Marty Russo

Martin Anthony Russo (born January 23, 1944) is a U.S. Democratic politician and lobbyist.

Political career

He was elected as a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives from Illinois and served from January 3, 1975 to January 3, 1993.

From 1979 to 1992, Russo served on the Ways and Means Committee, which from 1981 through 1994 was chaired by fellow Chicagoan Dan Rostenkowski. During his tenure, the Committee passed the Tax Reform Act of 1986. As Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health and Chairman of the Task Force on Income Security, Russo became a vocal advocate for affordable health care for all Americans. He authored the single-payer health care reform proposal, the Universal Health Care Act of 1991 (H.R. 1300), which gained broad national attention and support.

Lobbyist

Russo worked at the lobbying firm of Cassidy & Associates, rising to the position of CEO. He left the firm in 2010.

On December 15, 2010, Politico reported that Russo has accepted a "generous" buy-out and will be stepping down at the end of the year, as part of an overall shake-up. The firm, which helped pioneer earmark lobbying, faces a Republican House and Senate Republicans who have banned the practice."

Personal

He currently resides in McLean, Virginia.

External links

• Marty Russo at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

United States House of Representatives
Preceded by Robert P. Hanrahan	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 3rd congressional district January 3, 1975 – January 3, 1993	Succeeded by Bill Lipinski