Robert Walker
Robert Smith Walker, popularly known as Bob Walker, (born December 23, 1942) is a former American politician who represented Pennsylvania in the United States House of Representatives as a Republican from 1977 to 1997. He was known for his fiery rhetoric and knowledge of parliamentary procedure.
| Robert Smith Walker | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Pennsylvania's 16th district | |
| In office
January 3, 1977 – January 3, 1997 | |
| Preceded by | Edwin D. Eshleman |
| Succeeded by | Joe Pitts |
| Republican Chief Deputy Whip of the United States House of Representatives | |
| In office
January 3, 1989 – January 3, 1995 | |
| Whip | Newt Gingrich |
| Preceded by | Edward Rell Madigan |
| Succeeded by | Dennis Hastert |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 23, 1942 (age 71)
Bradford, Pennsylvania |
| Political party | Republican |
Biography
Robert Smith Walker was a Representative from Pennsylvania. Representative Walker started his political career as assistant to Representative Edwin D. Eshleman of Pennsylvania from 1967 to 1976. His great work and influence allowed him to be delegate and alternate delegate in the Republican National Conventions from 1980 to 1996.
But his most noteworthy accomplishment came in 1977 when he was elected as a Republican to the Ninety-fifth and to the the nine succeeding Congresses. Inspirational and dynamic in his oratory skills, Representative Walker has been credited with helping lead Republicans to the control of the Congress in 1994, with his close ally Newt Gingrich. His tremendous leadership skills was taken note in Congress as he served as Chief Deputy Republican Whip, Chairman of the House Science Committee, Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee and Chairman of the Republican Leadership. One of his triumphant legacies in Congress was in creating the nation’s commercial space and hydrogen programs. As Chairman of the House Science Committee, he co-authored the first legislation on climate change to become law. Additionally he was the first sitting Congressman to be awarded NASA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Medal. In 1996, Representative Walker was not a candidate for reelection and upon retiring from Congress became President of The Wexler Group (now Wexler and Walker). He todays serves as its Executive Chairman and is now arguably considered Washington’s most respected advocacy firm.
Representative Walker first attended the College of William and Mary until he transferred to Millersville Univeristy to complete his B.S. Upon finishing his undergraduate work, he would receive his M.A. at the University of Delaware. Walker has been an integral member of his community as a teacher in Millersville public schools from 1964 to 1967 and served in Pennsylvania National Guard from 1967 to 1973. Walker is currently executive chairman of the Washington lobbying firm, Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates.
Education
Born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Walker graduated from Penn Manor High School. He attended the College of William and Mary from 1960 to 1961 and received his B.S. from Millersville University of Pennsylvania in 1964. Walker taught high school from 1964 to 1967. He took his M.A. from the University of Delaware in 1968 and served in the Pennsylvania National Guard from 1967 to 1973.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Edwin D. Eshleman | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Pennsylvania's 16th congressional district 1977–1997 |
Succeeded by
Joe Pitts |
| Preceded by George Brown, Jr. | Chairman of the House Science Committee
1995-1997 |
Succeeded by
Jim Sensenbrenner |
Further Information
External Links
Biography at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
Robert S. Walker at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
