Robert Jones Portman served as a Republican U.S. Senator for Ohio from 2011 to 2023. Prior to his Senate tenure, he held positions as the 35th Director of the Office of Management and Budget (2006-2007) and the 14th U.S. Trade Representative (2005-2006). Portman also represented Ohio's 2nd district as a U.S. Representative from 1993 to 2005.
December 19, 1955: Birth of Rob Portman
Rob Portman was born on December 19, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
1955: Birth of Rob Portman
Rob Portman was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1955.
1969: Retirement from the Golden Lamb Inn
In 1969, Robert Jones and his wife Virginia Kunkle Jones retired from running the Golden Lamb Inn.
1974: Graduation from Cincinnati Country Day School
Rob Portman graduated from Cincinnati Country Day School in 1974.
1978: Graduation from Dartmouth College
Rob Portman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from Dartmouth College in 1978.
1984: Graduation from University of Michigan Law School
Rob Portman graduated from the University of Michigan Law School with a Juris Doctor degree in 1984.
July 1986: Married Jane Dudley
Portman married Jane Dudley in July 1986.
1986: Marriage to Jane Dudley
Rob Portman married Jane Dudley in 1986.
1989: Start of Career in Government
Rob Portman embarked on his career in government in 1989 as an associate White House Counsel under President George H.W. Bush.
1990: Received Support from the NRA
Beginning in 1990, the NRA began financially supporting Portman's political endeavors.
1991: Conclusion of Service as Deputy Assistant and Director
Rob Portman's tenure as Deputy Assistant to President George H. W. Bush and Director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs concluded in 1991.
November 1992: Congressional Election Loss of Bob McEwen
Congressman Bob McEwen lost his Sixth District seat to Ted Strickland in November 1992.
November 17, 1993: Vote for North American Free Trade Agreement
On November 17, 1993, Rob Portman cast his vote in favor of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
1993: Election to the U.S. House of Representatives
Rob Portman won a special election in 1993, earning him a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Ohio's 2nd congressional district.
1994: First Re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives
Rob Portman was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994.
1996: Second Re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives
Rob Portman secured his re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives for a second time in 1996.
1996: Co-sponsorship of the Defense of Marriage Act
In 1996, while serving in the U.S. House, Rob Portman co-sponsored the Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman for federal recognition purposes.
1996: Impersonation of Lamar Alexander in Mock Debate
Rob Portman impersonated Lamar Alexander in a practice debate for Bob Dole in preparation for the 1996 presidential election.
1998: Work on Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act
Rob Portman was involved in work related to the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998.
1998: Third Re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives
Rob Portman was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for a third time in 1998.
1998: Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act
The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998, which Rob Portman's 2013 bill sought to reauthorize, highlights his ongoing interest in this environmental issue.
1999: Vote on Adoption by Same-Sex Couples in Washington D.C.
In 1999, Rob Portman voted in favor of a measure that would have prohibited same-sex couples in Washington D.C. from adopting children.
2000: Impersonations of Al Gore and Hillary Clinton in Mock Debates
Rob Portman played the roles of Al Gore for George W. Bush and Hillary Clinton for Rick Lazio during their respective practice debates in preparation for the 2000 elections.
2000: Fourth Re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives
Rob Portman won his fourth re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000.
2001: Tax Cuts and Budgetary Impact
The 2001 tax cuts, a significant legislative initiative, had a lasting impact on the federal budget. These cuts, along with subsequent tax policies, continued to shape budgetary discussions and decisions in the years that followed.
2002: Pro-Choice PAC Rating
In 2002, the pro-choice political action committee (PAC) Population Connection gave Rob Portman an 11% rating.
2002: Fifth Re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives
Rob Portman was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for a fifth time in 2002.
2003: Tax Cuts and Long-Term Implications
The 2003 tax cuts represented another significant moment in U.S. fiscal policy, influencing budgetary considerations for years to come. The long-term implications of these tax cuts, including their effects on revenue and spending, continued to be debated and analyzed.
