Pub. 13 2016 Issue 2

O V E R A C E N T U R Y : B U I L D I N G B E T T E R B A N K S - H E L P I N G N E W M E X I C O R E A L I Z E D R E A M S Issue 2 • 2016 11 STEVE PEARCE, UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN Representing New Mexico’s Second Congressional District LEGISLATIVE PROFILE Legislative Profile: Pearce Q & A Bio: Congressman Steve Pearce is serving his 6th term in Congress. The Congressman was raised in Hobbs, NewMexico and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics from New Mex- ico State University. Steve additionally received a Master of Business Administration from Eastern NewMexico University. During the VietnamWar, Steve served as a com- bat pilot flying over 518 hours of combat flight and 77 hours of combat support. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals, as well as seven other military medals and four exceptional service awards. After the war, Steve continued service at Blytheville Air Force Base in Arkansas and attained the rank of Captain. Steve is also a respected small-businessman who thoroughly understands the economic is- sues facing our country. He and his wife Cynthia owned and operated Lea Fishing Tools, an oilfield services company, which was located in Hobbs. In 1996, Pearce was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives, where he served until 2000. During this time, he was elected as House Caucus Chair and served on the House Appropri- ations and Finance Committee. In 2002, Steve was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served until 2009. With the retirement of Senator Pete Domenici, Pearce ran for the U.S. Senate in an unsuccess- ful bid. In 2009, amidst a U.S. economic crisis and expansion of government regulation, Steve decided to again run for Congress. He won reelec- tion in 2010 and continues his service today Congressman Pearce serves on the House Committee on Financial Services, where he is the Vice-Chairman of the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee. He is also the Chairman Emeritus of the Congressional  Legislative Profile  continued on page 12 In 1996, Pearce was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives, where he served until 2000. During this time, he was elected as House Caucus Chair and served on the House Appropriations and Finance Committee.