Illinois.[6] She earned a Bachelor of Science in business management and did some graduate coursework in education at Eastern Illinois University, but did not complete a graduate degree.[7]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2020

Miller announced her candidacy to represent in the United States House of Representatives in the 2020 elections to succeed retiring incumbent John Shimkus.[8] She won the Republican Party nomination,[9] the real contest in Illinois's most Republican district, and won the general election with over 70% of the vote. Miller focused her campaign on providing support to farming and bringing manufacturing back to Illinois.

Miller sided with President Donald Trump's false claims that the 2020 presidential election was compromised by voter fraud, calling it "tainted".[10] [11]

2022

In May 2022, the Washington Examiner criticized Miller for employing Bradley Graven, "a man convicted of soliciting sex with a minor, to assist with her re-election campaign."[12] [13] Graven was also seen driving Miller around, raised money for her campaign, and was reportedly responsible for collecting over half the signatures needed to qualify her for the ballot.[14]

After the 2020 redrawing of the Illinois electoral map, Miller won the June 2022 Republican primary by approximately 14 points against fellow incumbent Rodney Davis, whose more moderate views became a liability in the newly redrawn 15th district.[15] Miller had also been endorsed by Donald Trump; Davis had supported the ultimately unsuccessful formation of a January 6 commission in May 2021.[16] Redistricting left her home in Oakland just outside the district. Members of the House are required only to live in the state they represent.

Tenure

On January 6, 2021, when Congress met to formally count the votes of the Electoral College and certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, Miller was one of the members of the House of Representatives who objected to the votes of Arizona and Pennsylvania.[17]

Committee assignments

For the 118th Congress:[18]

Caucus memberships

Political positions

Miller is a member of the Freedom Caucus and has been described as being on the "far right" of the Republican Party.[21] [22] [23] [24]

President Biden and the Biden administration

Miller has accused President Joe Biden of having a plan to "flood our country with terrorists, fentanyl, child traffickers, and MS-13 gang members", and also said that "under President Biden's leadership the left has weaponized the federal government to go after the American people. We face an unprecedented assault on the American way of life by the radical left."[25]

Miller has supported efforts to impeach Biden. During the 117th United States Congress, Miller was co-sponsor of four resolutions to impeach Biden.[26]

During the 117th Congress, Miller also co-sponsored resolutions to impeach Attorney General Merrick Garland[27] [28] and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.[29] In the 118th Congress, she has co-sponsored resolutions to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas[30] and Vice President Kamala Harris.[31]

Comment about Hitler

On January 5, 2021, two days into her House term, Miller issued a prepared speech to the conservative group Moms for America. She quoted Adolf Hitler, saying: "Each generation has the responsibility to teach and train the next generation. You know, if we win a few elections, we're still going to be losing unless we win the hearts and minds of our children. This is the battle. Hitler was right on one thing: he said, 'Whoever has the youth has the future.'"[32] [33]

A number of groups and politicians condemned the comment, criticized Miller, and urged the Republican party to do likewise. Illinois GOP Chairman Tim Schneider called her language "wrong and disgusting" and urged Miller "to apologize".[32] Public statements were issued by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Anti-Defamation League (ADL), World Jewish Congress, and multiple lawmakers, including Adam Kinzinger and Illinois governor J. B. Pritzker.[34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, and the Illinois legislative Jewish caucus called for Miller's resignation.[40] On January 14, Schakowsky said that she would introduce a measure to censure Miller.[41] ADL Midwest regional director David Goldenberg shared with Miller's office a list of 12 anti-Semitic incidents and 17 instances of white supremacist propaganda in the 15th district in 2019 and 2020 in an effort to make Miller aware of "what was going on in and around her district", he said, including information about extremist activity.[42]

On January 7, Miller's office tweeted that her remarks had been intended to compare alleged youth indoctrination efforts by "left-wing radicals" to those of Hitler, while nonetheless encouraging Republicans to aggressively appeal to the youth as a means to collective power.[43] On January 8, Miller apologized for having quoted Hitler in the message, but accused critics of twisting her words.[44] [45]

LGBT rights

On March 2, 2021, Miller introduced the Safety and Opportunity for Girls Act, which would ban transgender girls in schools from using bathrooms that correspond to their gender identity.[46]

Miller criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on the Equality Act and same-sex marriage, saying, "She doesn't represent the American people, and Americans need to wake up and realize that the Left does not represent the traditional values of the American people."[47]

