Tim Murphy (Pennsylvania)

Tim Murphy

Republican Party

Prior offices

Pennsylvania State Senate

---

U.S. House Pennsylvania District 18

Successor: Conor Lamb

---

Compensation

Net worth

(2012) $712,524.50

Education

Bachelor's

Wheeling Jesuit University, 1974

Graduate

Cleveland State University, 1976

Ph.D

University of Pittsburgh, 1979

Tim Murphy (b. September 11, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio) is a former Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the state of Pennsylvania. Murphy represented Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District. He was first elected in 2002. On October 4, 2017, it was announced he would not seek re-election in 2018. The following day, Murphy submitted his letter of resignation, effective October 21, 2017. The announcements came in the midst of allegations that he had an extramarital affair that led to Murphy asking a woman to seek an abortion.

Biography

Murphy earned his bachelor's degree from Wheeling Jesuit University in 1974, his master's degree from Cleveland State University in 1976 and his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1979. Throughout his psychology career, Murphy worked at several hospitals in western Pennsylvania before establishing his own private practice. Murphy has authored two books, the most well-known being, "The Angry Child." Murphy has also evaluated numerous child abuse cases in the Pennsylvania court system. While serving in the Pennsylvania Senate from 1996 to 2002, Murphy authored the Pennsylvania Patients' Bill of Rights. Along with his work in Washington, D.C., Murphy holds two adjunct associate professorships in Pediatrics and Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. Murphy is also a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve Medical Service Corps and works with troops who have traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Murphy's academic, professional, and political career:

• 2009-Present: Lieutenant Commander in the Medical Corps, U.S. Naval Reserve Medical Service Corps
• 2003-2017: U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District
• 1997-2003: Member of the Pennsylvania State Senate

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Murphy was assigned to the following committees:

• Committee on Energy and Commerce

2015-2016

Murphy served on the following committees:

• Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy
  • Subcommittee on Health
  • Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Chairman

2013-2014

Murphy served on the following committees:

• Committee on Energy and Commerce
  • Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy
  • Subcommittee on Health
  • Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman

2011-2012

Murphy served on the following committees:

• Committee on Energy and Commerce
  • Subcommittee on Environment and Economy
  • Subcommittee on Health
  • Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

• Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

  Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.

  Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))

   Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.

  Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)

   Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.

  Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.

  Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

   Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017

  Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.

  Voted Yea on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

   Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.

  Voted Yea on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

   Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.

  Voted Yea on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

   Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017

  Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.

• Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

  Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.

  Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.

  Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.

  Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.

  Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)

   Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018

  Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

  Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

   Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.

  The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.

  Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.

  Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.

  Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.

  Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

   Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.

  Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017

  Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.

  Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

   Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017

  Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.

  Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017

  Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.

  Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)

  Did not vote on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.

  
  

  Voted Yea on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

   Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017

  Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.

  Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017

  Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.

  Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017

  Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

  Voted Yea on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

   Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017

  Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.

  Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

   Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017

  Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.

• Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

  National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)

   Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities

  Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

   Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.

  
  

  National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.

