Date of Birth: November 11, 1931
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: January 24, 2020
Biography
Fortney Hillman “Pete” Stark, Jr. was an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from California from 1973 to 2013. Stark was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in engineering. He later earned an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to his political career, Stark was a successful banker and businessman. Stark was known for his outspoken and often controversial style. Throughout his tenure in Congress, he was a strong advocate for healthcare reform, environmental protection, and social justice issues. He played a pivotal role in the passage of various healthcare laws, including the Affordable Care Act. Stark was also a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, where he chaired the Health Subcommittee.
5 Interesting Facts about Pete Stark
1. Pete Stark was the first openly atheist member of the United States Congress.
2. He was instrumental in the creation of COBRA, which allows employees to continue health insurance coverage after leaving employment.
3. Stark was a vocal critic of the Iraq War and was one of the few members of Congress to vote against the authorization for the use of military force in Iraq.
4. He served 20 terms in Congress, making him one of the longest-serving members in U.S. history.
5. Stark was known for his colorful and often brash personality, which sometimes led to public confrontations with his colleagues.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pete Stark
1. “Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.”
2. “I’m not afraid to speak my mind, even if it means making a few enemies along the way.”
3. “Our government should reflect the diversity and values of its people.”
4. “War should always be the last resort, not the first impulse.”
5. “I believe in the separation of church and state, and that includes respecting the beliefs of atheists.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Pete Stark’s net worth was estimated to be around $27 million.
Children
Pete Stark had seven children: Jeffrey Stark, Beatrice Stark, Sarah Stark Ramirez, Fortney Stark III, Hannah Stark, Andrew Stark, and Poppy Stark.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Pete Stark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Stark
2. [House of Representatives Biography](https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/22276
