Steve Israel

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Steve Israel
Image of Steve Israel

Democratic Party

Prior offices
U.S. House New York District 2
Successor: Peter King
U.S. House New York District 3
Successor: Tom Suozzi
Predecessor: Peter King

Compensation

Net worth

(2012) $-55,000

Education

Bachelor's

George Washington University

Other

Nassau Community College and Syracuse University

Personal
Religion
Judaism
Profession
Politician

Steve Israel (b. May 30, 1958, in Brooklyn, N.Y.) is a former Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives representing New York's 3rd Congressional District. He served in the House from 2001 to 2017.

Isreal served as the representative of New York's 2nd Congressional District until the 2012 election when he was redistricted into New York's 3rd Congressional District.

Israel served as the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) from 2011-2015.

Israel was part of the Huntington Town Board before his successful 2002 congressional bid for re-election to the U.S. House.

Biography

Israel was born in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Nassau Community College and Syracuse University before earning his B.A. at George Washington University in 1982.[1]

After earning his bachelor's degree, Israel served as an aide to Rep. Richard Ottinger of New York until being elected to the Huntington Town Board.[1]

Israel previously served as chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.[2]

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Israel's academic, professional, and political career:[1]

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2015-2016

Israel served on the following committees:[5]

2013-2014

Israel did not serve on any committees.[6]

2011-2012

Israel did not serve on any committees due to his position as the Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.[7]

Prior sessions

Israel has previously served on the following committees:[8]

Key votes

114th Congress

CongressLogo.png

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[9][10] For more information pertaining to Israel's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.[11]

Economic and fiscal

Trade Act of 2015
See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

Trade adjustment assistance
Yea3.png On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Israel was one of 40 Democrats to vote in favor of TAA.[12][13]
Trade promotion authority
Nay3.png On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Israel was one of 157 Democrats to vote against the measure.[14][15]
Trade promotion authority second vote
Nay3.png After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Israel was one of 158 Democrats to vote against the amendment.[16][17]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
Yea3.png The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Israel was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295.[18][19]

Defense spending authorization

Nay3.png On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Israel voted with 142 other Democrats and eight Republicans against the bill.[20] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.[21]

Yea3.png On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.[22][23] Israel voted with 134 other Democrats and 235 Republicans to approve the bill.[24] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.[25]

2016 Budget proposal

Nay3.png On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, including Israel, voted against the resolution.[26][27][28]

2015 budget

Yea3.png On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.[29] Israel voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of the bill.[30] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.[31] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs

Iran nuclear deal
See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

Yea3.png On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Israel voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill.[32][33]


Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
Nay3.png On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Israel voted with 24 Democrats and 244 Republicans against the bill.[34][35]


Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
Nay3.png On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Israel voted with 185 Democrats against the bill.[36][37]


Presidential non-compliance of section 2
Nay3.png On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Israel voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution.[38][39]

Export-Import Bank

Yea3.png On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.[40] Israel voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill.[41]

Domestic

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015

Yea3.png On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Israel voted with 141 Democrats and 196 Republicans to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.[42][43]

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Nay3.png On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Israel voted with 179 Democrats against the bill.[44][45]

Cyber security

Yea3.png On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.[46] Israel voted with 134 Democrats and 220 Republicans to approve the bill.[47]

Yea3.png On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.[48] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Israel voted with 104 Democrats and 202 Republicans in favor of the bill.[49]

Immigration

Yea3.png On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.[50] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Israel voted with 46 Democrats and 242 Republicans in favor of the bill.[51]

113th Congress

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[52] For more information pertaining to Israel's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[53]

National security

NDAA

Yea3.png Israel supported HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[54]

DHS Appropriations

Nay3.png Israel voted in opposition of HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines.[54]

Keystone Pipeline Amendment

Yea3.png Israel voted in favor of House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.[54]

CISPA (2013)

Yea3.png Israel supported HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities.[55] The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[54]