  Voted Yea on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

   Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017

  Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017

  Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

   Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

   Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

   Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017

  The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

114th Congress 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. For more information pertaining to Murphy's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance 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. Murphy was one of 86 Republicans to vote in favor of TAA. Trade promotion authority 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. Murphy was one of 191 Republicans to support the measure. Trade promotion authority second vote 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 their original positions on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Murphy was one of 190 Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment. Trade adjustment assistance second vote 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. Murphy was one of 111 Republicans to vote in favor of HR 1295. Defense spending authorization 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." Murphy voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill. 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. 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. Murphy voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. 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. 2016 Budget proposal 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, voted against the resolution. Murphy voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill. 2015 budget 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. Murphy voted with 166 Republicans against the bill. It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015. President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs Iran nuclear deal See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 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. Murphy voted with 222 other Republican representatives to approve the bill. Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action 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. Murphy voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill. Suspension of Iran sanctions relief 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." Murphy voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill. Presidential non-compliance of section 2 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. Murphy voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution. Export-Import Bank 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. Murphy voted with 126 Republicans and 186 Democrats in favor of the bill. Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 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." Murphy voted with 195 Republicans and 142 Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act 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. Murphy voted with 237 Republicans in favor of the bill. Cyber security 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. Murphy voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Murphy voted with 201 Republicans and 105 Democrats in favor of the bill. Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137. The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Murphy voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill. 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. For more information pertaining to Murphy's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security DHS Appropriations Murphy voted in favor 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. Keystone Pipeline Amendment Murphy voted against 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. CISPA (2013) Murphy voted in favor of 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. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party. NDAA Murphy voted in favor of 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. Economy Farm bill On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill. The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop. It also cut the food stamp program an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states. Murphy voted with 161 other Republican representatives in favor of the bill. 2014 Budget On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014. The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582-page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill. The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations. It increased the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel by 1 percent, increased Head Start funding for early childhood education by $1 billion, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and protected the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Murphy voted with the majority of the Republican Party in favor of the bill. Government shutdown See also: United States budget debate, 2013 On 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. 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. Murphy voted to approve the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate. 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. 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. Murphy voted for HR 2775. Immigration Morton Memos Prohibition Murphy voted in favor of 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. The vote largely followed party lines. Healthcare Healthcare Reform Rules Murphy voted in favor of House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines. Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act Murphy voted in favor of HR 2009 - Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act of 2013. The bill passed through the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 232-185. The bill would prevent the IRS and Treasury Secretary from enforcing the powers provided to them in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The vote largely followed party lines. Social issues Amash amendment Murphy voted against House Amendment 413 - Prohibits the National Security Agency from Collecting Records Under the Patriot Act. The amendment failed on July 4, 2013, by a vote of 205-217. The amendment would have prohibited the collection of records by the National Security Agency under the Patriot Act. Both parties were split on the vote. Government affairs HR 676 See also: Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration On July 30, 2014, the U.S. House approved a resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. Five Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Broun of Georgia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Steve Stockman of Texas—voted with Democrats against the lawsuit. Murphy joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution. Previous congressional sessions Fiscal cliff Murphy 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 85 Republicans that voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.

Issues

Healthcare

Murphy opposed the Affordable Care Act. He voted against it in the House, and he later voted to repeal it. Murphy supported the idea of broad health care reform, but he favored a plan offering tax credits to buy health insurance over the individual mandate. Murphy also served as co-chair of the House Republican Doctor's Caucus, since it was created in March 2009.

Excerpt: "Lawmakers have looked at ways to fund health care. They need to look at ways to fix health care. ...A public plan option is not a fair option ...We need a system that is in a position of constantly moving toward reform. I'm not convinced that a government-run program can do that."

Energy

Murphy supported expanding domestic oil drilling. He also voted against Cap and Trade. He supported the Keystone XL pipeline. Murphy worked to direct investments to clean coal and nuclear power plants.

Excerpt: "Energy equals jobs. Our economy in southwestern Pennsylvania is proof-positive that developing our own energy resources leads to job creation. The Keystone XL pipeline project is the "granddaddy" of energy-related job creators. ...The Keystone pipeline project requires no taxpayer money, a far cry from the trillion dollars of our children's money wasted on a failed stimulus plan that did nothing to reduce long-term unemployment."

Elections

2016

See also: Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Tim Murphy (R) was unopposed in the general election held on November 8, 2016. He also faced no opposition in the Republican primary on April 26, 2016.

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 18 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Tim Murphy Incumbent	100%	293,684
Total Votes				293,684
Source: Pennsylvania Department of State

2014

See also: Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District elections, 2014

Murphy won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary on May 20, 2014, and in the general election on November 4, 2014.

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 18 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Tim Murphy Incumbent	100%	166,076
Total Votes				166,076
Source: Pennsylvania Secretary of State

2012

See also: Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District elections, 2012

Murphy ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Pennsylvania's 18th District. He defeated Evan Feinberg in the Republican primary on April 24, 2012, and defeated Larry Maggi (D) in the general election on November 6, 2012.

