Ted W. He was elected by his colleagues to serve as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, making him the highest ranking Asian American to have ever served in House Leadership. Ted is a veteran, having served on active duty and then in the Reserves for the Air Force.
He retired in with the rank of Colonel. In that role, Ted helped to shape messaging around key Democratic priorities. As a legislator, Ted has established himself as a leader on artificial intelligence; the environment; cybersecurity; civil liberties; foreign affairs and veterans.
He has spoken at a variety of AI conferences, including at Harvard and Cornell. He is also an outspoken proponent of more effective government oversight and adherence to the rule of law. Following the Jan. In addition to government reforms, Congressman Lieu is a champion of measures to reduce the harms of climate change. The first bill Ted introduced after coming to Congress was the Climate Solutions Act, which aims to make California's ground-breaking renewable energy goals and climate emissions reduction targets a national model.
Ted is also a founder and co-Chair of the California Coastal Caucus, which advocates for issues that impact California's coastal communities. As one of four Members of Congress with a computer science degree, Ted is frequently sought out for his insights on technology and innovation matters including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and innovation as well as the creative economy.
He has introduced legislation to improve cyber security in consumer products; create a national AI Commission; prioritize consumer safety in technologically-advanced cars; and ensure law enforcement and tech companies protect consumer privacy. Prior to being elected to Congress in , Ted served as a California State Senator from to , and before that, as a State Assemblyman from to Ted's legislative accomplishments included authoring landmark legislation regulating the subprime mortgage industry; a first-in-the-nation ban on gay conversion therapy for children; and a first-in-the-nation ban on the use of tanning beds for minors.
