Darrell Issa

Darrell E. Issa (born November 1, 1953) is a U.S. Representative from California's 49th congressional district and a member of the Republican Party. He currently serves as Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and also serves on the House Judiciary Committee. After serving in the United States Army, he graduated from Sienna Heights University in Michigan with an ROTC scholarship. He would go on to launch a car-alarm business, Directed Electronics Incorporated, which went on to become the largest manufacturer of vehicle security systems in the United States. He became active in the technology-industry, and served as chairman of the Consumer Electronics Association. Issa's company earned him a fortune of $200 million.

Issa first entered politics in 1998 when he unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer. However, Issa was elected the Congress in California's 49th district in 2000, upon the retirement of nine-term incumbent Ron Packard. He has been easily reelected ever since. In the House Issa has a moderate voting record. He has been especially active in foreign affairs. On the eve of the War in Afghanistan Issa had visted several middle eastern nations to build support for the United States. In 2007 he joined a delegation to terrorist-sponsored Syria with Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.