Lifetime Achievement (Members)

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC)

Congressman Patrick McHenry stands out as a representative of dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment to the people of North Carolina. With decades of service, his tenure has been defined by tireless advocacy and a steadfast dedication to his constituents' well-being, which makes him a deserving recipient of the Congressional Management Foundation Democracy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

In the 118th Congress, Congressman McHenry assumed the role of Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, a committee he has served on since his initial election to Congress. His leadership on the committee has been instrumental in crafting policies that expand access to banking services and credit for American families and small businesses, driving economic growth and prosperity.

Prior to his chairmanship, Congressman McHenry held several key leadership positions, including Republican Leader and Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. His tenure as Chief Deputy Whip saw him playing a crucial role in advancing the policy agenda of the House Republican Conference, exemplifying his ability to build consensus and deliver tangible results for the American people.

Congressman McHenry's legislative work is marked by a diverse range of achievements aimed at fostering economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship. From his instrumental role in passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to the groundbreaking legislation on startup investing and equity-based crowdfunding, he has consistently championed policies that empower individuals and businesses to thrive. Congressman McHenry has been a passionate advocate for disruptive finance solutions, including fintech, aimed at expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses. His commitment to fiscal responsibility has made him a leading voice in the conservative movement and a tireless advocate for taxpayers' rights.

Beyond his legislative accomplishments, Congressman McHenry's dedication to serving those who have served our country is noteworthy. His tireless advocacy for veterans' healthcare and unwavering support for the men and women of the armed forces have earned him widespread respect and admiration.

Above all, Congressman McHenry remains deeply connected to the people he represents, prioritizing constituent service and ensuring that the voices of North Carolinians are heard in the Capitol. In celebrating Congressman Patrick McHenry's remarkable contributions to North Carolina and American democracy, we honor not only his achievements but also his enduring commitment to the values of service, integrity, and leadership.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)

Senator Debbie Stabenow stands out for her tenure and the profound impact she has had on her constituents. As a well-deserved recipient of the Congressional Management Foundation Democracy Award for Lifetime Achievement, it's easy to see her remarkable journey driven by her steadfast commitment to public service and the betterment of people's lives.

Senator Stabenow is driven by a relentless work ethic and guided by a profound commitment to improving the lives of others. As the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Michigan, she has paved the way for future generations of women in politics. Her ascent was not merely a personal triumph but a triumph for representation in government. Throughout her distinguished career, Senator Stabenow has been a steadfast advocate for the people of Michigan, earning a reputation for her ability to bridge partisan divides. Her leadership in protecting the Great Lakes, a vital natural resource, is exemplary. Through landmark programs she authored, she has spearheaded efforts to safeguard our environment and preserve the Michigan way of life for generations to come.

As chair of the influential Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, her stewardship has reshaped our nation's food and farm policy. Her vision for American agriculture goes beyond traditional notions, which embraces sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience in the face of climate change. Senator Stabenow's advocacy has led to landmark programs, such as the first specialty crop title in Farm Bill history, which bolsters Michigan's diverse agricultural landscape, from fruits and vegetables to hops and horticulture. Her leadership in the clean energy economy has also positioned Michigan as a global leader, driving innovation and creating opportunities.

Healthcare reform has also been a cornerstone of Senator Stabenow's legislative agenda. As a key architect of the Affordable Care Act, she has fought tirelessly to expand access to quality healthcare and lower prescription drug costs. Her bipartisan efforts, such as the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act, represent a radical shift in how we address behavioral health services and the complex challenges facing our healthcare system.

Beyond her legislative accomplishments, Senator Stabenow's legacy is defined by her unwavering commitment to constituent service. Her office has become synonymous with responsiveness, empathy, and effectiveness—traits that have earned her the trust and admiration of Michiganders from all walks of life.

As we honor Senator Debbie Stabenow with the Democracy Award for Lifetime Achievement, we also pay tribute to her unwavering commitment to democratic values and the well-being of all Americans. Her legacy serves as a guiding light for future leaders, reminding us of the transformative power of public service and the enduring promise of American democracy.

Two Members of Congress Receive Democracy Awards for Lifetime Achievement from the Congressional Management Foundation

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA)

In 1992, Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) became the first Mexican-American woman elected to Congress. The congresswoman is the first Latina to serve on the Appropriations Committee in the House of Representatives as well as the first Latina to serve as one of the 12 "Cardinals," or Chairs, of a House Appropriations Subcommittee. She is the first woman to chair the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the first woman to chair the California Democratic congressional delegation. She is a founding co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Maternity Care, founder of the Women's Working Group on Immigration Reform and a co-founder of the Congressional Public Health Caucus.

Rep. Roybal-Allard serves in key positions including as a member of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, to which Speaker Pelosi appointed her in 2019; Vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging and Families; Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus; and a member of the Democratic Caucus Steering and Policy Committee.

From her position on the House Appropriations Committee, the congresswoman has also spearheaded many federal projects that havecreated jobs and improved the lives of her constituents, including the new federal courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles, the Metro Gold Line Lightrail Eastside Extension, the deepening of the Port of Los Angeles, and the ongoing revitalization of the Los Angeles River. She has been equally successful in obtaining federal dollars for local education and labor projects, including job training and placement services, arts and vocational education, afterschool care, early education, magnet schools, and English literacy programs.

Rep. Roybal-Allard is the eldest daughter of the late Rep. Edward R. Roybal and Lucille Beserra Roybal. She is married to Edward T. Allard III. Together, she and her husband have four children and nine grandchildren. She received her bachelor's degree from California State University, Los Angeles. She also holds an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from National Hispanic University.

Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI)

Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) has been a part of the Michigan delegation since his election in 1987. Previously, he worked for President Ronald Reagan in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). While at OMB, he learned from President Reagan's example that it does not matter who gets the credit, as long as the job gets done. That has been Rep. Upton's approach since he was first elected to Congress and continues today.

From 2010 to 2016, Rep. Upton was selected by his House colleagues to serve as Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Under Rep. Upton's leadership, the Committee passed 354 legislative measures through the House and saw 202 of those signed into law by the president. Fred currently serves as the top Republican leader of the Subcommittee on Energy, which has jurisdiction over national energy policy.

Rep. Upton has long been an advocate for a greater emphasis on biomedical research to improve the public health. In 2014, along with U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colorado, Fred launched the 21st Century Cures initiative. This bipartisan effort aims to bring researchers, industry, and patients together to speed up the discovery, development, and delivery of life-saving cures. The pursuit of these 21st century cures also supports Southwest Michigan employers and jobs by ensuring the United States remains the world leader in medical innovation. Marking the culmination of a three-year journey, President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act into law on December 13, 2016.

Rep. Upton has led the effort to ensure seniors keep access to their physicians and low-income children keep their insurance coverage. In 2015, the president signed into law H.R. 2, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, which permanently fixes the broken Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate, strengthens Medicare in the long-term, extends federal funding for community health centers, and extends the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that covers approximately 100,000 children in Michigan. More recently, Fred supported the efforts to reauthorize CHIP funding for six years – the longest and most generous reauthorization in the programs history. This legislation was signed into law in January of 2017.

Rep. Upton holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Michigan. He and his wife, Amey, have two adult children.