Texas Democratic Rep. Charles Stenholm

Charles W. (Charlie) Stenholm is serving hsi 12th term as the Congressman representing the 17th Congressional District of Texas.

Having served on the Agriculture Committee since his Washington arrival, Stenholm won the post of ranking democrat on the Committee in the 105th Congress.  There, he focuses on expanding agricultural world trade, streamlining the agricultural bureaucracy, boosting agricultural research and promoting the needs of agriculture producers and consumers.

Stenholm has consistently advanced fiscal responsibility in the federal budget.  His persistence over the years resulted in House passage of his Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment in the 104th Congress.  It was subsequently defeated by one vote in the Senate.  He also crafted balanced budget plans in the 104th and 105th Congresses with a group of moderate and conservative Democrats known as the "Blue Dog Coalition."

In addition to agriculture and budget, Stenholm has worked on a wide portfolio of legislative activities, including health care, small business protections, social security, welfare reform, juvenile justice, and restricting unfunded mandates. 

Increasingly mindful of the need for Congressional comity and cooperation, Stenholm played an active role on the steering committee of the first ever House-wide bipartisan retreat in Hershey, Pennsylvania, held without taxpayer or interest group expense. 

At home, Stenhom continues his active involvement in his Jones County family cotton farm.

Stenholm graduated from Tarleton State Junior College and Texas Tech University, and has received honorary Doctor of Law degrees from Abilene Christian, Hardin-Simmons, and McMurry Universities.

Stenholm and his wife Cindy have three children.