December 2004: Publication of "Wisdom's Paradise: The Forgotten Shakers of Union Village"
In December 2004, Rob Portman and Cheryl Bauer co-authored and published a book titled "Wisdom's Paradise: The Forgotten Shakers of Union Village." This book delves into the history of the 19th-century Shaker community in Union Village, located in Turtlecreek Township, Warren County, Ohio.
2004: U.S.-China Trade Relations
In 2004, Rob Portman engaged in trade negotiations with China, facing challenges related to the U.S. steel industry and Chinese auto parts. Despite tensions and differing perspectives on trade practices, Portman aimed to address concerns while maintaining a constructive relationship with China.
2004: Impersonation of John Edwards in Mock Debate
Rob Portman portrayed John Edwards in a practice debate, assisting Dick Cheney's preparation for the 2004 election.
2004: Sixth Re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives
Rob Portman achieved his sixth re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004.
2004: Portman Equipment Company Purchased
In 2004, Portman's family business, the Portman Equipment Company, was purchased by a Dutch conglomerate.
March 17, 2005: Nomination for United States Trade Representative
On March 17, 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Rob Portman for the position of United States Trade Representative.
May 2005: Resignation from Congress and Appointment as U.S. Trade Representative
Rob Portman resigned from his position in Congress in May 2005 after being appointed as the U.S. Trade Representative by President George W. Bush.
2005: Appointment as U.S. Trade Representative
In 2005, Rob Portman was appointed as the U.S. Trade Representative by President George W. Bush.
2005: U.S. Trade Representative
In 2005, during his tenure as U.S. Trade Representative, Rob Portman attended the WTO's Hong Kong conference, where he advocated for a reduction in agricultural subsidies. He also spearheaded a trade complaint against China regarding auto parts, which marked the first successful trade suit against China in the WTO.
April 18, 2006: Nomination for OMB Director
On April 18, 2006, President Bush nominated Rob Portman for the position of Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), highlighting Portman's experience and qualifications for the role.
May 2006: Start of Tenure as OMB Director
In May 2006, Rob Portman began his tenure as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
May 2006: Appointment as Director of the Office of Management and Budget
President George W. Bush appointed Rob Portman as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget in May 2006.
May 26, 2006: Confirmation as OMB Director
On May 26, 2006, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Rob Portman as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
2006: Appointment as Director of the Office of Management and Budget
President George W. Bush appointed Rob Portman as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget in 2006.
June 19, 2007: Resignation as OMB Director
On June 19, 2007, Rob Portman resigned from his position as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
August 2007: End of Tenure as OMB Director
In August 2007, Rob Portman concluded his time as Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
November 8, 2007: Joining Squire Sanders and Founding Ohio's Future P.A.C.
On November 8, 2007, after leaving his position as OMB Director, Portman returned to the private sector, joining the law firm Squire Sanders. He also established Ohio's Future P.A.C., signaling his continued engagement in politics.
2007: Trade Disputes and Economic Impact
In 2007, the U.S. steel industry faced challenges due to an influx of Chinese steel pipe. While Portman, as Trade Representative, acknowledged concerns about unfair trade practices, the Bush administration prioritized maintaining a cheap supply for the American homebuilding industry, leading to a trade deficit increase with China.
2007: Conclusion of Directorship at the Office of Management and Budget
Rob Portman's term as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget ended in 2007.
2008: Portrays Obama in McCain's Mock Debates
Rob Portman played the role of Barack Obama in John McCain's mock debate preparations for the 2008 presidential election.
2008: Potential Running Mate for John McCain
Rob Portman's experience and reputation in Republican politics led to him being considered as a potential running mate for John McCain during the 2008 presidential election.
2008: First Impersonation of Barack Obama in Mock Debate
Rob Portman impersonated Barack Obama in a mock debate for John McCain in preparation for the 2008 presidential election.
