About Roscoe Bartlett
Born in Moreland, Kentucky, Roscoe Bartlett developed a true appreciation for agriculture and nature through his Depression-Era upbringing in the hill country of Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Bartlett's professional quest for knowledge and engrained work ethic began with a Masters Degree and Ph.D. in physiology. This quest continued with successful careers as a professor, research scientist and inventor, small business owner, and farmer, and continues today with his service in the United States Congress.
First elected in 1992, Dr. Bartlett set out to achieve simple goals. "I'm not interested in politics," says Dr. Bartlett. "I'm interested in my country. I am a conservative who wants to help restore the limited federal government envisioned and established in the Constitution by our nation's founders. I want to ensure that future generations of Americans will have the same opportunities for success that I did."
In the 108th Congress, Bartlett serves as Chairman of the Projection Forces Subcommittee of the Armed Services Committee. One of three scientists in the Congress, he also serves on the Science Committee. Due to his business experience, he also serves on the Small Business Committee.
Roscoe and his wife Ellen have been married for more than 30 years. They have ten children and fourteen grandchildren. Congressman Bartlett's strong religious convictions continue to guide him though life, and form the foundation of his political service. Also, he frequently quotes from the Constitution, which he carries at all times for guidance in crafting national policy. "Upholding the Constitution, including the entire Bill of Rights, and maintaining a strong defense should be our priorities. If we don't get these priorities right, nothing else will matter."
Bartlett continues to raise sheep and goats on his farm and commutes the 50 miles to Washington, D.C. when Congress is in session.
Bartlett on the Issues
War in Iraq
I supported our President and our troops once the decision was made, but I did urge more debate and preferred a declaration of war before we entered Iraq. I also wanted more Arab and Islamic members in our international coalition. However, we are in Iraq. America and the critical Middle East are both safer without Saddam Hussein. To win the war against terrorism, we must succeed in assisting the Iraqi people struggling to overcome foreign terrorists and insurgents and establish a government that will serve their interests instead of an anti-American tyrant's. No other country is willing or capable to lead this effort. To cut and run would create a power vacuum and make Iraq a haven for terrorists.
Improving our Terrorism Defenses
My highest priority is strengthening our Armed Services and intelligence capabilities to track down, eliminate or capture terrorists overseas instead of here at home. Fort Detrick in the Sixth District is leading America's efforts to improve our defenses and deterrence against biochemical terrorist attacks. Strengthening our border, port security and law enforcement capabilities including reducing illegal immigration will make it harder for terrorists to attack the United States. Businesses should increase the security of their facilities and operations. To further deter terrorism, all Americans should be more vigilant to report potential threats and become better prepared to respond to attacks.
Improving the Economy and Creating Jobs
Government does not create jobs. Entrepreneurs and businesses create jobs. Small businesses are the engines of our economy and create most new jobs and innovations. Americans are the most productive workers in the world. Government policies can create an environment that will strengthen our economy by increasing the benefits from work, saving and investment and reducing government-imposed costs so that individuals and businesses have more incentives to create new and higher paying jobs here in the U.S. History shows that reducing taxes and spending and eliminating counterproductive regulations and burdensome paperwork are the best policies to improve America's economy.
Defense of Marriage
I voted for H.J. Res. 106, a Constitutional Amendment to define marriage solely as a union between one man and one woman. I did so because for 5,000 years of recorded human history, marriage between one man and one woman has been the foundation for perpetuating Christian and non-Christian civilizations because it is the fundamental and best unit for raising children. Our Constitution is going to be amended to address the definition of marriage - by unelected activist judges or by elected representatives acting upon the will of the people. It's very sad that our Constitution needs this 28th Amendment.
2nd Amendment
The authors of our Constitution were very clear, "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed." Clearly, the intention was not only to allow the citizenry to defend against an oppressive government. The framers of the Constitution believed that by providing for their own defense, law abiding citizens should share in the responsibility of maintaining law and order. The anti-gun lobby fails to recognize that denying law-abiding citizens the right to own firearms only serves the interests of criminals.