Peter DeFazio - Definition

Peter Anthony DeFazio (born May 27, 1947) is a Democratic U.S. representative from Oregon, representing that state's fourth congressional district in Springfield.

DeFazio was born in Needham, Massachusetts and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1971. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Tufts University in 1969 and a master of sciences degree from the University of Oregon in 1977 and worked as a gerontologist.

He worked for U.S. Rep. James H. Weaver (D-OR), from 1977 to 1982 and then served a as Lane County, Oregon commissioner (1983-1986, chairman 1985-86). He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986; he began serving in 1987 (100th Congress). He serves on the transportation and infrastructure, and homeland security committees.

DeFazio ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for U.S. senator from Oregon in a special primary in 1995. He served as an Oregonian delegate to the 2000 Democratic National Convention.

DeFazio is a member of the Roman Catholic Church; his wife's name is Myrnie Daut.

Example Usage of DeFazio