2008: Federal Funding for Unemployment Benefits Initiated
Federal funding for unemployment benefits began in 2008.
2008: Crafting the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget
As OMB Director, Portman played a key role in developing the $2.9 trillion budget for fiscal year 2008. The budget aimed to make the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent, increase military spending, and reduce spending on social programs.
January 14, 2009: Announcement of Candidacy for U.S. Senate
On January 14, 2009, Rob Portman officially announced his candidacy for the open U.S. Senate seat in Ohio, marking his return to electoral politics.
2009: Criticism of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Following his time in the Bush administration, Portman remained engaged in policy debates, expressing his criticism of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a major economic stimulus package enacted during the Obama presidency.
July 2010: Fundraising Success in Senate Campaign
By July 2010, Portman's campaign for the U.S. Senate gained significant momentum, demonstrated by his substantial fundraising advantage over his Democratic opponent, Lee Fisher.
2010: Top Recipient of Corporate Donations in 2010 Election
During the 2010 election cycle, Rob Portman emerged as a leading recipient of campaign contributions from corporations, particularly from the insurance and banking sectors.
2010: Advocacy for Agricultural Subsidy Reduction
In 2010, Rob Portman, as U.S. Trade Representative, advocated for a 60% reduction in targeted global agricultural subsidies. This initiative aimed to address unfair trade practices and promote a more level playing field for American farmers.
2010: Senate Election Victory and Campaign Rhetoric
In the 2010 U.S. Senate election in Ohio, Rob Portman secured a decisive victory. During his campaign, he made claims about potential job losses due to a cap-and-trade bill, assertions that drew scrutiny and fact-checking from media outlets.
2010: Senate Election Victory
Rob Portman successfully campaigned for a seat in the United States Senate in 2010, winning against then-Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher.
May 7, 2011: Michigan Law School Commencement Speech
On May 7, 2011, Rob Portman delivered the commencement speech at Michigan Law School, which drew criticism for his stance on same-sex marriage.
August 2011: Selected for Deficit Reduction Committee
In August 2011, Rob Portman was selected to participate in the United States Congress Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction.
2011: Voting Record Compared to Obama
In 2011, CQ RollCall found that Rob Portman voted with President Obama's positions on legislation 59.5% of the time.
2011: Vote to Limit Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations
In 2011, Rob Portman voted in favor of limiting the government's regulatory authority over greenhouse gas emissions.
2011: Son's Coming Out
In 2011, Rob Portman's son, Will, came out to him and his wife as gay.
2011: Beginning of Senate Tenure
Rob Portman began his tenure as a United States Senator from Ohio in 2011.
July 2012: Maintained Clean Driving Record
As of July 2012, Portman had only received one traffic ticket in over 40 years of driving.
August 2012: Eulogy for Neil Armstrong
In August 2012, Rob Portman delivered the eulogy at the funeral of astronaut Neil Armstrong.
October 2012: Romney Visits Portman's Golden Lamb Inn
In October 2012, Mitt Romney visited and spoke at Rob Portman's Golden Lamb Inn.
December 2012: Commencement Address at University of Cincinnati
Rob Portman delivered the commencement address at the University of Cincinnati's graduation ceremony in December 2012.
2012: Second Impersonation of Barack Obama in Mock Debate
Rob Portman once again took on the role of Barack Obama in a practice debate to help Mitt Romney prepare for the 2012 presidential election.
2012: Collaboration on Government Shutdowns and Public Relations Spending
In 2012, Rob Portman worked with Democratic Senator Jon Tester to address the issue of government shutdowns. He also collaborated with Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill on an investigation into the Obama administration's spending on public relations.
2012: Support for Oil Drilling on Public Lands
In 2012, Rob Portman expressed support for expanded oil drilling on public lands.
2012: Considered as Potential Vice Presidential Pick
Rob Portman was considered as a possible running mate for Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election.
