Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham

Spencer Abraham was sworn in as the tenth Secretary of Energy on January 20, 2001, following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

Prior to becoming Energy Secretary, Abraham represented Michigan in the United States Senate from 1995 to 2001.

Elected in 1994, he served on the Budget, Commerce, Science and Transportation, Judiciary, and Small Business Committees. He also chaired two subcommittees: Manufacturing and Competitiveness, and Immigration.

Abraham endorsed policies and practices that promote and enhance America's competitiveness and global leadership. He also worked on free trade, legal and regulatory reform, and tax reform.

In addition, Abraham worked on high-tech policy and issues and the contributions this sector makes to America's economy and global success.  Abraham authored the Electronic Signature in Global and National Commerce Act, establishing a federal framework for on-line contracts and signatures; the Government Paperwork Elimination Act, and the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, which protects Internet domain names for businesses and persons against copyright and trademark infringements.

A one-term Senator, he authored twenty-two pieces of legislation that have been signed into law.

Before his election to the Senate, Abraham served as co-chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) from 1991 to 1993.

Prior to his tenure at the NRCC, Abraham was tapped to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff to Vice President Dan Quayle from 1990 to 1991. In this senior position, he worked closely with the Vice President and senior administration officials, managing the daily operations of the Vice President's office, budget, and staff. Abraham was also active in the affairs of the Vice President's Competitiveness Council, the Vice President's operation designed to provide administrative leadership on issues pertaining to U.S. business competitiveness.

At 30, Abraham was elected to serve as chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, a position he held from 1983 to 1990.

Abraham holds a law degree from Harvard University and is a native of East Lansing, Michigan. He and his wife, Jane, live in Michigan and Virginia with their three children.