Miller voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified parts of Obergefell v. Hodges. She wrote in a Facebook post, "This attacks the traditional family. All of these initiatives are deeply unpopular with the American people, and I will always vote NO against the radical agenda of the Left."[48]

Capitol Police medals

In June 2021, Miller was one of 21 House Republicans to vote against a resolution to give the Congressional Gold Medal to police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6.[49]

Foreign policy

Europe

In February 2022, Miller co-sponsored the Secure America's Borders First Act, which would prohibit the expenditure or obligation of military and security assistance to Ukraine over the U.S. border with Mexico.[50]

Miller voted against H.R. 7691, the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022, which would provide $40 billion in emergency aid to the Ukrainian government.[51] [52]

Miller was one of 18 Republicans to vote against Sweden and Finland joining NATO.[53]

Middle East and Africa

In June 2021, Miller was one of 49 House Republicans to vote to repeal the AUMF against Iraq.[54] [55]

Miller was one of 15 representatives to vote against H.R. 567: Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program Act of 2021, which would establish an interagency program to assist countries in North and West Africa to improve immediate and long-term capabilities to counter terrorist threats, and for other purposes.[56]

In 2023, Miller was among 47 Republicans to vote in favor of H.Con.Res. 21, which directed President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.[57] [58]

Myanmar

On March 19, 2021, Miller was one of 14 House Republicans to vote against a measure condemning the Myanmar coup d'état that overwhelmingly passed, for reasons reported to be unclear.[59]

Abortion

On June 25, 2022, the day after the Supreme Court of the United States issued Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, Miller spoke at a rally with Donald Trump and called the decision a "historic victory for white life". Later that night, her spokesman said that Miller had misread her notes and meant to say "right to life".[60] [61]

Immigration

Miller sponsored Representative Brian Babin's bill, H.R.140 - Birthright Citizenship Act of 2021, which would eliminate birthright citizenship.[62]

Miller sponsored H.R. 6202, the American Tech Workforce Act of 2021, introduced by Representative Jim Banks. The legislation would establish a wage floor for the high-skill H-1B visa program, thereby significantly reducing employer dependence on the program. The bill would also eliminate the Optional Practical Training program that allows foreign graduates to stay and work in the United States.[63]

In 2023, Miller voted for an amendment that would eliminate funding for immigration and refugee assistance.[64]

Religious freedom

Miller has called for the return of the role of God in public schools.[65]

Family leave

Miller introduced and sponsored H.R.1980 - Working Families Flexibility Act of 2021. This bill would cap the accrual of any non-union employee, per year, to 160 hours of compensated time off in lieu of overtime pay (the equivalent of 20 days of working 8 hours a day, or 4 weeks if calculated by a 40-hour work week) and prohibits the interference of employers with regard to forcing an employee to take the compensated time off.[66] [67] [68]

Unions

Miller sponsored H.R.6579 - Teamwork for Employees and Managers Act of 2022, which would require companies to put workers on the board. This has been described as "company unions".[69] [70] [71]

Trade

Miller expressed support for then-President Donald Trump's protectionist trade policies, expressing the feeling that farmers were taken advantage of in past trade deals such as NAFTA.[72]

Big Tech

In 2022, Miller was one of 39 Republicans to vote for the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022, an antitrust package that would crack down on corporations for anti-competitive behavior.[73] [74]

Cannabis

In May 2024, Miller proposed an amendment to the US farm bill that would repeal a legal change passed in 2018 that made it easier for US farmers to grow nonintoxicating varieties of cannabis, also known as "hemp," but which also had the effect of allowing products containing cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC derived from hemp to be legally sold in the United States.[75] [76] In a statement, Miller said she was "proud my amendment was included to close the loophole that has allowed drug-infused THC products like Delta-8 to be sold," while the Hemp Roundtable, a lobbying group that represents US hemp farmers, referred to Miller's amendment as "hemp industry-killing."

