Date of Birth: November 21, 1970
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Biography
Tom Joseph Rooney is an American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Florida’s 17th congressional district from 2009 to 2019. Born into a family with a strong military background, Rooney grew up in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He attended Syracuse University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature. After completing his undergraduate studies, he went on to earn a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law. Before entering politics, Rooney served in the U.S. Army as a JAG officer and taught law at the United States Military Academy at West Point. His military service significantly shaped his views on national security and defense policy, which became focal points of his political career. Rooney first entered Congress in 2009, representing Florida’s 16th district, and later the 17th district after redistricting. During his tenure, he was known for his work on the House Appropriations Committee and his advocacy for veterans’ issues, agriculture, and national defense. Rooney decided not to seek re-election in 2018, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and explore opportunities outside of politics. Since leaving Congress, he has been involved in various philanthropic efforts and remains a voice on issues related to national security and veterans’ affairs.
5 Interesting Facts about Tom Rooney
1. Tom Rooney is a member of the Republican Party.
2. He served as a JAG officer in the U.S. Army and taught law at West Point.
3. Rooney is a co-founder of the nonprofit “Red River Rising,” which focuses on helping veterans transition to civilian life.
4. His grandfather, Joe Rooney, was a professional football player who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
5. Rooney decided not to seek re-election in 2018, ending his congressional career after a decade.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Tom Rooney
1. “Serving in Congress has been the honor of my lifetime, but it’s time to pass the torch.”
2. “Our veterans deserve more than just our gratitude; they deserve our unwavering support.”
3. “National security isn’t a partisan issue; it’s an American issue.”
4. “Agriculture is the backbone of Florida’s economy, and we must ensure our farmers have the resources they need to thrive.”
5. “Leadership is about making tough decisions, even when they aren’t popular.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Tom Rooney is estimated to be around $2 million during his tenure in Congress.
Children
Tom Rooney and his wife, Tara, have three sons: Tommy Jr., Sean, and Seamus.
Relevant Links
1. [Tom Rooney’s Biography on House.gov](https://www.congress.gov/member/tom-rooney/R000583
2. [Tom Rooney’s Profile on Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tom_Rooney
3. [Tom Rooney’s Voting Record](https://www.vote-smart.org/candidate/104937/tom-rooney
