George Miller (b. May 17, 1945, in Richmond, CA) is a former Democratic member of the U.S. House. He represented California's 11th Congressional District from 1975 to 2015. He did not seek re-election in 2014.[1]
Miller began his political career as a legislative assistant to the Senate Majority Leader of the California State Senate. He worked in that position from 1969 until his election to the U.S. House in 1974.
Below is an abbreviated outline of Miller's academic, professional, and political career:[2]
Miller served on the following committees:[3]
Miller served on the following committees:[4]
The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[5] For more information pertaining to Miller's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[6]
Miller voted against HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[7]
Miller voted against HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.[8]
Miller voted against HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[9]
On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, known as the Farm Bill.[10] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill provides for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.[11][12] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.[12] Miller voted with 102 other Democratic representatives against the bill.
On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.[13][14] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.[14] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[15] It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the protection of the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Miller joined with the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill.[13][14]
On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[16] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[17] Miller voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[18]
The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[19] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Miller voted for HR 2775.[20]
Miller voted against HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years.[21]
Miller voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.[22] The vote largely followed party lines.[23]
Miller did not vote on House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.[24]
Miller voted against HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.[25]
Miller voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 172 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[26]
On August 29, 2013, 53 House Democrats signed a letter written by California Rep. Barbara Lee that called for a congressional resolution on strikes and cautioned that the situation in Syria "should not draw us into an unwise war—especially without adhering to our constitutional requirements."[27][28] The letter also called on the Obama administration to work with the U.N. Security Council “to build international consensus” condemning the alleged use of chemical weapons. Miller was one of the 53 Democrats in the House to sign the letter.[27][28]
Miller discussed California's top-two primary system and campaign spending on MSNBC's "The Daily Rundown." He said, "That anonymous, secret money is, to me, … as dangerous as anything that’s ever been pointed at our democracy." When asked about his thoughts on the effects of California's primary system, he continued, "I think we don’t know yet. So far … the top two running just means you have to spend twice as much money. It doesn’t really lead to different results. I’m much more concerned about whether or not you have a fair and open reapportionment system, and then I’m deeply concerned about the advance of anonymous, large amounts of money. I think it destroys the impact of local communities on who their candidates and who their representatives are going to be."[29]
Miller chose to retire rather than seek re-election in 2014.
Miller won re-election in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing California's 11th District as a Democrat.[30] He was displaced from the 7th District by redistricting. He and Virginia Fuller (R) advanced past the blanket primary on June 5, 2012, defeating John Fitzgerald (D) and Cheryl Sudduth (D). Miller then defeated Fuller in the general election on November 6, 2012.[31][32]
U.S. House, California District 11 General Election, 2012 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
Democratic | ![]() |
69.7% | 200,743 | |
Republican | Virginia Fuller | 30.3% | 87,136 | |
Total Votes | 287,879 | |||
Source: California Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election" |
On November 2, 2010, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Rick Tubbs (R) in the general election.[33]
U.S. House, California District 7 General Election, 2010 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
Democratic | ![]() |
68.3% | 122,435 | |
Republican | Rick Tubbs | 31.7% | 56,764 | |
Total Votes | 179,199 |
To view the full congressional electoral history for George Miller, click [show] to expand the section. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2008 On November 4, 2008, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Roger Allen Petersen (R), Bill Callison (P&F) and Camden McConnell (L) in the general election.[34] 2006 On November 7, 2006, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Camden McConnell (L) in the general election.[35]
2004 On November 2, 2004, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Charles Hargrave (R) in the general election.[36]
2002 On November 5, 2002, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Charles Hargrave (R) and Scott Wilson (L) in the general election.[37] 2000 On November 7, 2000, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Christopher Hoffman (R) and Martin Sproul (Natural Law) in the general election.[38] 1998 On November 3, 1998, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Norman Reece (R) in the general election.[39]
1996 On November 5, 1996, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Norman Reece (R), William Thompson (Reform) and Bob Liatunick (Natural Law) in the general election.[40] 1994 On November 8, 1994, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Charles Hughes (R) and William Callison (P&F) in the general election.[41] 1992 On November 3, 1992, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Dave Scholl (R) and David Franklin (P&F) in the general election.[42] 1990 On November 6, 1990, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Roger Payton (R) in the general election.[43]
1988 On November 8, 1988, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jean Last (R) in the general election.[44]
1986 On November 4, 1986, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Rosemary Thakar (R) in the general election.[45]
1984 On November 6, 1984, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Rosemary Thakar (R) in the general election.[46]
1982 On November 2, 1982, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Paul Vallely (R), Rich Newell (L) and Terry Wells (American Independent) in the general election.[47] 1980 On November 4, 1980, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Giles St. Clair (R), Steve Snow (L) and Thomas J. Thompson (American Independent) in the general election.[48] 1978 On November 7, 1978, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Paula Gordon (R) and Melvin Stanley (American Independent) in the general election.[49] 1976 On November 2, 1976, George Miller won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Robert Vickers (R) and Melvin Stanley (American Independent) in the general election.[50] 1974 On November 4, 1974, George Miller won election to the United States House. He defeated Gary Fernandez (R) in the general election.[51]
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The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may not represent all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer, and campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
George Miller (California U.S. House member) campaign contribution history | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Office | Result | Contributions | |
2012 | U.S. House (California, District 11) | ![]() |
$743,547 | |
2010 | U.S. House (California, District 7) | ![]() |
$972,502 | |
2008 | U.S. House (California, District 7) | ![]() |
$1,155,882 | |
2006 | U.S. House (California, District 7) | ![]() |
$667,494 | |
2004 | U.S. House (California, District 7) | ![]() |
$573,259 | |
2002 | U.S. House (California, District 7) | ![]() |
$471,747 | |
2000 | U.S. House (California, District 7) | ![]() |
$382,248 | |
Grand total raised | $4,966,679 | |||
Source: [[52] Follow the Money] |
Candidates for Congress were required to file reports with the Federal Election Commission during the 2014 elections season. Below are Miller's reports.[53]
George Miller (2014) Campaign Finance Reports | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Report | Date Filed | Beginning Balance | Total Contributions for Reporting Period | Expenditures | Cash on Hand | ||||
April Quarterly[54] | April 15, 2013 | $208,528.40 | $79,523.08 | $(72,243.63) | $215,537.85 | ||||
July Quarterly[55] | July 15, 2013 | $215,537.85 | $233,721.74 | $(94,604.43) | $354,655.16 | ||||
October Quarterly[56] | October 15, 2013 | $354,655.16 | $66,101.35 | $(71,683.05) | $349,073.46 | ||||
Running totals | |||||||||
$379,346.17 | $(238,531.11) |
Miller won re-election to the U.S. House in 2012. During that election cycle, Miller's campaign committee raised a total of $743,547 and spent $891,945.[57] This is less than the average $1.5 million spent by House winners in 2012.[58]
Miller spent $4.44 per vote received in 2012.