2024 Republican primary

Miller tweeted her endorsement for Trump the night of his campaign launch.[77]

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023

Miller was among the 71 Republicans who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 in the House.[78]

Personal life

Miller is married to state representative Chris Miller, who represents much of the eastern portion of his wife's district. They own a farm in Oakland, near Charleston, where they grow grain and raise cattle.[79] [80] They have seven children and 17 grandchildren.[81] The Millers are members of Oakland Christian Church.[82] [83]

External links

|-

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2021-01-03 . About . 2023-01-05 . Representative Mary Miller . en.
  2. Sources describing Miller as "far-right" include:
  3. Web site: Miller, Mary E. (1959–). U.S. Congress. January 7, 2021.
  4. Web site: Mary Miller. Our Campaigns. January 7, 2021.
  5. Web site: Rep. Mary Miller. Independent Women's Forum.
  6. News: Scott . Perry . Oakland woman announces bid for 15th Congressional District seat . Journal Gazette & Times-Courier . . October 24, 2019 . June 9, 2020.
  7. Web site: The Voter's Self Defense System. May 23, 2021. Vote Smart.
  8. Joseph Bustos. Grain and cattle farmer from Oakland, Illinois, jumps into 15th District race. Belleville News-Democrat. 23, Oct 2019
  9. News: Rubio . Karina . Mary Miller to win Republican primary for Illinois 15th district . . March 17, 2020 . May 27, 2020.
  10. News: After Trump call, Republican Kinzinger says no member of Congress can object to election with a 'clean conscience'. . Lynn. Sweet. January 3, 2021. January 4, 2021.
  11. News: Sullivan . Andy . Lange . Jason . June 29, 2022 . Backers of Trump election claims lose in Colorado Republican primaries . Reuters . Miller was endorsed by Trump and has backed his false claims of a stolen election..
  12. Web site: May 5, 2022 . GOP House member draws fire over child sex predator's reelection campaign role . May 5, 2022 . Washington Examiner . en.
  13. Web site: Man lured 'boy' on Net, cops say . July 29, 2003 . May 6, 2022. Groark . Virginia . Chicago Tribune . en.
  14. Web site: May 4, 2022 . Miller campaign volunteer was convicted for luring young boy for sex . May 6, 2022 . KDSK . en-US.
  15. News: Illinois 15th Congressional District Primary Election Results . The New York Times . June 28, 2022 . June 29, 2022.
  16. News: Smith . Allan . Korecki . Natasha . Trump-backed Rep. Mary Miller defeats Rep. Rodney Davis in new Illinois district . NBC News . June 29, 2022 . June 28, 2022.
  17. News: Behrmann . Savannah . Santucci . Jeanine . January 14, 2021 . The Members of Congress Who Objected to Joe Biden's Electoral College Win Amid Capitol Riot . USA Today . January 17, 2021.
  18. Web site: Mary E. Miller . Clerk of the United States House of Representatives . June 5, 2023.
  19. Web site: Who is Mary Miller, Republican representative for Illinois' 15th Congressional District? . February 28, 2021 . Chicago Tribune. January 7, 2021 .
  20. Web site: December 6, 2017 . Membership . March 28, 2021 . Republican Study Committee . en.
  21. News: June 29, 2022 . Rep. Lauren Boebert and Rep. Mary Miller win GOP primaries: 'Professional RINO hunters' . July 5, 2022 . New York Daily News.
  22. Web site: June 17, 2022 . Mary Miller and Rodney Davis square off in heated GOP primary to return to Congress . July 5, 2022 . Illinois Newsroom.
  23. Web site: Controversial Downstate freshman GOP Rep. Mary Miller to primary veteran Republican U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis after Trump endorsement . August 25, 2022 . Chicago Tribune. January 2022 .
  24. Web site: Kapos . Shia . Freshman lawmaker hit with colleagues' fury after Hitler comments . August 25, 2022 . POLITICO . January 8, 2021 . en.
  25. News: Valentino-DeVries . Jennifer . Eder . Steve . DEMOCRACY CHALLENGED For Trump's Backers in Congress, 'Devil Terms' Help Rally Voters . The New York Times . 23 October 2022 . New York Times . 23 October 2022.
  27. Web site: H.Res.1318 - Impeaching Merrick Brian Garland, Attorney General of the United States, for endangering, compromising, and undermining the justice system of the United States by facilitating the persecution of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.'s, political rival, Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States. . www.congress.gov . 11 January 2023.
  28. Web site: H.Res.582 - Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors. . www.congress.gov . 11 January 2023.