March 14, 2013: Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage
On March 14, 2013, Rob Portman publicly announced his support for the legalization of same-sex marriage. He became the first sitting Republican U.S. senator to do so. This change in stance came two years after his son, Will, came out to him and his wife as gay in 2011.
March 2013: Bipartisanship and Relationship with President Obama
In March 2013, despite being a Republican senator, Rob Portman was invited to a dinner hosted by President Obama, a Democrat. This invitation reflected Portman's reputation for bipartisanship and his willingness to engage in dialogue across party lines.
November 2013: Vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
In November 2013, Rob Portman was one of ten Republican senators who voted in favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). This vote followed the Senate's adoption of an amendment he proposed to enhance religious freedom protections within the bill.
2013: Vote on Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act
In 2013, Rob Portman voted in favor of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.
2013: Receives Composite Ideology Score from National Journal
The National Journal gave Rob Portman a 2013 composite ideology score of 71% conservative and 29% liberal.
2013: Federal Funding for Unemployment Benefits Expired
The federal funding for unemployment benefits that began in 2008 expired at the end of 2013.
2013: Sponsorship of Bill on Interstate Abortion Transport for Minors
In 2013, Rob Portman sponsored a bill aiming to criminalize the transport of minors across state lines for abortions, specifically when done to circumvent state laws regarding parental consent or notification.
2013: Cosponsorship of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act Reauthorization
In 2013, Rob Portman lent his support to a bill focused on addressing harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. The bill, co-sponsored by Portman, sought to reauthorize and amend the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998. The proposed legislation aimed to allocate $20.5 million annually, from 2013 to 2018, to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These funds were intended to bolster NOAA's efforts in mitigating the detrimental effects associated with algal blooms and hypoxia.
2013: Opposition to Carbon Tax
In 2013, Rob Portman expressed his opposition to a carbon tax or a fee on carbon emissions, highlighting his stance on environmental policy.
2013: Described as Staunchly Conservative
In 2013, Rob Portman was described as a staunch conservative for his political positions.
March 2014: Speculation about 2016 Presidential Run
Larry Sabato speculated that Rob Portman might run for president in 2016.
April 2014: Voted to Extend Federal Funding for Unemployment Benefits
In April 2014, Portman voted in favor of extending federal funding for unemployment benefits.
October 2014: Draft Rob Portman PAC Formed
Students formed the Draft Rob Portman PAC to encourage him to run for president in 2016.
December 2014: Announces Decision Not to Run for President
Rob Portman announced he would not run for president in 2016 and would seek re-election to the Senate.
2014: Received the Friend of UNIS Ukrainian Democracy Award
Rob Portman was honored with the Friend of UNIS Ukrainian Democracy Award in 2014 by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA).
2014: Opposed Reauthorizing Long-Term Unemployment Benefits
In 2014, Portman voted against the reauthorization of long-term unemployment benefits for 1.7 million Americans. He cited concerns over a provision within the bill that would allow companies to reduce their contributions to employee pension funds.
2014: Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Rating
In 2014, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), an organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, gave Rob Portman a score of 45%.
2014: Opposed the Minimum Wage Fairness Act
In 2014, Portman opposed the Minimum Wage Fairness Act, a bill designed to gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour over two years.
2014: Described as Governance-Oriented
In 2014, Chris Cillizza described Rob Portman as being more focused on governance than campaigning.
2014: Receives 25% Liberal Quotient from Americans for Democratic Action
In 2014, Americans for Democratic Action gave Rob Portman a 25% liberal quotient.
2014: Recognition for Bipartisanship and Leadership
By 2014, Rob Portman had earned recognition for his bipartisan approach to legislating, consistently ranking high in assessments of congressional bipartisanship. His ability to work across the aisle, combined with his policy expertise and fundraising capabilities, led to his appointment as Vice Chairman for Finance of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
April 2015: Co-sponsored Amendment to Trade Promotion Authority Legislation
In April 2015, Rob Portman co-sponsored an amendment to the Trade Promotion Authority legislation. This amendment aimed to compel the Obama administration to pursue enforceable rules within the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) to prevent currency manipulation by trade partners.