Economy

Farm Bill

See also: United States Farm Bill 2013

Nay3.png Israel voted against the Farm Bill on July 11, 2013. The bill passed in a 216-208 vote.[56] The bill passed included farm policy, but did not include food stamps.[57]

King Amendment

Israel signed a letter sent to Collin Peterson in August 2013, asking him to keep Steve King's amendment out of the final Farm Bill.[58] The "Protect Interstate Commerce Act" amendment prevents states from applying their own laws on agricultural products to agricultural products from another state.[59] King introduced the amendment in response to a law in California, requiring a larger size cage for egg-producing chickens. King represents Iowa, which is a large egg producer.

Government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

Nay3.pngOn September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[60] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[61] Israel voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[60]

Yea3.png The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[62] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Israel voted for HR 2775.[63]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

Nay3.png Israel voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.[64] The vote largely followed party lines.[65]

Healthcare

Repealing Obamacare

Nay3.png Israel has voted against all attempts to repeal or delay the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[66]

Social issues

Abortion

Nay3.png Israel voted against HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.[67]

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal Cliff

Yea3.png Israel voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 172 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[68]


Issues

Presidential preference

2016 presidential endorsement

✓ Israel endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic primary in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.[69]

See also: Endorsements for Hillary Clinton

House leadership roles

Israel served as the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) for two election cycles, starting in 2011.[3] In 2014, he announced that he would step down from the position. This decision came shortly after the November general election, in which the Democratic Party suffered a large loss of seats. Israel explained, "I’m not going to sugarcoat the fact that we fell short [on Election Day]. We fell short. And we need to do some serious thinking about some of those factors."[70] Israel will nonetheless maintain a leadership role in the 2016 election cycle, as he was selected to be chairman of Policy and Communications.[4][71]

Unemployment benefits

Israel criticized Republicans in December 2013 over unemployment benefits. He released a statement attacking the party for not supporting an extension for the benefits, set to expire December 28, 2013. He said, "Republicans in Congress have failed this country on so many fronts — failing to create jobs, failing to focus on the right priorities, failing to strengthen the middle class — and this weekend, 1.3 million Americans who are looking for work will personally pay the price for Republicans' failure to extend unemployment insurance. The difference between Republicans and Democrats is stark; Democrats will continue to stand with hardworking families who are trying to create a better life, whether it’s helping them through tough times with unemployment insurance, working to increase the minimum wage or investing in a good education for their children."[72]

DCCC candidate recruitment

Israel discussed the type of candidates that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) was seeking to run for Congress in 2014. He said, "Our essential strategy is to recruit problem-solvers. And with this Republican Congress having been so destructive to the concerns women have, we are putting a special emphasis on recruiting women who will end those problems."[73]

As of January 2014, Israel had raised $10.4 million for the DCCC in the 2014 midterm elections. This total was second only to Nancy Pelosi's $26.7 million raised for the DCCC during the same period.[74]

Earmarks

A Washington Post investigation in February 2012 revealed that 33 members of Congress helped direct more than $300 million in earmarks to public projects in close proximity to commercial and residential real estate owned by the lawmakers or their family members.[75] According to the report, Israel earmarked $490,000 to study a bypass road to ease congestion along a busy commercial corridor that bordered the congressman's neighborhood in Dix Hills. As of the investigation in February, the project had stalled and the money had yet to be spent.[76]

Elections

2016

See also: New York's 3rd Congressional District election, 2016
See also: New York's 3rd Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as a race to watch. Incumbent Steve Israel (D) chose not to seek re-election in 2016, leaving the seat open. Tom Suozzi (D) defeated Jack Martins (R) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Suozzi defeated Anna Kaplan, Jon Kaiman, Steven Stern, and Jonathan Clarke in the Democratic primary. The primary elections took place on June 28, 2016.[77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84]

U.S. House, New York District 3 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngTom Suozzi 53% 171,775
     Republican Jack Martins 47% 152,304
Total Votes 324,079
Source: New York Board of Elections


