Spencer Abraham, the outgoing U.S. Secretary of Energy, is joining the Hoover Institution as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow.
The appointment was announced on February 1, 2005 by Hoover director John Raisian.
"We're delighted to have Secretary Abraham affiliate with us as a colleague based in Washington, confident and pleased that he will continue to contribute excellent ideas on energy and non-proliferation issues and challenges following his extensive experience," Raisian said.
Abraham was sworn in as the tenth Secretary of Energy on January 20, 2001, following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
Prior to becoming Energy Secretary, he represented Michigan in the United States Senate from 1995 to 2001. Elected in 1994, he served on the Budget, Commerce, Science and Transportation, Judiciary, and Small Business Committees. He also chaired two-important subcommittees: Manufacturing and Competitiveness, and Immigration.
As a U.S. senator, he was known as a forceful voice for the business community and free enterprise, endorsing policies and practices that promote and enhance America's competitiveness and global leadership. He was a leader in the senate on support of free trade, legal and regulatory reform, tax reform and high tech issues.
Before his election to the senate, Abraham served as co-chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) from 1991 to 1993. He was also Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party from 1983 to 1990 and Deputy Chief of Staff to vice president Dan Quayle from 1990 to 1991.
He holds a law degree from Harvard University and is a native of East Lansing, Michigan.