  29. Web site: H.Res.608 - Impeaching Antony John Blinken, Secretary of State, for high crimes and misdemeanors. . www.congress.gov . 11 January 2023.
  30. Web site: H.Res.8 - Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors. . www.congress.gov . 14 January 2023.
  31. Web site: H.Res.494 - Impeaching Kamala Devi Harris, Vice President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. . Congress.gov . United States Congress . 23 June 2023.
  32. News: Illinois Congresswoman Says 'Hitler Was Right on One Thing'. NBC Chicago. January 6, 2021. January 7, 2021.
  33. News: McGowan Staebler. Margot. "Hitler was right," Illinois Republican Mary Miller says. Belleville News Democrat. January 6, 2021. January 7, 2021.
  34. News: Lisa. Petrella. Dan. Donovan. Days after she was sworn in, Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller facing criticism for invoking Adolf Hitler during speech in Washington. January 6, 2021. January 7, 2021. Chicago Tribune.
  35. News: Mark. Maxwell. Duckworth calls on Congresswoman Miller to resign for quoting Hitler. WGN-TV. January 7, 2021. January 7, 2021.
  36. Web site: Miller. Steve. January 6, 2021. Illinois congresswoman's reference to Hitler condemned by Gov. Pritzker. WBBM Radio.
  37. Web site: Samuels. Ben. January 6, 2021. Republican Congresswoman at pro-Trump Rally Near U.S. Capitol: 'Hitler Was Right'. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210106192030/https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/.premium-republican-congresswoman-at-pro-trump-rally-near-u-s-capitol-hitler-was-right-1.9429486. January 6, 2021. Haaretz.
  38. News: Lawmakers, governor condemn Rep. Mary Miller's 'Hitler was right on one thing' comment . January 7, 2021 . WCIA.com . January 6, 2021.
  39. News: Budryk. Zack. January 7, 2021. Newly sworn-in Republican lawmaker condemned by Holocaust Museum after Hitler quote. January 7, 2021. The Hill.
  40. Web site: After Illinois Rep. Mary Miller praises Hitler, Rep. Jan Schakowsky calls on her to resign. January 6, 2021. Chicago Sun-Times. Lynn. Sweet. Andy. Boyle. January 7, 2021.
  41. News: January 14, 2021 . Illinois Congresswoman Mary Miller, who quoted Hitler in speech, could be censured, fellow rep. says . July 20, 2022 . . en.
  42. News: Associated Press. April 24, 2021. Months after congresswoman's Hitler remarks, Jews' in pain. April 24, 2021. Daily Herald. en-US.
  43. News: Rick . Pearson . January 7, 2021 . Newly Inaugurated Illinois GOP Congresswoman Claims She Was Attacking Democrats in Citing Adolf Hitler . . . January 8, 2021.
  44. News: Rick . Pearson . January 8, 2021 . Rep. Mary Miller Apologizes for Using Adolf Hitler Reference in Speech, But Blames Others for Trying to Twist Her Words . . January 8, 2021.
  45. News: Tribune-Star Editorial Board . January 24, 2021 . Tribune-Star Editorial: A poor start in Congress for Rep. Miller . July 20, 2022 . . . en.
  46. News: Moore . Brenden . Watch now: Rep. Mary Miller files bill that would require sex-segregated school bathrooms, sports teams . . March 2, 2021.
  47. Web site: Rep. Miller Criticizes Equality Act, Democrats During Town Hall . Vermilion County First . February 25, 2021 . July 3, 2022.
  48. Web site: How some Tri-State members of Congress voted on the marriage equality bill.
  49. News: Annie. Grayer. Kristin. Wilson. June 16, 2021. CNN. 21 Republicans vote no on bill to award Congressional Gold Medal for January 6 police officers. June 16, 2021.
  50. Web site: H.R.6648 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Secure America's Borders First Act. Congress.gov . February 8, 2022.
  51. Web site: FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 145. XML. Clerk.house.gov. July 4, 2022.
  52. News: Roche . Darragh . Full List of 57 House Republicans Who Voted Against Ukraine Aid . . May 11, 2022. July 3, 2022.
  53. Web site: The 18 House Republicans who voted against a resolution to support Finland, Sweden joining NATO . July 19, 2022.
  54. News: House votes to repeal 2002 Iraq War authorization. NBC News.
  55. Web site: FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 172 H R 256 YEA-AND-NAY 17 June 2021 11:27 AM QUESTION: On Passage BILL TITLE: To repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. Clerk of the United States House of Representatives.
  56. Web site: H.R. 567: Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program Act of 2021 . GovTrack . June 29, 2021 . July 3, 2022.