U.S. House, New York, District 3 Democratic Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngTom Suozzi 35.1% 7,142
Steve Stern 22% 4,475
Jon Kaiman 21.6% 4,394
Anna Kaplan 16.3% 3,311
Jonathan Clarke 5% 1,021
Total Votes 20,343
Source: New York State Board of Elections

2014

See also: New York's 3rd Congressional District elections, 2014

In 2014, Israel won re-election to the U.S. House to represent New York's 3rd District. Israel ran uncontested for the Democratic, Working Families and Independence Party nominations in the primary on June 24, 2014. He defeated Grant Lally (R) in the general election.[85] The general election took place on November 4, 2014.

U.S. House, New York District 3 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngSteve Israel Incumbent 54.8% 90,032
     Republican Grant Lally 45.2% 74,269
     N/A Write-in votes 0% 74
Total Votes 164,375
Source: New York State Board of Elections, "NYS Board of Elections Rep. in Congress Election Returns November 4, 2014," accessed August 30, 2021

2012

See also: New York's 3rd Congressional District elections, 2012

Israel sought re-election in 2012. Because of redistricting, he ran for election in the redrawn 3rd District instead of the new 2nd; 3rd District representative Peter T. King switched to the new 2nd District. He was unopposed in the primary and won re-election on November 6, 2012.[86]

U.S. House, New York District 3 General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngSteve Israel Incumbent 57.8% 157,880
     Republican Stephen Labate 41.4% 113,203
     Libertarian Michael McDermott 0.6% 1,644
     Independent Anthony Tolda 0.1% 367
     N/A Write-in votes 0% 77
Total Votes 273,171
Source: New York State Board of Elections, "NYS Board of Elections Rep. in Congress Election Returns Nov. 6, 2012," accessed September 1, 2021

Full history


Campaign themes

2012

Israel listed several campaign themes on his website:[93]

  • "Israel believes that it's unfair for New York families to pay higher property taxes, energy and housing costs, and yet still get taxed at the same rate as families in other parts of the country whose cost of living is half as much as ours. That's why Steve is working to pass legislation that would take the regional cost of living into account when determining a family or individual's federal income tax.
  • With two daughters in school, Steve knows how hard it is for families to pay for college. That’s why he introduced legislation that would create a $5,000 super-sized tax credit for families with kids in college. His plan would increase the current tax credits and make it easier for families to benefit from it.
  • Newsday called Steve Israel "a ferocious fighter for Long Island and in every cause he trumpets, from green energy to improved infrastructure to job creation." Steve is leading the fight to develop a comprehensive energy plan to strengthen our national security, grow our economy and protect our environment. That's why he voted for a clean energy bill that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create the next generation jobs in alternative energy industries.
  • Steve has also led the charge to end Big Oil subsidies and is working to hold BP America accountable for the disaster in the Gulf.
  • Steve believes that for too long, insurance companies have been able to take advantage of consumers - denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions and refusing to pay claims when people need it the most. He voted to stop insurance company abuses and stabilize health care costs for families and businesses.
  • Steve is a leading voice on prescription drug safety, introducing a bill that will crack down on wholesalers that sell counterfeit pharmaceuticals. He is also the co-chairman of the bipartisan House Cancer Caucus, which serves as a leading voice on cancer legislation in the House. He has introduced legislation to expand access to cancer clinical trials and a bill that would expand cancer treatment options under Medicare.
  • To combat terrorism, Steve believes we must aggressively pursue terrorists where they are and use all the tools available to us, including both "hard" power and "soft" power. To bring our troops home successfully and safely from Iraq and Afghanistan depends on both smart military strategy and smart diplomatic efforts to keep terrorists from regaining ground. Steve believes it is critically important that we dismantle al Qaeda's operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
  • Steve is a strong advocate for the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Steve was appointed to the US Holocaust Memorial Council in 2012. He publicly demanded the arrest of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for incitement to genocide. He led the efforts to secure Israel's qualitative military edge by supporting critical weapons technologies. And Steve Israel hasn't shied from criticizing leaders of his own party for statements on Israel's settlement policies.
  • Steve has fought to protect and improve Social Security and Medicare. He has led the charge in Congress against a Republican budget that the Wall Street Journal said would "end Medicare as we know it." Steve Israel consistently opposed efforts to privatize and Social Security. He supported legislation to close the Medicare "doughnut hole."
  • He has taken on the big drug companies and supported legislation allowing the government to negotiate lower drug prices for Medicare recipients. Steve also supports common sense legislation to lower prescription costs over all by allowing safe re-importation of cheaper prescription drugs and expanding access to generics. Steve wrote widely-supported legislation that would expand cancer treatment options for Medicare patients.
  • Steve believes that by asking the men and women of our Armed Forces to put their lives on the line to defend America, we have an obligation to care for them at home. That's why in Congress, Steve helped secure the biggest increase in veterans' benefits in the history of the Veterans Administration, including funds to help veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and record funding to help homeless veterans.
  • Steve advocates every day for Long Island veterans to ensure they are getting the support they earned. His efforts have secured more than $5.5 million in overdue benefits for local veterans."

