Peter A. DeFazio (born May 27, 1947 in Needham Massachusetts) is a Democratic U.S. Representative from Oregon, representing the 4th Congressional District (map) in Eugene. DeFazio served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1971. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Tufts University in 1969 and a master of sciences degree from the University of Oregon in 1977 and worked as a gerontologist.
From 1977 to 1982 DeFazio worked for U.S. Rep. James H. Weaver (D-OR). He was elected as a Lane County commissioner in 1983 and served as chairman from 1985 to 1986. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986. DeFazio began serving in Congress in 1987 (100th Congress). He serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure, and Homeland Security committees.
In 1995, DeFazio ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for U.S. senator from Oregon in a special primary. He served as an Oregonian delegate to the 2000 Democratic National Convention.
DeFazio is a member of the Catholic Church. He and his wife, Myrnie Daut, reside in Springfield.
