Carter, John R.

John Carter represents Texas's 31st congressional district, which spans the northern Austin suburbs and Fort Hood, and serves as chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. As subcommittee chair, Carter controls the legislative agenda and spending priorities for military construction projects, veterans' healthcare and benefits, and related federal programs—wielding significant influence over how billions in defense and veterans' resources are allocated annually. His authority extends to scheduling hearings, advancing appropriations bills, and determining which spending proposals advance through the committee process.

Carter's background uniquely positions him for this role. After earning a history degree from Texas Tech University and a law degree from the University of Texas, he spent decades in the Texas legal system, serving as general counsel to the state legislature's Agriculture Committee before establishing a private law practice in Round Rock. From 1981 onward, he served as a district judge in Williamson County, becoming the first Republican elected to a countywide position there and winning reelection four times. This judicial experience provided him with deep familiarity with federal law, government operations, and the complexities of administering large institutions.

As subcommittee chair, Carter has focused his legislative efforts on veterans' services and military infrastructure. He has sponsored the Georgetown VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Authorization Act and advanced the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, directing federal resources toward veteran healthcare facilities and military construction projects. His work reflects the priorities of his district, which includes Fort Hood, a major military installation, making veterans' affairs and defense spending central to his constituency's economic and social interests.

Carter maintains a moderate legislative profile within the Republican caucus, with 47 sponsored bills spanning appropriations, veterans' services, school security, and transportation. His long tenure in Congress since 2003 and his current subcommittee chairmanship reflect his standing among House Republicans and his influence over a significant portion of the federal budget.