Martin Anthony Russo (born January 23, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois) is a U.S. Democratic politician and lobbyist.
Contents |
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. 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.
Russo has been with Cassidy & Associates for 18 years. He now serves as CEO.
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 helped pioneer earmark lobbying, faces a Republican House and Senate Republicans who have banned the practice."[1]
He currently resides in McLean, Virginia.
| 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 |