Darin LaHood: Congressional Career and Legislative Record
Darin LaHood is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Illinois's 18th congressional district. A self-described fiscal conservative, LaHood has centered his tenure on budget issues and strategic committee leadership. Since entering office in 2015, he has maintained a strong electoral presence in his district, focusing on economic competitiveness and national security.
Key Facts
- District: Illinois's 18th congressional district.
- Political Affiliation: Republican.
- Key Committee Roles: Chair of the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security Agency and Cyber.
- Core Focus: Fiscal conservatism and budget-related legislation.
- Notable Legislation: NITRD Modernization Act of 2016 and the Great American Outdoors Act.
Election History
LaHood first entered Congress via a special election in 2015 to replace Aaron Schock. On July 7, 2015, he won the Republican primary against Mike Flynn with 69% of the vote. He subsequently defeated Democratic nominee Rob Mellon in the special general election on September 10, 2015, and was sworn in by Speaker John Boehner on September 17, 2015.
In subsequent general elections, LaHood secured decisive victories:
- 2016: Defeated Junius Rodriguez with 72.1% (250,506 votes) to 27.9% (96,770 votes).
- 2018: Defeated Junius Rodriguez with 67.2% (195,927 votes) to 32.8% (95,486 votes).
- 2020: Defeated George Petrilli with 70.41% (261,840 votes) to 29.59% (110,039 votes).
Legislative Focus and Tenure
Throughout his time in office, LaHood has aligned himself with the Republican Main Street Partnership and the Republican Study Committee. His legislative efforts often intersect with technology and environmental conservation.
Technology and Infrastructure
On May 25, 2016, LaHood introduced the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Modernization Act of 2016 through the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. The NITRD program, originally authorized by the High Performance Computing Act of 1991, serves as the federal government's primary research portfolio for high-end computing, cybersecurity, high-speed networking, and advanced information technologies.
Economic and Environmental Policy
LaHood supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, arguing that the legislation would increase global competitiveness for local businesses such as John Deere and State Farm Insurance. Additionally, during the 116th Congress (2019-2020), he cosponsored the Great American Outdoors Act (H.R.1957). This act created the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to address deferred maintenance on federal lands. From FY2021 to FY2025, this fund is designed to accrue up to $1.9 billion annually from revenues generated by oil, gas, coal, or renewable energy development on federal lands and waters.
Constituent Relations
LaHood has faced criticism regarding his accessibility. In February 2017, constituents in Bloomington Normal and Jacksonville requested a town hall to discuss immigration, healthcare, and press freedom, which LaHood declined to hold. While he maintained in 2025 that he remained accessible to his constituents, he did not attend a town hall hosted in his honor in Peoria, IL, on March 26, 2025.
Committee Assignments and Memberships
For the 119th Congress, LaHood holds several high-level positions across key committees:
| Committee | Subcommittee / Role |
|---|---|
| Ways and Means | Trade; Work and Welfare (Chair) |
| Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence | Central Intelligence Agency (Vice Chairman); National Intelligence Enterprise; National Security Agency and Cyber (Chairman) |
| Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the CCP | Member |
Beyond his committee work, he is a member of the Rare Disease Caucus and the United States–China Working Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NITRD program?
The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) program is the federal government's primary research portfolio focusing on cybersecurity, high-capacity systems software, high-speed networking, and transformative high-end computing.
Which local businesses did LaHood mention regarding the 2017 Tax Cuts?
LaHood specifically cited State Farm Insurance and John Deere as local businesses that would become more globally competitive due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
How is the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund financed?
The fund accrues up to $1.9 billion per year from revenues received from federal lands and waters, specifically from the development of coal, oil, gas, or alternative and renewable energy.
What are LaHood's leadership roles in the 119th Congress?
He serves as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare (Ways and Means Committee), the Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security Agency and Cyber, and the Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Central Intelligence Agency.