Gregg Harper

Gregg Harper is a former U.S. Representative who served Mississippi's 3rd congressional district from 2009 until 2019. A member of the Republican Party, Harper's tenure in Congress was marked by his involvement in various legislative initiatives and committee assignments. His district encompassed the wealthier areas of Jackson, Mississippi, along with its suburbs and several other cities, including Meridian, Natchez, Starkville, and Brookhaven. Harper announced his retirement from Congress in January 2018, opting not to seek re-election.

Early life and career

Gregg Harper was born on June 1, 1956, in Jackson, Mississippi. He pursued higher education at Mississippi College, where he earned a degree in chemistry in 1978. Following this, he attended the University of Mississippi School of Law, graduating in 1981. Harper has worked as a private practice attorney since completing his legal education. His legal career included serving as the prosecuting attorney for the cities of Brandon and Richland in Mississippi.

Before entering Congress, Harper was actively involved in local politics. He spent eight years as the chairman of the Rankin County Republican Party, which provided him with a platform to engage in political activities and community service. His political involvement extended to the national level when he served as a delegate to the 2000 Republican National Convention. Additionally, he was appointed as an observer during the contentious 2000 Florida presidential recount, reflecting his engagement in significant political events of that era.

House tenure

Gregg Harper was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008 after winning the Republican nomination for Mississippi's 3rd congressional district. His victory in the general election was significant, as he secured approximately 63% of the vote against his Democratic opponent, Joel Gill. Harper's election was seen as a continuation of Republican dominance in the district, which is known for its strong support of Republican candidates.

During his time in the House, Harper served a total of five terms, beginning with his first term in January 2009 and concluding with his departure from Congress on January 3, 2019. Throughout his tenure, he was involved in various legislative initiatives and was known for his bipartisan approach to governance. In fact, during the 114th Congress, Harper was recognized as the 89th most bipartisan member of the House, and notably, he was the most bipartisan member from Mississippi according to the Bipartisan Index developed by The Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy.

In December 2017, Harper, as the chairman of the House Committee on Administration, supported a review of the Congressional Accountability Act. This act has been criticized for making it more difficult for victims of sexual harassment to come forward compared to those in the private sector. Harper's support for this review indicated his commitment to addressing issues of accountability and transparency within Congress.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his congressional career, Gregg Harper was a member of several important committees and caucuses, which shaped his legislative focus. He served as the chair of the House Committee on Administration and was also involved with the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. His role in these committees allowed him to influence various aspects of congressional operations and administration.

In addition to his leadership positions, Harper was active on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, where he served on multiple subcommittees, including the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, where he held the position of vice chair, and the Subcommittee on Environment and Economy. His work on these committees reflected his interest in issues related to commerce, technology, and environmental policy.

Harper was also a member of several caucuses, including the Republican Study Committee, the Congressional Arts Caucus, the Veterinary Medicine Caucus, and the U.S.-Japan Caucus. His participation in these groups indicated a broad range of interests and a commitment to addressing various issues, from arts and culture to international relations and veterinary medicine.

One of Harper's notable legislative achievements was the introduction of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act during the 113th Congress. This legislation aimed to redirect taxpayer contributions from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund to pediatric cancer research through the National Institutes of Health. The bill, which garnered bipartisan support, was designed to allocate a total of $126 million over a decade for this critical research area, highlighting Harper's focus on health and children's issues.

In summary, Gregg Harper's career in the U.S. House of Representatives was characterized by his commitment to public service, legal expertise, and a focus on bipartisan collaboration. His legislative efforts, particularly in the areas of health care and accountability, reflect his dedication to addressing the needs of his constituents and the broader American public. After announcing his retirement in January 2018, Harper concluded his five terms in office, leaving behind a legacy of active engagement in both local and national politics.