Charles J. “Chuck” Fleischmann has been serving as the U.S. Representative for Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District since January 2011. A member of the Republican Party, he is recognized for his conservative stance on various policy issues. Below is a comprehensive overview of his career trajectory, legislative initiatives, policy positions, and information about his district.
Career Path to Congress
Early Life and Education: Born on October 11, 1962, in Manhattan, New York, Fleischmann graduated from Elk Grove High School in Illinois in 1980. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1983, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude honors. He subsequently obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1986.
CONGRESSMAN CHUCK FLEISCHMANN
Legal Career: After law school, Fleischmann established a successful law practice in Chattanooga, Tennessee, focusing on personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.
Entry into Politics: In 2010, Fleischmann entered the political arena and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District. He has been re-elected in subsequent terms, with his current term set to end on January 3, 2027.
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Sponsored Legislation
Throughout his tenure, Congressman Fleischmann has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous bills reflecting his policy priorities:
H.R. 226 (2025): Introduced on January 7, 2025, this bill aims to take certain federal lands in Tennessee into trust for the benefit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
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H.R. 29 – Laken Riley Act (2025): On January 7, 2025, Fleischmann voted to pass the Laken Riley Act, which passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 264-159.
CONGRESSMAN CHUCK FLEISCHMANN
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
Congressman Fleischmann has consistently aligned with conservative positions on key social issues:
Abortion: He holds a pro-life stance, advocating for the protection of unborn life and supporting legislation that restricts abortion access.
Second Amendment Rights: Fleischmann is a staunch supporter of gun rights, maintaining a 100% pro-Second Amendment voting record.
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Healthcare: He has voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), favoring market-based healthcare solutions over government intervention.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
In economic matters, Fleischmann advocates for fiscal conservatism:
Federal Spending: He has voted to cut $1.6 trillion from the federal budget, emphasizing the need for reduced government spending.
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Taxation: Fleischmann supports lowering taxes for individuals and businesses, arguing that reduced tax burdens stimulate economic growth.
Regulation: He has worked to rein in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aiming to reduce regulations that he believes hinder economic development.
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Votes and Stances on National Defense, the NDAA, and DARPA
Fleischmann places a strong emphasis on national defense:
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): He has consistently 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, Fleischmann supports funding for DARPA to maintain the U.S. military’s technological edge.
Demographic Data of Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District
Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District encompasses a diverse region in the eastern part of the state, including the city of Chattanooga. Key demographic statistics include:
Population: Approximately 705,000 residents.
Age: The median age is around 38 years, indicating a relatively young population.
Race and Ethnicity: The district is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Hispanic, and Asian residents.
Education: A significant portion of the population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting the presence of higher education institutions like the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Income: The median household income is approximately $53,000, with a poverty rate around 15%.
Controversial Statements
Throughout his tenure, Congressman Fleischmann has made statements that have sparked debate:
EPA Regulations: Fleischmann has been vocal in his criticism of the Environmental Protection Agency, describing certain regulations as overreaching and detrimental to economic growth. While supporters view this as a defense of economic interests, critics argue that it undermines environmental protections.
Healthcare Reform: His strong opposition to the Affordable Care Act has been a point of contention. Advocates for the ACA argue that its repeal would lead to loss of coverage for many, while Fleischmann and his supporters believe that repeal is necessary for implementing more effective healthcare solutions.
In summary, Representative Chuck Fleischmann brings extensive experience and a conservative perspective to his role in Congress. His legislative actions and policy positions reflect his commitment to the values and interests of his constituents in Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District.