Jerry Weller Height, Weight, Religion, Net Worth, Age, Biography

About (Profile/Biography):
Jerry Weller is an American Republican politician who represented Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2009. Born on July 7, 1957, in Streator, Illinois, he developed an early interest in government, agriculture, and public service. Before Congress, Weller worked as a congressional and agricultural aide and served in the Illinois House of Representatives. In Washington, he became associated with trade, tax, infrastructure, veterans, and technology issues. He also served on the powerful Ways and Means Committee. Weller decided not to seek reelection in 2008, ending a fourteen-year congressional career. His legislative work included projects involving the Joliet Arsenal redevelopment and Illinois infrastructure.
Early Life And Education of Jerry Weller
• Jerry Weller was born in Streator, Illinois, on July 7, 1957, and graduated from Dwight High School before pursuing higher education.
• He attended Joliet Junior College in 1976, then earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois in 1979.
• Jerry’s early background included agriculture and rural Illinois life, experiences that later influenced his public-service interests and legislative priorities.
Early Political Career of Jerry Weller
• Jerry worked as an aide to Congressman Tom Corcoran from 1980 to 1981, gaining early experience inside the federal political system.
• He later served with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and as an aide to Agriculture Secretary John R. Block through the early 1980s.
• Weller entered the Illinois House in 1988 and served three terms before successfully seeking a seat in Congress in 1994.
Congressional Career of Jerry Weller
• Jerry entered Congress in January 1995 and represented Illinois through seven consecutive terms before retiring in January 2009.
• During his House career, Weller served on the Ways and Means Committee and worked on taxation, trade, infrastructure, and economic issues.
• He became known for supporting free-trade agreements and traveled across Latin America and the Caribbean to develop economic relationships.
Major Controversy Involving Jerry Weller
• In 2002, an FEC audit questioned nearly $11,000 in contributions to Weller’s 2000 campaign fund; the money was later returned.
• His marriage to Guatemalan congresswoman Zury Ríos drew scrutiny when Weller supported CAFTA, despite previously discussing recusal from Guatemala matters.
• Weller also received donations linked to associates of convicted former Congressman Duke Cunningham; his campaign said funds were later donated.
Awards And Recognitions Received by Jerry Weller
• Jerry received an Environmental Protector Award from the Chicago Audubon Society in 1995 for his political work involving environmental concerns.
• Congressional colleagues praised Weller for supporting Illinois infrastructure, veterans’ clinics, children’s online safety, and the Joliet Arsenal redevelopment.
• His House service was formally recognized in 2008, with colleagues highlighting his legislative work and commitment to Illinois communities.
Lesser Known Facts About Jerry Weller
• Jerry had a farming background, and a 2008 Congressional Record tribute specifically described him as having roots as a hog farmer.
• He helped champion redevelopment of the former Joliet Arsenal, supporting projects that brought major transportation and industrial investment.
• Weller announced his retirement in 2007, saying he wanted to devote more time to his family after fourteen years in Congress.