According to an article from The Washington Post, on March 30, 2012, Murphy was the most likely incumbent to lose his primary. The primary battle against Feinberg, a member of the tea party wing of the Republican Party, and being targeted by the Campaign for Primary Accountability Super PAC were the main reasons for Murphy's vulnerability.

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 18 General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Larry Maggi	36%	122,146
	Republican	Tim Murphy Incumbent	64%	216,727
Total Votes				338,873
Source: Pennsylvania Department of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

U.S. House, Pennsylvania, District 18 Republican Primary, 2012

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Tim Murphy Incumbent	63.4%	32,854
Evan Feinberg	36.6%	18,937
Total Votes		51,791

Media

Murphy, "Real Life."

"Why is Larry Maggi Attacking Tim Murphy's Record?"

"Rep. Tim Murphy Questions HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius."

"Every Time," highlighted Murphy's record on health reform (March 26, 2012).

The American Chemistry Council spent more than $500,000 for a TV and radio ad supporting Murphy in December, 2011

Endorsements

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• National Right to Life Committee
• PA Pro-Life Federation
• Former PA Governor Tom Ridge
• National Rifle Association
• Fraternal Order of Police of Allegheny County

Targeted

• The conservative Club for Growth targeted Murphy with two 15-second ads. The campaign consisted of a $38,000 media buy in the Pittsburgh market.

• The Campaign for Primary Accountability Super PAC spent over $100,000 against Murphy.. The campaign included TV, mail and online advertising.

Polls

A Public Opinion strategies internal Murphy poll, conducted January 15-16 2012, showed Rep. Murphy with a 62-point lead over Feinberg.

Pennsylvania's Congressional District 12, 2012
Poll	Tim Murphy (R)	Evan Feinberg (R)	Margin of Error	Sample Size
[1] (January 15-16, 2012)	74%	12%	+/-5.66	300
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Tim Murphy, click [show] to expand the section.

2010 On November 2, 2010, Tim Murphy won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Dan Connolly (D) in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 18 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Tim Murphy incumbent 67.3% 161,888      Democratic Dan Connolly 32.7% 78,558 Total Votes 240,446 2008 On November 4, 2008, Tim Murphy won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Steve O'Donnell (D) in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 18 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Tim Murphy incumbent 64.1% 213,349      Democratic Steve O'Donnell 35.9% 119,661 Total Votes 333,010 2006 On November 7, 2006, Tim Murphy won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Chad Kluko (D) in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 18 General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Tim Murphy incumbent 57.8% 144,632      Democratic Chad Kluko 42.2% 105,419 Total Votes 250,051 2004 On November 2, 2004, Tim Murphy won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Mark G. Boles (D) in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 18 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Tim Murphy incumbent 62.8% 197,894      Democratic Mark G. Boles 37.2% 117,420 Total Votes 315,314 2002 On November 5, 2002, Tim Murphy won election to the United States House. He defeated Jack Machek (D) in the general election. U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 18 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Tim Murphy 60.1% 119,885      Democratic Jack Machek 39.9% 79,451 Total Votes 199,336

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.

---

Tim Murphy campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2016	U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 18	Won	$1,475,547	N/A**
2014	U.S. House (Pennsylvania, District 18)	Won	$1,854,010	N/A**
Grand total			$3,329,557	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

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:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

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

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Murphy's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $242,049 to $1,183,000. That averages to $712,524.50, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican House members in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Murphy ranked as the 238th most wealthy representative in 2012. Between 2004 and 2012, Murphy‘s calculated net worth decreased by an average of 4 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Tim Murphy Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$1,053,805
2012	$712,524
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	−32%
Average annual growth:	−4%
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.

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). In the 113th Congress, Murphy was the chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Murphy received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Health Professionals industry. Comparatively, the top industry employer in Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District was Educational services, and health care and social assistance, according to a 2012 U.S. Census survey.