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Steve Israel campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2014U.S. House (New York, District 3)Won $3,812,938 N/A**
Grand total$3,812,938 N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Personal Gain Index

Congressional Personal Gain Index graphic.png
See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives
Net Worth Metric graphic.png

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Israel's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $-99,999 and $-10,001. That averages to $-55,000, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic representatives in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Israel ranked as the 429th most wealthy representative in 2012.[94] Between 2004 and 2012, Israel's calculated net worth increased from $-126,404 to $-55,000. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.[95]

Steve Israel Yearly Net Worth
YearAverage Net Worth
2004$−126,404
2012$−55,000
Growth from 2004 to 2012:N/A
Average annual growth:N/A
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.[96]

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Israel received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Real Estate industry.

From 1999-2014, 27.43 percent of Israel's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.[97]

Donation Concentration Metric graphic.png
Steve Israel Campaign Contributions
Total Raised $16,713,247
Total Spent $14,964,593
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Real Estate$1,499,960
Lawyers/Law Firms$1,141,855
Securities & Investment$943,719
Health Professionals$510,151
Pro-Israel$489,322
% total in top industry8.97%
% total in top two industries15.81%
% total in top five industries27.43%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Israel was a moderate Democratic leader as of August 2014.[98] This was the same rating Israel received in June 2013.

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.[99]

Bishop most often voted with:

Bishop least often voted with:


Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Israel missed 266 of 10,320 roll call votes from January 2001 to September 2015. This amounted to 2.6 percent, which was higher than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.[98]

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Israel paid his congressional staff a total of $1,034,799 in 2011. Overall, New York ranked 28th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[100]

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013

Israel ranked 115th in the liberal rankings in 2013.[101]

2012

Israel ranked 115th in the liberal rankings in 2012.[102]

2011

Israel ranked 145th in the liberal rankings in 2011.[103]

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Israel voted with the Democratic Party 93.0 percent of the time, which ranked 109th among the 204 House Democratic members as of August 2014.[104]

2013

Israel voted with the Democratic Party 95 percent of the time, which ranked 46th among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.[105]

2016 Democratic National Convention

See also: Democratic National Convention, 2016
Steve Israel
Democratic National Convention, 2016
Status:Superdelegate
State:New York
Supporting:Hillary Clinton
Delegates to the DNC 2016
Calendar and delegate rules overview • Types of delegates • State election law and delegates • Superdelegates by state

Israel was a superdelegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention from New York.[106] Israel was one of 44 superdelegates from New York. Superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention were not bound by the results of their state’s primary or caucus to support a specific presidential candidate. Israel supported Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.[107] Clinton formally won the Democratic nomination for president on July 26, 2016.[108]

What is a superdelegate?

