Now serving his seventh full term in the US House of Representatives, Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers is proud to represent the 3rd Congressional District of Michigan. Ehlers was first elected on December 7, 1993 in a special election to complete the term of Paul B. Henry.

Prior to his service in the Congress, Ehlers served as a professor, researcher and public servant. He attended Calvin College for 3 years before transferring and completing his undergraduate degree in Physics at the University of California at Berkeley where he also received his PhD in nuclear physics in 1960.  He served there for six years as a researcher and lecturer after graduation.  In 1966 Ehlers moved back to Michigan and taught at Calvin College.  While back in Grand Rapids, he desired to be more involved with the political process locally and he and several friends worked to promote candidates of their choice.  Through this process he was urged to run for the Kent County (MI) Board of Commissioners.  He ran for the seat and won.   He served there for eight years before running and serving in the MI State House for two years and the State Senate for eleven years and eventually served at President Pro-Tem of the Senate.  Throughout his years of public service, Ehlers has earned respect on both sides of the aisle for his strong work ethic and thoughtful approach to policy issues.

Currently, Ehlers is serving on four House committees.  He is the Ranking Republican on the House Administration Committee which oversees the daily operation of the House.  Ehlers was first added to the committee in 1995 when he was asked to lead the effort to connect the Library of Congress and the US House of Representatives to the Internet.  He helped to set up the Library of Congress’ Thomas website which provides access to all the legislation that has been introduced in the House and Senate. 

Ehlers is also a member of the Science and Technology Committee where he is Ranking Republican on the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education.  In 1998 Ehlers rewrote the nation’s statement on science policy: the first rewrite since 1945.  Ehlers has been a tireless advocate for STEM education (Science, Technology, Education & Mathematics).  He is co-chair of the STEM Ed Caucus and is working to improve K-12 STEM education.  His work with STEM Ed also led to a seat on the House Committee on Education and Labor where he has served in 1999.

Since joining Congress in 1993 Ehlers has consistently served as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He has worked to improve the federal funding formula for transportation resulting in millions of dollars more per year to repair Michigan’s roads, infrastructure and public transit systems. 

During his time in the Congress, Ehlers has become a leader in Great Lakes Issues.  During the 107th Congress,  he sponsored and had signed into law the Great Lakes Legacy Act which authorized $270 million for 5 years to help restore the Great Lakes.

Ehlers married Johanna (Jo) Meulink in 1958 and is the father of four adult children and the grandfather of four. He and his wife reside in Grand Rapids.