Todd Tiahrt

Here is a detailed, SEO-optimized biography of Todd Tiahrt (born June 15, 1951) — American politician, representative, and public figure — covering his life, career, positions, and legacy.

Todd Tiahrt – Life, Political Career, and Influence

Discover the life and legacy of Todd Tiahrt — U.S. Representative from Kansas (1995–2011), architect of the “Tiahrt Amendment,” advocate for aerospace and fiscal policy — along with key positions and impact.

Introduction

William Todd Tiahrt (born June 15, 1951) is an American Republican politician and former U.S. Representative who served Kansas’s 4th Congressional District from 1995 to 2011. Known for his focus on appropriations, defense and aerospace policy, and his authorship of the “Tiahrt Amendment” on firearms trace data, Tiahrt has remained active in policy consulting and political commentary after leaving Congress.

Early Life, Education & Pre-Political Career

Todd Tiahrt was born in Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota on June 15, 1951.

He attended the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, where he also played football as a running back. Bachelor’s degree from Evangel College in 1975. MBA from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University).

Before entering politics, Tiahrt taught at Kansas Newman College and Evangel College. proposal manager for Boeing, handling contracts and project proposals.

Political Rise & Congressional Career

Entry into State Politics

Tiahrt first ran (unsuccessfully) in 1990 for the Kansas House of Representatives. Kansas State Senate, representing the 26th District, serving from 1993 to 1995.

Election to U.S. House of Representatives

In the 1994 “Republican wave” election, Tiahrt challenged and defeated 18-year incumbent Democrat Dan Glickman to win the U.S. House seat for Kansas’s 4th District.

He went on to serve eight consecutive terms (1995–2011) before stepping down to run for the U.S. Senate.

During his tenure, Tiahrt held key roles:

• He served on the House Appropriations Committee, one of the most powerful committees in Congress.

• He chaired and founded the House Economic Competitive Caucus, promoting job growth and economic competitiveness.

• He was involved in leadership roles including the Whip organization, Republican Study Committee, and Republican Policy Committee.

Senate Run & Later Congressional Bids

In 2010, Tiahrt opted not to seek reelection to the House and instead ran in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate to succeed Sam Brownback. He lost to fellow Congressman Jerry Moran.

He attempted to return to the House in 2014, challenging incumbent Mike Pompeo in the Republican primary but was defeated.

Political Positions & Notable Legislation

Tiahrt Amendment & Firearms Trace Data

One of Tiahrt’s most well-known legislative efforts is the Tiahrt Amendment, which restricts the release of firearms trace data maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Under the amendment, trace data can only be shared with law enforcement or prosecutors for criminal investigations; it cannot be made available for academic research or civil lawsuits.

The amendment has been both praised (by gun rights advocates) and criticized (by groups seeking greater transparency in tracing illegal guns).

Fiscal & Appropriations Policy

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Tiahrt was closely involved in federal budgeting and discretionary spending decisions.

He opposed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2009 stimulus package) and spoke against stimulus spending.

Social & Cultural Issues

Tiahrt held conservative positions on many social issues. He opposed government funding for abortion and was supportive of pro-life policies.

He also opposed federal funding for needle exchange programs aimed at reducing drug‐use harms in cities, citing concerns about enabling illegal behavior.

Tiahrt was also critical of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) policies regarding privacy and security; in 2010, he spoke out in Wichita against what he saw as overreach.

Impeachment of Bill Clinton

In 1997–98, Tiahrt supported impeachment efforts against President Bill Clinton. He co-sponsored a resolution to inquire into impeachment, and later voted in favor of impeachment articles.

Personal Life & Tragedy

Todd Tiahrt is married to Vicki Tiahrt (they met while attending Evangel University) and they have three children: Jessica, John, and Luke. Luke Tiahrt Memorial Fund to support teen-focused organizations.

Jessica Tiahrt (later Jessica Tiahrt Healy) became an attorney; among other roles, she worked with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Tiahrt has lived both in Kansas (Goddard, near Wichita) and in the Washington, D.C. area.

Legacy & Post-Congressional Activities

After leaving Congress, Tiahrt remained active in policy and consulting:

• He founded and leads Todd Tiahrt LLC and Tiahrt Enterprises, consulting in areas such as aviation, aerospace, defense, energy, and government relations.

• He served as Senior Advisor at Hartwell Capitol Consulting.

• He also joined as CEO of Neumann Systems Group, a technology company, albeit briefly.

In Kansas, Tiahrt’s influence lingers in debates over gun policy (especially via the Tiahrt Amendment) and in the aerospace and defense sectors tied to Wichita’s industrial base.

His sexcessors in the House, including Mike Pompeo, also reflect how the district continued Republican dominance.

Notable Quotes

While Todd Tiahrt is less known for literary or humorous quotations, a few public statements and positions reflect his principles:

“Our federal government needs discipline in spending first, growth second—not the reverse.” (paraphrase based on his fiscal conservatism)

On gun tracing: “It is improper to use ATF trace data in civil litigation or academic research; it must be reserved for law enforcement investigations.” (summary of his stance behind the Tiahrt Amendment)