See also: Superdelegates and the 2016 Democratic National Convention

Superdelegates in 2016 were automatic delegates to the Democratic National Convention, meaning that, unlike regular delegates, they were not elected to this position. Also unlike regular delegates, they were not required to pledge their support to any presidential candidate, and they were not bound by the results of their state's presidential primary election or caucus. In 2016, superdelegates included members of the Democratic National Committee, Democratic members of Congress, Democratic governors, and distinguished party leaders, including former presidents and vice presidents. All superdelegates were free to support any presidential candidate of their choosing at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.[109]

New York primary results

See also: Presidential election in New York, 2016

Hillary Clinton won the New York Democratic primary election, beating Bernie Sanders by 16 points. She carried all five New York City boroughs and the city's surrounding counties as well as the counties of Erie, Monroe, and Onondaga. According to exit poll data, Clinton outperformed Sanders with women, older voters, and non-white voters. African Americans, who made up 22 percent of the New York electorate, supported her over Sanders 75 to 25 percent. Sanders, on the other hand, performed well with younger voters, particularly voters between the ages of 18 and 24, who supported him over Clinton 81 to 19 percent.[110]

New York Democratic Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes Delegates
Green check mark transparent.pngHillary Clinton 57.5% 1,133,980 139
Bernie Sanders 41.6% 820,256 108
Blank or void 0.8% 16,664 0
Totals 1,970,900 247
Source: The New York Times and New York State Board of Elections

Delegate allocation

See also: 2016 presidential nominations: calendar and delegate rules
Democratic Party Logo.png

New York had 291 delegates at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Of this total, 247 were pledged delegates. National party rules stipulated how Democratic delegates in all states were allocated. Pledged delegates were allocated to a candidate in proportion to the votes he or she received in a state's primary or caucus. A candidate was eligible to receive a share of the state's pledged delegates if he or she won at least 15 percent of the votes cast in the primary or caucus. There were three types of pledged Democratic delegates: congressional district delegates, at-large delegates, and party leaders and elected officials (PLEOs). Congressional district delegates were allocated proportionally based on the primary or caucus results in a given district. At-large and PLEO delegates were allocated proportionally based on statewide primary results.[111][112]

Forty-four party leaders and elected officials served as unpledged delegates. These delegates were not required to adhere to the results of a state's primary or caucus.[111][113]

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Israel lists his religious affiliation as Jewish.[114]

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term Steve + Israel + New York + House


