If one wished to find the most underrated lawmaker in the US Congress, one need look no further than New York's Congressman Peter King.

King is ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee after losing his chairmanship when the Democrats gained a majority in the House of Representatives in 2006. He also serves on the Financial Services Committee.

Congressman King has been a leader in the ongoing effort to have Homeland Security funding based on threat analysis and is a strong supporter of the war against international terrorism, both at home and abroad.

To his credit, Congressman King co-authored of the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 (H.R 4437) which passed the House in 2005 and is the most comprehensive legislation against illegal immigration to pass the House in two decades. Rep. King is strongly opposed to amnesty for illegal immigrants which has resulted in his demonization by the liberal-left.

During his years in Congress, Rep. King has attained a reputation for being well-informed and independent. A reporter for the New York Daily News once wrote that “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.”

Even the decidely leftist Newsday has admitted that Congressman King is a “stand-up guy who isn’t shy about tangling with the powerful, even those in his own party. King has become a national figure who delivers for the region and his district.”

Prior to serving in Congress, Pete 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, Terrible Beauty, Deliver Us From Evil and Vale of Tears which are based upon his political experiences.

Peter T. King was born on April 5, 1944 and is a graduate of St. Francis College, Brooklyn, and the University of Notre Dame Law School. He is a lifelong resident of New York and has lived in Nassau County for almost 40 years.

King told The Conservative Voice that his goal is to regain his seat as chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, a position he and other Americans view as the most important committee in Congress today.


1. How would you describe your political philosophy? Paleo-Conservative, Neo-Conservative, Liberatarian, Reagan Conservative?

Reagan conservative.

2. What are the most pressing issues we face as a nation?

I can't think of an issue more important than homeland security and combating terrorism. As far as I'm concerned, the government's primary function is protecting Americans.

3. What is your position on illegal aliens and the issue of immigration in general?

I've been fighting amnesty for illegal aliens in the House of Representatives. I see it as part of Homeland Security.

4. How would you continue fighting the war on terrorism?

By giving law enforcement the tools they need here in the US, while supporting the military and intelligence agencies overseas.

5. Do you believe the Iraq conflict is part of the overall war on terrorism?

Yes. I believe either we fight the terrorists and radicals there or we fight them here.

6. How would you begin to get government spending under control and reduce deficit spending?

The first thing conservatives must do is start acting like conservatives and stop spending.

7. Do you support an amendment to the constitution that would outlaw gay-marriage?

I believe each state must address that issue.

8. Do you support an amendment to protect the flag?

Yes. I supported it in the past and support it now.

9. How would you deal with the leaks suspected of coming from the CIA, NSA or other government agencies?

I want to see leakers and reporters who publish secrets punished. I also want to see politics removed from fighting terrorism.

10. What is your position on abortion?

I oppose abortion, plain and simple.