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{{congresspedia}}[[Image:jimoberstar.jpg|thumb|Jim Oberstar currently serves previously served the 8th Congressional district of Minnesota]]

'''James Louis Oberstar''' has been , a [[United States Democratic Party| DemocraticDemocrat]] member , is a former U.S. Representative for the 8th Congressional District of Minnesota, having served 1997 to 2011. The 8th district is based in Duluth and includes most of the northeastern part of the state.<ref name="WP">[http://www.whorunsgov.com/Profiles/James_L._Oberstar James L. Oberstar profile], ''The Washington Post'', accessed January 2011.</ref> ==Record and controversies=={{Congresspedia voting record}}  ===National security and foreign policy=== ====Iraq War====Oberstar voted against the [[United States House Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of Representatives2002]]that started the Iraq War.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2002/roll455.xml Roll call vote] since 1975, representing Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.</ref> {{Iraq War House record}} ====Clean Water Restoration Act====On May 22, 2007, Oberstar introduced the 8th District '''Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007''', introduced during the [[w:Minnesota|Minnesota110th Congress]] (, which sought to clarify the jurisdiction of the U.S. government over waters located in the country, largely for the purpose of dealing with water pollution. {{main|Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007}} ====Water Resources Development Act====On April 19, 2007, the House considered the '''Water Resources Development Act of 2007''', which was sponsored by Oberstar. The bill would authorize the Secretary of the Army to construct various projects for improvements to rivers and harbors of the United States.<ref>Robert McElroy, [http://nationalatlastheweekincongress.govcom/printableMember/imagesAPR07_FULL/previewHR1495USH20hAPR20.htm "Managing America: Environment and Resources,"] ''TheWeekInCongress,'' April 20, 2007.</congdist/mn08_109ref> {{main|U.S.gif map])congressional actions to conserve and develop water resources#Water Resources Development Act of 2007}} ====State water pollution funding==== On January 30, 2007, Oberstar introduced a bill to amend the Clean Water Act to authorize appropriations to states for dealing with water pollution. The district is based bill would effectively raise grant funds to $300 million for management assistance. Assistance grants would also be authorized to nonprofit organizations for the purpose of providing assistance to rural and small municipalities in Duluth planning, developing and includes most acquiring financing for wastewater management infrastructure.<ref>Robert McElroy, [http://theweekincongress.com/Member/MAR07_FULL/HR720USH20hMAR9.htm "Managing America: Environment & Resources,"] ''TheWeekInCongress.com,'' March 9, 2007.</ref> On March 9, 2007, the House voted on a measure to provide consideration of the northeastern part of bill. It passed 229-179. {{main|U.S. water management legislation#H.R.720 - To amend the Clean Water Act to authorize appropriations for state. water pollution}}

===Congressional Careercareer===

====Positions and Viewsviews====Oberstar is an internationally recognized expert on aviation and aviation safety. He has served on the [[w:U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure|Transportation and Infrastructure Committee]] since his first term, and is currently its ranking Democrat. Blatnik had chaired the committee during his last two terms in Congress (when it was known as the Public Works Committee), with Oberstar served as staff administrator. Oberstar was a member of the President's Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism (PCAST) which was set up in September 1989 to review and report on aviation security policy in the light of the sabotage of [[w:Pan Am Flight 103|Pan Am Flight 103]] on December 21, 1988. An avid cyclist, Oberstar has been a champion of creating trails for cycling and hiking to promote healthy living and more active lifestyles. In 2005 he authored and had passed the Safe Routes to Schools act, a $200 million program that helps school districts address the growing problem of childhood obesity by building biking and walking paths to schools, hiring crossing guards and promoting safety programs.

==Meet the Cash Constituents==2010 elections====In 2010, Oberstar was defeated by Republican [[Chip Cravaack]].<ref name="WP"/>

[[Image:oberstar_elections.jpg==Money in politics=={{Congresspedia money in politics header}}<crpcontribdata>cid=N00001806&cycle=2006</crpcontribdata>{{congresspedia money|framecid=N00001806}}{{Congresspedia revolving door info|rightcrpname=Oberstar%2C+James+L}}{{Congresspedia private travel info|Source: Federal Election Commission]]cid=N00001806}}{{Congresspedia PFD info|cid=N00001806}}

==ControversyCommittees and affiliations =====Committees===* [[House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure]] - '''Chair'''** Subcommittee on Aviation -''Ex Officio''** Subcommittee on Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation -''Ex Officio''** Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management -''Ex Officio''** Subcommittee on Highways, Transit & Pipelines -''Ex Officio''** Subcommittee on Railroads -''Ex Officio''** Water Resources & Environment -''Ex Officio''

==Committees and Affiliations ==Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)===Committees===

===Coalitions and Caucusescaucuses===

===Boards and other Affiliationsaffiliations===

==Articles and Resourcesresources==

==Contact=References==='''DC Office:'''<br>2365 Rayburn House Office Building<br>Washington, DC 20515-2308<br>Phone: 202-225-6211<br>Fax: 202-225-0699<br>[http://wwwc.house.gov/oberstar/zipauth.htm Web Email]<br>[http://www.house.govreferences/oberstar/ Website]<br> '''District Office- Brainerd<br>Brainerd City Hall<br>501 Laurel Street<br>Brainerd, MN 56401-3525<br>Phone: 218-828-4400<br>Fax: 218-828-1412<br> '''District Office- Chisholm:'''<br>Chisholm City Hall<br>316 Lake Street<br>Chisholm, MN 55719<br>Phone: 218-254-5761<br>Fax: 218-254-5132<br>

====Local blogs and discussion sites====*''[http://centrisity.blogspot.com/ Centrisity]'District Office- Duluth:'*''<br>Duluth Federal Building, Room 231<br>Duluth, [http://www.mnpublius.com/ MN 55802<br>Phone: 218-727-7474<br>TTYD Number: 218-727-7474<br>Fax: 218-727-8270<br>Publius.com]''

'''District Office- North Branch:'''<br>38625 14th Avenue, Suite 300B<br>North Branch, MN 55056<br>Phone: 651-277-1234<br>Fax: 651-277-1235<br> [[Category:Congresspedia|Oberstar, JimDemocratic Party (USA)]][[Category:U.S. Representatives from Minnesota|Oberstar, Jim]][[Category:Members of U.S. House of Representatives|Oberstar, Jim]]