Diana Harshbarger serves as the U.S. Representative for Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District, a position she has held since January 2021. A member of the Republican Party, she brings a background in pharmacy and business to Congress. Below is an overview of her career path, legislative activities, policy positions, and information about her district.
Education and Early Career
Harshbarger earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Mercer University. She subsequently worked as a licensed pharmacist, gaining firsthand experience in healthcare.
Business Ventures
In addition to her pharmacy practice, Harshbarger owned and operated a successful pharmacy. Her entrepreneurial experience provided her with insights into the challenges faced by small business owners.
Entry into Politics
Motivated by a desire to influence healthcare policy and support conservative values, Harshbarger ran for Congress in 2020. She won the election and assumed office in January 2021, representing Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District.
Sponsored Legislation
As a member of Congress, Harshbarger has sponsored and co-sponsored various pieces of legislation that reflect her policy priorities:
-Healthcare: Leveraging her pharmaceutical background, she has advocated for policies aimed at reducing prescription drug prices and increasing transparency in the healthcare system.
Education: Harshbarger has shown interest in educational initiatives, particularly those that promote vocational training and STEM education to prepare students for the modern workforce.
National Security:* She has supported legislation aimed at strengthening national defense and securing the nation’s borders.
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
Harshbarger has taken clear positions on several key social issues:
Abortion: She is pro-life and has consistently voted in favor of legislation that restricts access to abortion. For instance, she supported bills that prohibit federal funding for abortions and protect the rights of the unborn.
LGBTQ+ Rights: Harshbarger co-sponsored the “Protect Children’s Innocence Act,” which aims to prohibit gender-affirming care for minors. This stance has been contentious, with supporters citing child protection concerns and critics arguing that it undermines healthcare access for transgender youth.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
In the realm of economic policy, Harshbarger has demonstrated the following positions:
Taxation: She advocates for lower taxes, particularly for middle-class families and small businesses, believing that reduced tax burdens stimulate economic growth.
– **Regulation:** Harshbarger supports deregulation efforts to foster a more business-friendly environment, arguing that excessive regulations can stifle innovation and economic expansion.
– **Infrastructure:** She has backed infrastructure projects designed to improve transportation and connectivity in her district, emphasizing the importance of modernizing infrastructure to support economic development.
### Votes and Stances on National Defense, the NDAA, and DARPA
Harshbarger places a strong emphasis on national defense:
– **National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):** She has voted in favor of the NDAA, supporting measures that ensure the military is well-funded and equipped to address global threats.
– **Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA):** Recognizing the importance of technological innovation in defense, Harshbarger supports funding for DARPA to maintain the U.S. military’s technological edge.
Demographic Data of Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District
Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District encompasses primarily rural areas in the northeastern part of the state. Key demographic statistics include:
– **Population:** Approximately 769,366 residents as of 2022.
– **Age:** The median age is 44 years, indicating a relatively mature population.
– **Race and Ethnicity:** The district is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), comprising 90% of the population. Other racial and ethnic groups include Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic) at 2.44%, Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) at 2.06%, and Hispanic or Latino at 3.12%.
– **Education:** Approximately 88.2% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, while 23.2% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- – **Income:** The median household income is $53,745, with a poverty rate of 15.9%.