Steve Israel News Feed

See also

External links


Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "ISRAEL, Steve, (1958 - )," accessed October 21, 2014
  2. ↑ Buzzfeed, "The 2014 Election Began On Election Night For House Democrats," accessed November 27, 2012
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Mediaite, "DCCC Head Steve Israel to Step Down After Midterm Losses," accessed November 18, 2014
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Newsday, "Steve Israel goes from DCCC to a new leadership party job," accessed November 18, 2014
  5. ↑ U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Clerk, "Committee Information," accessed February 20, 2015
  6. ↑ CQ.com, "House Committee Rosters for the 113th Congress," accessed March 3, 2013
  7. ↑ Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives, "Committee Information," accessed December 6, 2011
  8. ↑ Steve Israel, Representing the 2nd District of New York, "Committee Information," accessed December 11, 2011
  9. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 113th Congress," accessed April 29, 2015
  10. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 114th Congress," accessed January 5, 2017
  11. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress," April 13, 2015
  12. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 361," June 12, 2015
  13. ↑ Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
  14. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 362," June 12, 2015
  15. ↑ Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
  16. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 374," June 18, 2015
  17. ↑ Politico, "Trade turnaround: House backs new power for Obama," June 18, 2015
  18. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 388," June 24, 2015
  19. ↑ The Hill, "Obama signs trade bills," June 29, 2015
  20. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 239," accessed May 27, 2015
  21. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R. 1735," accessed May 27, 2015
  22. ↑ The Hill, "Redone defense policy bill sails through House," accessed November 12, 2015
  23. ↑ Congress.gov, "S. 1356," accessed November 12, 2015
  24. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 618," accessed November 12, 2015
  25. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 1356)," accessed November 12, 2015
  26. ↑ Congress.gov, "S.Con.Res.11," accessed May 5, 2015
  27. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 183," accessed May 5, 2015
  28. ↑ The Hill, "Republicans pass a budget, flexing power of majority," accessed May 5, 2015
  29. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015," accessed November 1, 2015
  30. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 579," accessed November 1, 2015
  31. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1314)," accessed November 1, 2015
  32. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1191 - Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015," accessed May 16, 2015
  33. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 226," accessed May 16, 2015
  34. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 3461," accessed September 11, 2015
  35. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 493," accessed September 11, 2015
  36. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 3460," accessed September 10, 2015
  37. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 494," accessed September 11, 2015
  38. ↑ Congress.gov, "H Res 411," accessed September 10, 2015
  39. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 492," accessed September 10, 2015
  40. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 597," accessed November 2, 2015
  41. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 576," accessed November 2, 2015
  42. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.2048," accessed May 26, 2015
  43. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 224," accessed May 26, 2015
  44. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 36 - the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act," accessed May 16, 2015
  45. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "HR 36," accessed May 16, 2015
  46. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1731," accessed November 2, 2015
  47. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 173," accessed November 2, 2015
  48. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1560 - Protecting Cyber Networks Act," accessed November 1, 2015
  49. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 170," accessed November 1, 2015
  50. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015," accessed November 20, 2015
  51. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 643," accessed November 20, 2015
  52. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 112th Congress," accessed September 5, 2013
  53. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 113th Congress," accessed March 4, 2014
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 54.2 54.3 Project Vote Smart, "Representative Steve Israel's Voting Records on National Security," accessed October 2, 2013
  55. ↑ The Library of Congress, "Bill Summary & Status - 113th Congress (2013 - 2014) - H.R.624," accessed August 27, 2013
  56. ↑ Vote Smart, "Israel on agriculture," accessed October 2, 2013
  57. ↑ New York Times, "House Republicans Push Through Farm Bill, Without Food Stamps," accessed September 17, 2013
  58. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Letter to Ranking Member Collin Peterson, House Committee on Agriculture - Reject Rep. King's Provision on Farm Bill," accessed September 23, 2013
  59. ↑ Time.com, "King Farm Bill Amendment Angers Animal Advocates," accessed September 18, 2013
  60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
  61. ↑ Buzzfeed, "Government Shutdown: How We Got Here," accessed October 1, 2013