U.S. House, California District 11, 2012 - George Miller (California U.S. House member) Campaign Contributions | |
---|---|
Total Raised | $743,547 |
Total Spent | $891,945 |
Total Raised by Election Runner-up | $0 |
Total Spent by Election Runner-up | $0 |
Top contributors to George Miller (California U.S. House member)'s campaign committee | |
AFL-CIO | $11,875 |
American Assn for Justice | $10,000 |
American Dental Assn | $10,000 |
American Federation of Teachers | $10,000 |
American Fedn of St/Cnty/Munic Employees | $10,000 |
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
Building Trade Unions | $81,875 |
Industrial Unions | $69,000 |
Public Sector Unions | $60,517 |
Transportation Unions | $45,050 |
Misc Unions | $32,000 |
To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section. | |
---|---|
Miller won re-election to the U.S. House in 2010. During that election cycle, Miller's campaign committee raised a total of $972,502 and spent $1,008,838.[59]
His top five contributors between 2009-2010 were:
U.S. House, California District 7, 2010 - George Miller (California U.S. House member) Campaign Contributions | |
---|---|
Total Raised | $972,502 |
Total Spent | $1,008,838 |
Total Raised by General Election Opponent | $108,491 |
Total Spent by General Election Opponent | $108,491 |
Top contributors to George Miller (California U.S. House member)'s campaign committee | |
ITT Educational Services | $23,450 |
Apollo Group | $17,250 |
Princeton Review | $12,000 |
AFLAC Inc | $10,000 |
Air Line Pilots Assn | $10,000 |
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
Education | $140,961 |
Building Trade Unions | $77,650 |
Industrial Unions | $57,250 |
Public Sector Unions | $57,165 |
Health Professionals | $49,500 |
To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section. | |
---|---|
The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:
Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Miller's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $257,010 and $1,045,999. That averages to $651,504, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic representatives in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Miller ranked as the 247th most wealthy representative in 2012.[60] Between 2004 and 2012, Miller's calculated net worth[61] decreased by an average of 0 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.[62]
George Miller Yearly Net Worth | |
---|---|
Year | Average Net Worth |
2004 | $653,298 |
2012 | $651,504 |
Growth from 2004 to 2012: | -0% |
Average annual growth: | -0%[63] |
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.[64] |
Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). In the 113th Congress, Miller is the ranking Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce. Miller received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Building Trade Unions industry.
From 1989-2014, 34.21 percent of Miller's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.[65]
George Miller (California U.S. House member) Campaign Contributions | |
---|---|
Total Raised | $7,468,963 |
Total Spent | $7,539,076 |
Ranking member of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce | |
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
Building Trade Unions | $622,145 |
Industrial Unions | $548,375 |
Public Sector Unions | $519,767 |
Transportation Unions | $456,135 |
Lawyers/Law Firms | $408,600 |
% total in top industry | 8.33% |
% total in top two industries | 15.67% |
% total in top five industries | 34.21% |
Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Miller was a far-left Democratic leader as of July 2014. This was the same rating Miller received in June 2013.[66]
The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.[67]
Miller most often voted with: |
Miller least often voted with: |
According to the website GovTrack, Miller missed 1,792 of 23,888 roll call votes from January 1975 to July 2014. This amounts to 7.5 percent, which is worse than the median of 2.5 percent among current congressional representatives as of July 2014.[68]
The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Miller paid his congressional staff a total of $1,102,577 in 2011. He ranked 52nd on the list of the highest paid Democratic representative staff salaries and ranked 65th overall of the highest paid representative staff salaries in 2011. Overall, California ranked 5th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[69]
Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.
Miller ranked 63rd in the liberal rankings in 2013.[70]
Miller ranked 30th in the liberal rankings in 2011.[71]
The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.
Miller voted with the Democratic Party 91.9 percent of the time, which ranked 131st among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014.[72]
Miller voted with the Democratic Party 95.7 percent of the time, which ranked 84th among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.[73]
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Miller and his wife, Cynthia, have two children.
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Political offices | ||
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Preceded by Ron Dellums |
U.S. House - California, District 11 1975-2015 |
Succeeded by Mark DeSaulnier |