Robert Randolph Randy Neugebauer is an American politician born on December 24, 1949. He had a significant political career as the U.S. representative for Texas’s 19th congressional district. He served in this role from a special election in 2003 until 2017.
Neugebauer is affiliated with the Republican Party, one of the major political parties in the United States. The congressional district he represented includes a vast area of West Texas, encompassing cities such as Lubbock and Abilene.
A noteworthy aspect of Neugebauer’s political profile is his affiliation with the Republican Party. This is generally known for its conservative stance on various political issues. A survey conducted by the National Journal in 2011 identified Neugebauer as “the most conservative” member of the House of Representatives during that time.
Randy Neugebauer: Early Life and Educational Journey
Robert Randolph Neugebauer was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but grew up in Lubbock. His family background included his father working as an insurance salesman. On the other hand, his mother was a real estate agent and an interior designer. Neugebauer has two brothers, Jon and Bradley, and a sister, Virginia Volpe. When he was nine years old, his parents went through a divorce, and sadly, his father passed away in 1985 after remarrying.
In 1963, Neugebauer’s mother married Joe W. Smith, a bank manager. Neugebauer completed his high school education at Coronado High School and graduated from Texas Tech University in 1972. Then, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the College of Business Administration, now the Rawls College of Business.
Professional Leadership in Real Estate and Politics
Similar to his mother, Neugebauer had a long-standing involvement in the real estate business. Before he entered Congress, he served as the president of Lubbock Land, a development company. Furthermore, he was president of the Texas Association of Builders from 1996 to 1997, showcasing his leadership in the field.
During the early phase of his political career, from 1992 to 1998, Robert Randolph Neugebauer served as a city councilman in Lubbock. His dedication to public service was evident, and he even took on the role of mayor pro tempore from 1994 to 1996, placing him in a leadership role within the city council.
Randy Neugebauer: Fiscal Responsibility and Efficiency Advocacy
A commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficiency characterized Neugebauer’s impact during his tenure on the Lubbock city council. He actively pursued initiatives to reduce taxes, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on the residents of Lubbock. This approach reflected his belief in limited government and his desire to promote economic well-being within the community.
In addition to his efforts in tax reduction, Neugebauer also advocated for the privatization of municipal services. This involved the transfer of certain government functions to private entities, a strategy often employed to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Neugebauer’s support for privatization aligned with his broader philosophy of streamlining government operations and promoting a more business-oriented approach to municipal services.
Neugebauer’s ‘Baby Killer’ Remark and its Aftermath
On March 21, 2010, during a debate in the House of Representatives about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Robert Randolph Neugebauer made a controversial remark. He shouted, “Baby killer!” during the discussion. This outburst occurred while Representative Bart Stupak of Michigan, a leader of anti-abortion Democrats, was talking about a motion filed by Republicans.
Initially, there was uncertainty about who had shouted those words. However, more than 12 hours later, on March 22, 2010, Neugebauer publicly admitted to being the person who commented. Then, he apologized for the incident. Moreover, he explained that his words were meant to criticize the bill, not Representative Stupak himself.
Despite Neugebauer’s clarification, many reporters and people in the room insisted that he had indeed shouted “Baby killer!” directly at Stupak. Representative Stupak, in response, rejected Neugebauer’s explanation, stating that the outburst was very clear. Moreover, he believed Neugebauer should apologize on the floor of the U.S. House.
Randy Neugebauer: The Debate Over Abortion Funding Clarified
In contrast to Neugebauer’s claim, both Stupak and the PolitiFact watchdog group affirmed that the legislation being discussed did not involve public funding for abortion, which was the focus of Neugebauer’s objection.
The incident drew comparisons to previous contentious moments in Congress, such as Joe Wilson’s “You lie!” outburst during President Barack Obama’s 2009 address to Congress. It was also likened to instances of offensive language and slurs directed at Democratic legislators outside the Capitol building by members of the public who opposed the bill. Such incidents occurred in the days leading up to Neugebauer’s outburst on March 21, 2010. The comparison highlights a broader context of heightened tensions and contentious discourse surrounding the legislative proceedings. The global media covered Neugebauer’s comment extensively, including outlets like Canada’s Maclean’s magazine, the United Kingdom’s The Times, and Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald.
Advocating Lower Costs through Insurance Reform
Neugebauer sponsored the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2013, aiming to cut regulatory costs for insurance companies operating in multiple states. The bill transformed NARAB into a clearinghouse, streamlining standards for insurance companies across states. Advocates believed it would lower costs and make insurance more affordable. The bill passed the House on September 10, 2013. Neugebauer also introduced the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2014, aiming to extend NWIRP. During the 2013 government shutdown, he publicly scolded a National Park Service ranger enforcing the closure of the World War II Memorial.
Randy Neugebauer: General Election Success
Robert Randolph Neugebauer entered Congress in 2003 through a competitive special election runoff following the retirement of long-time incumbent Larry Combest. The 19th district in Texas, historically conservative, had not supported a Democrat for president since 1964. Neugebauer emphasized his conservative values in the primary, securing a runoff against Mike Conaway. Despite a close race, Neugebauer won the runoff and defeated Democrat Charles Stenholm in the general election. Reelected multiple times, he consistently maintained strong support, often securing over 60% of the vote. His victories underscored the district’s enduring conservative leanings.
Neugebauer’s Marriage to High School Sweetheart
Neugebauer married his high school sweetheart, Dana Collins, and they have two sons, Todd and Toby. Todd is the President of Aspect Holdings, LLC, while Toby is Quantum Energy Partners’ co-CEO. The couple enjoys four grandchildren. As of 2010, Neugebauer was a deacon at a Southern Baptist church, reflecting his active involvement in his faith community.
Standing Strong: Life Lessons from Neugebauer
From Robert Randolph Neugebauer’s life, we learn the value of dedication to public service, exemplified by his transition from local government to Congress.
His commitment to conservative principles and fiscal responsibility underscores the importance of standing firm on one’s beliefs.
Neugebauer’s journey emphasizes the impact of family and faith, showcasing the significance of personal values in navigating a successful and purposeful life.
