Wilbert Joseph Tauzin (born June 14 1943), also known as W. J. "Billy" Tauzin, American politician of Cajun descent, was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1980-2004, representing the 3rd District of Louisiana. He served as a Democrat until 1995, when he switched parties and became a Republican. He was born in Chackbay, Louisiana, was educated at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana and at Louisiana State University, and was a lawyer, a legislative aide to the Louisiana Senate and a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives before entering the House.

Tauzin is the only representative in history to serve as majority whip for both parties. Tauzin served as chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee from 2001 until February 4, 2004 when he announced he wouldn't run for a 13th full term. Tauzin, who has 5 children by his first marriage, heavily backed his son Billy Tauzin III as his replacement, even going so far as to appear in ads which were criticized as blurring the lines on which man was actually running for Congress. In spite of his father's support, Tauzin III was defeated.

External link

• official website (http://www.house.gov/tauzin/)

Preceded by: Dave Treen (Republican)

U.S. House of Representatives Louisiana Third District

Succeeded by: Charlie Melancon (Democrat)