Kline for Congress

About John

From the day he was sworn in to Congress, John Kline has been an independent voice for the people of Minnesota’s Second District. Throughout the past seven years, he has established a record of representing the views and values of Minnesotans while challenging Washington to bring about real change.

In 2009, John Kline was chosen as the lead Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee, which is responsible for the issues that affect Minnesotans from cradle to grave. From early childhood education to retirement security, this leadership role enables John Kline to amplify the voices of Minnesota students, parents, workers and employers in Congress. Among his legislative priorities is ensuring government keeps its promise to fully fund special education and protecting workers’ right to a secret ballot election when deciding to form a union.

John Kline 4

As a retired Marine and member of the House Armed Services Committee, John is committed to fighting for the benefits and resources our troops and our nation’s veterans deserve. He saw his very first bill, the H.E.R.O.E.S. bill, signed into law, ensuring U.S. military reservists called to active duty are not forced to make payments on federal student loans while they serve overseas. More recently, he championed legislation making Minnesota’s “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” reintegration program available to soldiers and families across the country.

For two years, Congressman Kline has led the Minnesota Congressional delegation in bipartisan, bicameral efforts to encourage the Department of Defense to expedite bureaucratic delays and ensure the Minnesota National Guard receives its long overdue bonus pay. In a hearing in February 2010, John questioned Defense Secretary Robert Gates regarding when the 2,500 Minnesota soldiers whose deployments to Iraq were extended involuntarily would receive their pay. Just days later, Sec. Gates announced the Red Bulls would be receiving their bonus pay within weeks.

Refusing to embrace the politics of the past, John continues to challenge the status quo.  In an effort to clean up a wasteful Washington spending system abused by Democrats and Republicans, John has led the charge for comprehensive earmark reform.  In January of 2007, John declared his independence from pork projects by refusing to participate in the broken process and pushing for a system that establishes spending priorities based on a project’s merit. John’s position against pork has earned national support; this year Republican members of the House instituted a one-year moratorium on all federal earmarks.

While serving in Congress, John has been recognized by many for his leadership on a variety of issues important to Minnesotans.  John’s committed pursuit of economic growth, job creation, and tax relief have earned him the “Hero of the Taxpayer,” “Small Business Advocate,” and “Spirit of Enterprise” Awards.  John also has been honored by the Minnesota TRiO Association for his unwavering support of low-income, first generation, and disabled students and named a “Star of Education” by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. His pro-family voting record also earned the “True Blue Award” from the Family Research Council.

John’s experience includes more than 30 years of public service in the United States Marine Corps and the U.S. House of Representatives.  During his successful career in the Marines, John served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, commanded all Marine aviation forces in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, worked as Program Development Officer at Headquarters Marine Corps, and served as a military aide to Presidents Carter and Reagan.  His responsibilities during this time included carrying the “nuclear football” – the package containing the nuclear launch codes.

Among his many medals and awards are four Legion of Merit Medals, the Defense Superior Service Award, a Meritorious Service Medal, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, and a Naval Commendation Medal.  He retired from the Marine Corps with the rank of Colonel.

John and his wife, Vicky, live in Lakeville, Minnesota. He is especially proud of his son – a father of two who is currently serving as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army and has returned successfully from two tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq – and his daughter – a freelance author, mother of two, and creator of the popular PBandJAHM e-zine, which offers community and advice for stay at home mothers across the country.

From the day he was sworn in to Congress, John Kline has been an independent voice for the people of Minnesota’s Second District. Throughout the past seven years, he has established a record of representing the views and values of Minnesotans while challenging Washington to bring about real change.
In 2009, John Kline was chosen as the lead Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee, which is responsible for the issues that affect Minnesotans from cradle to grave. From early childhood education to retirement security, this leadership role enables John Kline to amplify the voices of Minnesota students, parents, workers and employers in Congress. Among his legislative priorities is ensuring government keeps its promise to fully fund special education and protecting workers’ right to a secret ballot election when deciding to form a union.
As a retired Marine and member of the House Armed Services Committee, John is committed to fighting for the benefits and resources our troops and our nation’s veterans deserve. He saw his very first bill, the H.E.R.O.E.S. bill, signed into law, ensuring U.S. military reservists called to active duty are not forced to make payments on federal student loans while they serve overseas. More recently, he championed legislation making Minnesota’s “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” reintegration program available to soldiers and families across the country.
Refusing to embrace the politics of the past, John continues to challenge the status quo.  In an effort to clean up a wasteful Washington spending system abused by Democrats and Republicans, John has led the charge for comprehensive earmark reform.  In January of 2007, John declared his independence from pork projects by refusing to participate in the broken process and pushing for a system that establishes spending priorities based on a project’s merit. John’s position against pork has earned national support.
While serving in Congress, John has been recognized by many for his leadership on a variety of issues important to Minnesotans.  John’s committed pursuit of economic growth, job creation, and tax relief have earned him the “Hero of the Taxpayer,” “Small Business Advocate,” and “Spirit of Enterprise” Awards.  John also has been honored by the Minnesota TRiO Association for his unwavering support of low-income, first generation, and disabled students and named a “Star of Education” by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. His pro-family voting record also earned the “True Blue Award” from the Family Research Council.
John’s experience includes more than 30 years of public service in the United States Marine Corps and the U.S. House of Representatives.  During his successful career in the Marines, John served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, commanded all Marine aviation forces in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, worked as Program Development Officer at Headquarters Marine Corps, and served as a military aide to Presidents Carter and Reagan.  His responsibilities during this time included carrying the “nuclear” football – the package containing the nuclear launch codes and advising the President and our country’s senior civilian and military leadership.
Among his many medals and awards are four Legion of Merit Medals, the Defense Superior Service Award, a Meritorious Service Medal, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, and a Naval Commendation Medal.  He retired from the Marine Corps with the rank of Colonel.
John and his wife, Vicky, live in Lakeville, Minnesota. He is especially proud of his son – a father of two who is currently serving as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army and has returned successfully from two tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq – and his daughter – a freelance author, mother of two, and creator of the popular PBandJAHM e-zine, which offers community and advice for stay at home mothers across the country.
Kline for Congress