Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette is a 8th term member of Congress, representing Colorado’s 1st Congressional district. In her eight terms serving the Denver metro region, Diana has established herself as a leader for progressive change on health care, reproductive rights, food safety, consumer protection and the environment.

Diana’s efforts have been recognized by Democratic leaders and pundits alike. In 2005, Diana was promoted to the House Democratic leadership as Chief Deputy Whip, a critical role in ensuring passage of key pieces of legislation. Citing her policy expertise and political savvy, National Journal named Diana a “Rising Star.”

Diana serves on the powerful Committee on Energy and Commerce where she has used her position to improve health care, expand medical research, reform corporate business and accounting practices, ensure that our homeland is adequately protected, take on global climate change, and move America toward energy independence.

In January, 2011, Rep. DeGette was elected the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

A fourth-generation Coloradoan, Diana graduated from Denver’s South High School, received her B.A. magna cum laude from Colorado College in 1979 and her J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1982. She served two terms in the Colorado House of Representatives serving as Assistant Minority Leader from 1993-1995.

Diana is married to attorney Lino Lipinsky. They have two daughters and a dog.

Learn more about Diana.