LEGI-SLATE News Service staff
Updated April 24, 1998

Rep. Gerald B.H. Solomon (R-N.Y.) is adamantly opposed to legislation to lift export controls on strong encryption if that technology would not allow law enforcement officers to immediately decrypt it when necessary. And as House Rules Committee chairman, the conservative congressman wields considerable power over the House floor schedule.

Solomon has served in local, state and federal offices as a supervisor of the Town of Queensbury, a Warren County (NY) legislator, a member of the New York State Assembly, and a U.S. representative. He first was elected to Congress in 1978. Solomon announced in April that he will retire rather than seek reelection in 1998.

A Korean War veteran, Solomon is a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and the Marine Corps League. He is considered one of Congress's most tenacious conservative leaders,

See Rep. Solomon's Congressional Guide profile.