W. J. (Billy) Tauzin

A Representative from Louisiana. Born in Chackbay, Lafourche Parish, La. , June 14, 1943. B. A. , Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, La. ,1964. J. D. , Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. , 1967. Legislative aide, Louisiana senate, 1963-1967. Admitted to the Louisiana bar, 1967. Member of the Louisiana house of representatives, 1972-1980. Elected as a Democrat, by special election to the Ninety-sixth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of United States Representative David C. Treen, and reelected to the eight succeeding Congresses, changed party affiliation from a Democrat to a Republican on August 8, 1995. Elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Fifth and to the three succeeding Congresses (May 22, 1980- January 3, 2005). Not a candidate for reelection to the One Hundred Ninth Congress in 2004. Chair, Committee on Energy and Commerce (One Hundred Seventh and One Hundred Eighth Congresses).