Congressman Peter T. King, a Republican of New York serving his eighth term in the US House of Representatives, has been selected the 2008 Person of the Year by the New York/New Jersey Foreign Freight Forwarders and Brokers Association, Inc. The Person of the Year Award varies between private and public individuals who significantly impact the global trade community.
The award will be presented during the 91st annual dinner at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on January 30, 2008. The dinner is one of the largest transportation industry events in the country, attracting approximately 900 guests every year.
Rep. King is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee and has been a leader in the ongoing effort for Homeland Security funding, putting him at the forefront in the battle against terrorism. Congressman King is co-author of the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, which was passed by the House in 2005 and is the most comprehensive legislation to pass the House against illegal immigration in more than two decades.
"While taking steps to secure our borders, Congressman King has also shown a sensitivity to the importance of allowing commerce to flow with the least disruption possible under the circumstances," said Matthew Brauner, Association President. "We, in the international transport industry, are happy to show Rep. King our appreciation for his efforts and will continue to work with him on these most difficult issues," continued Brauner.
During his years in Congress, Rep. King has attained a reputation for being well-informed and independent. The New York Daily News has claimed, "Pete King is as a knowledgeable as they come about terrorism and the need for emergency preparedness," while the New York Post has credited Rep. King as being "smart and solid and a long time student of terrorism and homeland security matters."
Prior to serving in Congress, King was elected to three terms as the Comptroller of Nassau County. Before serving in county government, Rep. King had extensive experience as a practicing attorney and civic leader. He began his political career in November 1977 by winning election to the Hempstead Town Council. He is the author of three published novels, all based upon his political experiences-Terrible Beauty, Deliver Us From Evil and Vale of Tears.
Peter T. King is a graduate of St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY, and the University of Notre Dame Law School, Notre Dame, IN. He is a lifelong resident of New York and has lived in Nassau County for almost 40 years.
Rep. King and his wife, Rosemary, reside in Seaford. They have two adult children and one grandson.