From 2001-2014, 22.92 percent of Murphy's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Tim Murphy (Pennsylvania) Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$11,436,859
Total Spent	$10,344,433
Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
Top industry in the district	Educational services, and health care and social assistance
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Health Professionals	$821,140
Electric Utilities	$480,659
Pharmaceuticals/Health Products	$480,080
Oil & Gas	$448,034
Lawyers/Law Firms	$391,029
% total in top industry	7.18%
% total in top two industries	11.38%
% total in top five industries	22.92%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

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

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Murphy was a rank-and-file Republican as of July 2014. This was the same rating Murphy 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.

Murphy most often voted with:

• Mike Kelly
• Jim Matheson

Murphy least often voted with:

• Walter Jones
• Janice Schakowsky

Lifetime voting record

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

According to the website GovTrack, Murphy missed 165 of 8,648 roll call votes from January 2003 to July 2014. This amounts to 1.9 percent, which is better than the median of 2.5 percent among the lifetime records of representatives currently serving as of July 2014.

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Murphy paid his congressional staff a total of $918,914 in 2011. Overall, Pennsylvania ranked 34th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.

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

Murphy was one of three members of the House who ranked 126th in the conservative rankings in 2013.

2012

Murphy ranked 174th in the conservative rankings in 2012.

2011

Murphy was ranked 162nd in the conservative rankings in 2011.

Voting with party

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

2014

Tim Murphy voted with the Republican Party 95.3 percent of the time, which ranked 67th among the 234 House Republican members as of July 2014.

2013

Tim Murphy voted with the Republican Party 96.0 percent of the time, which ranked 113th among the 234 House Republican members as of June 2013.

2011

Tim Murphy voted with the Republican Party 92.8 percent of the time, which ranked 147th among the 295 House Republican members as of November 2011.

Accident in Iraq

In 2005, Murphy and two other congressmen - Reps. Jim Marshall (D-GA) and Ike Skelton (D-MO) - were riding in a convoy in Iraq when their driver drove the vehicle off the road, and it overturned. The driver swerved on purpose after suspecting the car next to the convoy was a suicide bomber. Murphy and Skelton were sent to Ibn Sina Hospital in Baghdad. Murphy was later flown to Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany. After suffering some neck and head injuries, Murphy made a full recovery.

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term Tim + Murphy + Pennsylvania + House

Tim Murphy News Feed

See also

• Pennsylvania
• United States congressional delegations from Pennsylvania
• United States House of Representatives
• United States House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District

External links

• Follow Murphy on Twitter
• Murphy on YouTube
• Murphy campaign on Facebook

• Biographies:
  • U.S. Congress
• Political profiles:
  • GovTrack
  • CongressMerge
  • Project Vote Smart
• Financial (federal level):
  • FEC contributions
  • OpenSecrets.org
  • LegiStorm.com
• Financial (state level):
  • Follow The Money
• Interest group ratings:
  • Project Vote Smart
• Issue positions:
  • On The Issues
  • Project Vote Smart
• Public statements:
  • Project Vote Smart
• Voting record:
  • Project Vote Smart
  • Washington Post
• Media appearances:
  • C-SPAN
• Media coverage:
  • Washington Post

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Michael F. Doyle (D)	U.S. House of Representatives - Pennsylvania District 18 2003–2017	Succeeded by Conor Lamb (D)
Preceded by '	Pennsylvania State Senate 1997–2003	Succeeded by '

[show]

Pennsylvania's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

John Fetterman (D)

David McCormick (R)

Representatives

District 1

Brian Fitzpatrick (R)

District 2

Brendan Boyle (D)

District 3

Dwight Evans (D)

District 4

Madeleine Dean (D)

District 5

Mary Scanlon (D)

District 6

Chrissy Houlahan (D)

District 7

Ryan Mackenzie (R)

District 8

Rob Bresnahan (R)

District 9

Dan Meuser (R)

District 10

Scott Perry (R)

District 11

Lloyd Smucker (R)

District 12

Summer Lee (D)

District 13

John Joyce (R)

District 14

Guy Reschenthaler (R)

District 15

Glenn Thompson (R)

District 16

Mike Kelly (R)

District 17

Chris Deluzio (D)

Republican Party (11)

Democratic Party (8)