Biography of Rep. Zoe Lofgren

Congressman Zoe Lofgren, Democrat, California 16th District (Silicon Valley).

Background. Rep. Lofgren graduated from Stanford University in 1970, and from Santa Clara Law School (cum laude) in 1975. She worked briefly for her predecessor in Congress, Don Edwards. She practiced immigration law. She also served on the Board of Supervisors of Santa Clara County from 1981 until 1995, when she became a Member of Congress.

Committee Assignments. Rep. Lofgren is a member of the Judiciary Committee, and two of its subcommittees: Courts and Intellectual Property, and Immigration and Claims. The former subcommittee has jurisdiction over patent, trademark, and copyright issues which are critical to the computer and Internet industries. The later has jurisdiction over H1B bills. She also is a member of the Science Committee.

Legislative Activities. She was rated one of the Top 10 members of the House in support for high-tech in the Tech Law Journal Congressional Scorecard 1998. She is best known in high tech policy circles for her cosponsorship, along with Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), of the Safety and Freedom through Encryption Act (SAFE), which would guarantee all Americans the right to use any encryption product, without key escrow, and loosen export restraints. In the 105th Congress the bill was widely supported by the computer and Internet industry, but opposed by the Clinton administration. It did not pass. She reintroduced a similar bill, HR 850, on February 25, 1999.

She was also a supporter of securities litigation reform, the Internet Tax Freedom Act, and the H1B bill in the 105th Congress (1997-1998). Lofgren was one of the Democratic floor managers for the 21st Century Patent Improvement Act (HR 400), which the House passed on April 23, 1997. It failed to move through the Senate. It is among her top priorities for the 106th Congress (1999-2000). She is also a supporter of the FCC run schools and libraries program, which is also known as the "e-rate" and "Gore tax."

The House Democratic Whip, Rep. David Bonior (D-MI), appointed Lofgren to the position of At-Large Whip for the 106th Congress on March 16, 1999. Bonior stated that she "is a strong advocate for the concerns of America's working families and has a keen understanding of high tech issues."

District. The California 16th district is in Santa Clara County, south of San Francisco. It is one of several districts which includes part of "Silicon Valley."

318 Cannon House Office Building.
Voice: 202-225-3072.
Fax: 202-225-3336.
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