Mar 30 - David Jansen
Legislative Professional Staff, US House of Representatives, Committee on Natural Resources

Mr. Jansen presently serves as professional staff to Chairman Nick J. Rahall, II, on the Committee on Natural Resources in the United States House of Representatives.  He functions as a senior legislative aide on the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans which has oversight responsibility of issues associated with Federal fish, wildlife and migratory bird programs administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.  Notable programs include the National Wildlife Refuge System, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Programs, the National Fish Hatchery System and Fisheries Program, international programs implemented through the Multinational Species Conservation Fund, and the Coastal Barrier Resources System. 

In addition, the Fisheries Subcommittee oversees numerous ocean and coastal resource statutes and programs administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  Issue areas Mr. Jansen tracks include the following: the National Marine Sanctuary System; the Marine Mammal Protection Act; marine protected areas and marine reserves; coral reef conservation and management; Coastal Zone Management; the National Sea Grant College Program and other programs covering ocean and coastal research, technology, exploration and hydrographic and coast surveys. 

Prior to joining the Natural Resources Committee in 1999, Mr. Jansen was employed for five years as a Congressional Affairs Specialist within NOAA's  Washington, DC headquarters.  While at NOAA he successfully developed and implemented effective congressional outreach and education strategies to inform members of several ocean and coastal programs, cross-cutting budget initiatives and related legislative priorities.   Mr. Jansen began his career in Washington in 1992 as a Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow in the office of Senator John F. Kerry (D-MA) whereby he was involved in the passage of 1994 legislation to reform the National Flood Insurance Program.  Before his Knauss Fellowship Mr. Jansen received his Masters in Marine Affairs (M.M.A.) in 1992 from the University of Washington in Seattle. 

Mr. Jansen built from 1983 through 1991 a substantive career in coastal and natural resource management while working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, principally employed by the Metropolitan District Commission.  He also provided private consultant services focused on aquatic resource assessment, coastal public access, and the common law Public Trust Doctrine.  Mr. Jansen received a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources from the University of Rhode Island in 1980.  Aside from his life-long interest in wildlife, he is an avid reader, hiker and paddler.