Mark Green

Mark E. Green is an American politician, physician, and retired U.S. Army surgeon who served as the U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 7th congressional district from 2019 until his resignation in 2025. A member of the Republican Party, Green held significant positions during his tenure, including chairing the Committee on Homeland Security from 2023 to 2025. Prior to his congressional service, he was a member of the Tennessee Senate, representing the 22nd district from 2013 to 2018. His background includes a distinguished military career, medical practice, and leadership in various healthcare-related organizations.

Early life and career

Mark E. Green was born on November 8, 1964. He pursued higher education at the United States Military Academy, where he graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in quantitative business management. Following his graduation, he attended the University of Southern California, earning a master's degree in systems management in 1987. Green began his military career as an infantry officer in the United States Army, serving from 1987 to 1990. His early assignments included roles with the 194th Armored Brigade at Fort Knox, where he held positions such as rifle platoon leader and battalion adjutant. After completing the Infantry Officer's Advance Course, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division as a supply officer and rifle company commander.

Green's transition from infantry to medicine was influenced by a personal experience involving his father's medical emergency, which prompted him to request medical training from the Army. He attended the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University, graduating with a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1999. Following his medical education, he completed a residency in emergency medicine at Fort Hood, Texas. Green was subsequently selected to serve as a flight surgeon for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, where he participated in operations during the Afghanistan War and two tours in the Iraq War. Notably, he was involved in Operation Red Dawn, which led to the capture of Saddam Hussein, and he authored a book detailing his experiences during this operation.

After retiring from the military in 2006, Green became the chief executive officer of Align MD, a company that provides staffing for hospital emergency departments across multiple states. He also founded the Two Rivers Medical Foundation, which focuses on providing healthcare to underserved populations through medical missions and operates free clinics in Tennessee.

House tenure

Mark Green's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Tennessee Senate in 2012, defeating the Democratic incumbent Tim Barnes. His legislative work in the state senate included noteworthy achievements such as the repeal of Tennessee's Hall Income Tax, marking only the second instance in U.S. history where a state has eliminated an income tax. He also co-sponsored significant legislation that removed the statute of limitations on rape cases when the DNA profile of the suspect is known. His efforts in the state legislature earned him recognition for his advocacy on behalf of veterans and small businesses.

In 2018, following the announcement of U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn's candidacy for the Senate, Green declared his intention to run for the 7th congressional district seat. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November of that year, marking the beginning of his congressional tenure. During his time in the House, Green was re-elected in both 2020 and 2022, serving a total of four terms in Congress. His tenure was characterized by active participation in various legislative initiatives and committee work.

In October 2023, Green was a candidate for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives but withdrew from the race later that month. His congressional service came to an end when he announced his resignation on June 9, 2025, following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. His last day in office was July 20, 2025.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in Congress, Mark Green focused on a range of issues, particularly those related to national security, healthcare, and veterans' affairs. As a member of the Republican Party, he aligned with party priorities while also advocating for specific legislative measures that reflected his background as a physician and military veteran. His role as chair of the Committee on Homeland Security from 2023 to 2025 positioned him at the forefront of discussions on national security and emergency preparedness.

Green's legislative agenda included efforts to enhance healthcare access and reform, drawing on his experience in the medical field. He was involved in initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery systems and addressing the needs of underserved populations. His background as a flight surgeon and emergency medicine physician informed his perspectives on healthcare policy, particularly in relation to veterans and active-duty military personnel.

In addition to his work on healthcare, Green was an advocate for veterans' rights and small business initiatives. He received accolades for his contributions to legislation that supported veteran services and aimed to foster a favorable environment for small businesses in Tennessee and beyond. His commitment to these causes was evident in his legislative proposals and public statements during his time in office.

In summary, Mark E. Green's career has been marked by a blend of military service, medical practice, and political engagement. His tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives was characterized by a focus on national security, healthcare reform, and veteran advocacy, reflecting his diverse background and commitment to public service. Following his resignation from Congress, he co-founded a corporation aimed at enhancing trade and economic development between the United States and Guyana, continuing his engagement in civic and economic matters.