  57. Web site: H.Con.Res. 21: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of … -- House Vote #136 -- Mar 8, 2023 .
  58. News: House Votes Down Bill Directing Removal of Troops From Syria . March 8, 2023 . Associated Press.
  59. News: 14 House Republicans vote against a measure condemning military coup in Myanmar. CNN. Diaz. Daniella. Wilson. Kristin. March 19, 2021. March 24, 2021.
  60. News: Korecki . Natasha . June 25, 2022 . Rep. Miller thanks Trump for 'victory for white life,' campaign says she misread remarks . . June 25, 2022.
  61. News: Cohen . Miles . GOP Rep. Miller, speaking alongside Trump, calls SCOTUS ruling 'victory for white life' . July 5, 2022 . . June 26, 2022 . en.
  62. Web site: Cosponsors - H.R.140 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Birthright Citizenship Act of 2021 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress . U.S. Congress . March 2021. July 3, 2022.
  63. Web site: Cosponsors - H.R.6206 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): American Tech Workforce Act of 2021 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress . U.S. Congress . December 9, 2021. July 3, 2022.
  64. Web site: H.Amdt. 445 (Perry) to H.R. 4665: To eliminate funding for … -- House Vote #469 -- Sep 28, 2023 .
  65. News: Politics . Rep. Mary Miller calls for bringing God back into public schools | Politics News . . February 25, 2022 . July 3, 2022.
  66. Web site: Cosponsors - H.R.1980 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Working Families Flexibility Act of 2021 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress . U.S. Congress . March 17, 2021. July 3, 2022.
  67. News: Brufke . Juliegrace . House conservatives ramp up efforts on child care bills . July 7, 2022 . . March 23, 2021.
  68. Web site: Text - H.R.1980 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Working Families Flexibility Act of 2021 . March 17, 2021.
  69. Web site: Cosponsors - H.R.6579 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Teamwork for Employees and Managers Act of 2022 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress . U.S. Congress . February 3, 2022. July 3, 2022.
  70. Web site: 3 Reasons Marco Rubio's Attempt to Bring Back Company Unions is an Awful, Dangerous Idea.
  71. News: Opinion | Marco Rubio Wants to be a Working-Class Hero. There's Just One Problem . The New York Times . February 8, 2022 . Bouie . Jamelle.
  72. Web site: Mary Miller Co-Manages Farm with Husband, Now Sets Sights on Congress . February 25, 2020.
  73. Web site: House passes antitrust bill that hikes M&A fees as larger efforts targeting tech have stalled . CNBC. September 29, 2022 .
  74. Web site: H.R. 3843: Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022 -- House Vote #460 -- Sep 29, 2022.
  75. Web site: Elbein . Saul . 2024-05-24 . House farm bill amendment targets hemp industry . live . http://web.archive.org/web/20240524224911/https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4685100-house-farm-bill-amendment-cannabis-hemp-ban/ . 2024-05-24 . 2024-05-25 . . en-US.
  76. Web site: Sabaghi . Dario . 2024-05-24 . House Committee Approves Farm Bill Amendment To Ban Delta-8 THC . live . http://web.archive.org/web/20240524113920/https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2024/05/24/house-committee-approves-farm-bill-amendment-to-ban-delta-8-thc/ . 2024-05-24 . 2024-05-25 . . en.
  77. News: Saddiq. Omar. Metzger. Bryan. February 13, 2023. Most Republicans are on the fence about Trump's 2024 re-election bid. Here are the few elected officials backing him so far.. February 13, 2023. Business Insider.
  78. Web site: Republicans and Democrats who bucked party leaders by voting no. Jared. Gans. May 31, 2023. June 6, 2023. The Hill.
  79. News: Obama's Chicago jaunt . April 7, 2022 . Kapos . Shia . . July 8, 2022.
  80. News: Trump factor hangs heavy in 15th District race for Congress . June 21, 2022 . Pearson . Rick . . July 8, 2022.
  81. News: 13 GOP women join the House, dominating congressional elections, making history . November 9, 2020 . Stabile . Angelica . . November 23, 2020.
  82. Web site: Meet Mary . Mary Miller for Congress . June 1, 2021 . January 28, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210128072711/https://marymillerforcongress.com/meet . dead .
  83. Web site: Religious affiliation of members of 117th Congress . Pew Research Center.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Mary Miller (politician)".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.