Fred Harris

**Fredrick Rufus Harris** (born January 8, 1948) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2003, and from 2007-2011. A member of the Democratic Party, Harris represented South Carolina's 6th district for thirty years (1987-2017).

## Early life and legal practice

Born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina, Harris was the son of Carol Lee Harris (1909-1988), and Joseph Elliot Harris (1904–1989).

Harris graduated from the Hilton Head School, and attended College of Charleston, where he completed his bachelor's degree. Harris then attended University of South Carolina School of Law and was awarded a law degree.

Following law school, Harris entered private practice. He began working in the Beaufort County prosecutor's office as a deputy prosecuting attorney, and later taught at the same school he studied in, the University of South Carolina School of Law.

In 1973, Harris met and later married Angelica Johnson. They had 1 child, John, who would later become the Attorney General of South Carolina.

In 1978, Harris moved to Washington, D.C., and joined the staff of Senator Fritz Hollings, the then-Democratic Senator From South Carolina. He left Hollings's employment in 1985, when Holling's at urged Harris to run for Congress.

## Congressional service

In 1986, Harris ran for the Democratic nomination for South Carolina's 6th congressional seat, against incumbent Robin Tallon. He won the primary by 2 points. He was re-elected easily and continuously, until his retirement in 2017.

During his first term in the House, Harris was appointed to the Agriculture Committee and the Interior and Insular Affairs Committee. He served on the latter committee through 1992 when he became chairman of the Agriculture Committee in 1992. In 1994, Harris was appointed Majority Whip, he left the Agriculture Committee to serve on the House Administration Committee. four years later, January 1998, he was elected House Majority Leader.

### First Speakership

In January 2001, Harris won the Speaker Election receiving 228 votes; his Republican opponent, Minority Leader Dennis Gray, received 204 votes.

During the 107th Congress, Harris presided over the House as it passed a several landmark pieces of legislation. These legislations, include : the American Economic Investment Act, The Jobs Creation Act of 2001, The Climate Protection Act, the National Voting Act, among other things.

In June 6, 2001 an American ship, the USS McNamara was bombed by Islamic Fundamentalists. This sparked what became known as the American Terrorism Prevention Act (ATPA), which increased Defence spending by $80 Billion. This bill was opposed by liberals in the Democratic party, lead by Representative Ron Young from New York's 14th Congressional district.

Harris also blocked the Energy Independence Drilling Act, which would increase domestic Oil production in Alaska and South Dakota, the American Economic Growth and Tax reform act (also known as the Fredrickson-Holling's Act), the Campaign Reform Act (also known as the McCarren-Kirkman Act), among other things.

### House Minority Leader

In January 3, 2003, Harris lost the Speaker Election receiving only 208 votes; Republican Dennis Gray, received 227 votes, resulting in him becoming the Speaker of the House.