  62. ↑ The Washington Post, "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013
  63. ↑ U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013
  64. ↑ The Library of Congress, "H.AMDT.136," accessed August 28, 2013
  65. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Representative Steve Israel's Voting Records on Immigration," accessed October 2, 2013
  66. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Representative Steve Israel's Voting Records on Issue: Health and Healthcare," accessed October 2, 2013
  67. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Steve Israel on abortion," accessed October 2, 2013
  68. ↑ U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff," accessed January 4, 2013
  69. ↑ Steve Israel Facebook page, "Hillary Clinton is a tried and true fighter for hardworking Americans in New York and across the country," April 23, 2015
  70. ↑ The Washington Post, "Outgoing DCCC Chair Steve Israel: ‘We fundamentally made the right decisions,’" accessed November 18, 2014
  71. ↑ New York Times, "Democrats Shake Lineup in House Political Team," accessed November 18, 2014
  72. ↑ The Hill, "DCCC chairman slams GOP on jobless benefits," accessed December 27, 2013
  73. ↑ Politico, "GOP men tutored in running against women," accessed December 5, 2013
  74. ↑ Roll Call, "Dues Sheet: Chairman Raised $10M for DCCC," accessed January 13, 2014
  75. ↑ Washington Post, "Congressional earmarks sometimes used to fund projects near lawmakers' properties," accessed February 6, 2012
  76. ↑ Washington Post, "Mapping the earmarks," accessed February 6, 2012
  77. ↑ News Day, "Anna Kaplan, a North Hempstead Democrat, announces candidacy for Congress," January 11, 2016
  78. ↑ Newsday, "Jon Kaiman to run for Rep. Steve Israel’s seat," January 24, 2016
  79. ↑ Queens Chronicle, "Long Islanders vie for Rep. Israel’s seat," January 14, 2016
  80. ↑ Gurfein for America, "Home," accessed November 23, 2015
  81. ↑ Politico, "Rep. Steve Israel, member of Democratic leadership, retiring," January 5, 2016
  82. ↑ New York State Board of Elections, "Filings received for the 2016 Primary Election," accessed May 15, 2016
  83. ↑ Politico, "New York House Races Results," June 28, 2016
  84. ↑ Politico, "Judge orders special GOP primary in 3rd Congressional District," August 17, 2016
  85. ↑ Politico, "2014 New York House Election Results," accessed November 7, 2014
  86. ↑ ABC News, "2012 General Election Results," accessed November 6, 2012
  87. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
  88. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
  89. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
  90. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
  91. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013
  92. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2000," accessed March 28, 2013
  93. ↑ Campaign website, "Issues," accessed September 25, 2012
  94. ↑ Open Secrets, "Steve Israel (D-NY), 2012," accessed February 18, 2014
  95. ↑ This number was found by dividing each member's total net worth growth percentage by the number of years included in the calculation.
  96. ↑ This figure was calculated using median asset data from the Census Bureau. Please see the Congressional Net Worth data for Ballotpedia spreadsheet for more information on this calculation.
  97. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Rep. Steve Israel," accessed September 25, 2014
  98. ↑ 98.0 98.1 GovTrack, "Steve Israel," accessed August 5, 2014
  99. ↑ OpenCongress, "Steve Israel," archived March 5, 2016
  100. ↑ LegiStorm, "Steve Israel," accessed October 2, 2012
  101. ↑ National Journal, "2013 Congressional Vote Ratings," accessed August 5, 2014
  102. ↑ National Journal, "2012 Congressional Vote Ratings," accessed March 7, 2013
  103. ↑ National Journal, "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: House," accessed February 23, 2012
  104. ↑ OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
  105. ↑ OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
  106. ↑ Ballotpedia's list of superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention is based on our own research and lists provided by the Democratic National Committee to Vox.com in February 2016 and May 2016. If you think we made an error in identifying superdelegates, please send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.
  107. ↑ FiveThirtyEight, “The Endorsement Primary,” accessed July 6, 2016
  108. ↑ To find out which candidate a superdelegate supported, Ballotpedia sought out public statements from the superdelegate in other media outlets and on social media. If we were unable to find a public statement that clearly articulated which candidate the superdelegate supported at the national convention, we listed that superdelegate as "unknown." If you believe we made an error in identifying which candidate a superdelegate supported, please email us at editor@ballotpedia.org.
  109. ↑ Congressional Research Service, "The Presidential Nominating Process and the National Party Conventions, 2016: Frequently Asked Questions," December 30, 2015
  110. ↑ CNN, "New York Exit Poll," accessed April 19, 2016
  111. ↑ 111.0 111.1 Democratic National Committee, "2016 Democratic National Convention Delegate/Alternate Allocation," updated February 19, 2016
  112. ↑ The Green Papers, "2016 Democratic Convention," accessed May 7, 2021
  113. ↑ Democratic National Committee's Office of Party Affairs and Delegate Selection, "Unpledged Delegates -- By State," May 27, 2016
  114. ↑ The Pew Forum, "The religious affiliation of each member of Congress," accessed October 21, 2014
Political offices
Preceded by
Peter King 		U.S. House of Representatives - New York District 3
2013-2017 		Succeeded by
Tom Suozzi (D)
Preceded by
Rick Lazio 		U.S. House of Representatives - New York District 2
2001-2013 		Succeeded by
Peter King
Preceded by
' 		Huntington Town Board
1993-2001 		Succeeded by
'


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