2015: Voted for Paid Sick Leave Amendment
In 2015, Portman voted in favor of an amendment aimed at creating a budget-neutral reserve fund. This fund would enable employees to accrue paid sick leave.
2015: Began Investigating Sex Trafficking
In 2015, as a member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Portman initiated an investigation into sex trafficking.
2015: Vote to Block the Clean Power Plan
Rob Portman voted in 2015 to block the implementation of the Clean Power Plan, an environmental policy aimed at reducing carbon emissions from power plants.
March 2016: Authorship of the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act
In a bipartisan effort, Rob Portman collaborated with Democratic Senator Chris Murphy to author the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act in March 2016. The House version of the bill was introduced by Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, concerns arose regarding the potential influence of Russian propaganda, particularly its dissemination and coordination through social media platforms, on the election's outcome. This spurred members of Congress to take proactive measures to bolster national security. The Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act emerged as a direct response to these concerns.
April 2016: Opposed Consideration of Obama's Supreme Court Nominee
In April 2016, Portman argued against the Senate considering Barack Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court. He believed that the nomination, made eight months before the presidential election, should be postponed.
May 2016: Endorses Trump for President
Rob Portman endorsed Donald Trump for president in May 2016 after initially supporting John Kasich.
June 2016: Polling and Momentum in 2016 Senate Race
From June 2016 onward, public opinion polls consistently indicated a lead for Rob Portman over his Democratic challenger, Ted Strickland, in the Ohio Senate race. This sustained momentum contributed to Portman's re-election victory.
October 2016: Rescinds Trump Endorsement
Rob Portman withdrew his endorsement of Donald Trump in October 2016 following the release of the Access Hollywood tape.
November 30, 2016: Passage of Measure to Counter Foreign Propaganda
On November 30, 2016, U.S. lawmakers approved a measure as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. This measure called upon the U.S. State Department to actively combat foreign propaganda. It proposed an interagency panel as a means to achieve this objective. This initiative received $160 million in funding earmarked for a two-year period. Notably, the origins of this measure can be traced back to the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act, underscoring its significance in addressing concerns related to foreign influence.
2016: Decision Not to Run for President
Rob Portman announced he would not run for president in 2016 and would seek re-election to the Senate.
2016: Received the Sevchenko Freedom Award
In 2016, Rob Portman received the Sevchenko Freedom Award from the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA).
2016: Opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement
In 2016, Rob Portman opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. He argued that the agreement lacked provisions to address currency manipulation and included less stringent country-of-origin rules for auto parts.
2016: Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Rating
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) awarded Rob Portman an 85% score in 2016 and a 100% rating for aligning with their stance on same-sex marriage.
2016: Challenges and Strategies in 2016 Re-election Campaign
Rob Portman's 2016 re-election campaign for the U.S. Senate presented significant challenges, including the political climate in Ohio, high voter turnout expectations, and the influence of the presidential election. To navigate these complexities, Portman and his campaign manager, Corry Bliss, adopted a localized campaign strategy.
2016: Senate Re-election
Rob Portman was re-elected to the Senate in 2016 for a second term.
2016: Reverses 2016 Vote in 2020 Election
Rob Portman supported Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, reversing his 2016 decision to not vote for Trump.
2017: Ranked as Third Most Moderate Republican Senator
In 2017, GovTrack ranked Rob Portman as the third most moderate Republican in the Senate.
2017: Voted to Repeal the Affordable Care Act
In 2017, Portman voted in favor of repealing the Affordable Care Act. However, he opposed significant cuts to Medicaid, citing the program's expansion, which had extended coverage to some Ohio residents, including those affected by the opioid crisis in the state.
2017: Cosponsorship of Amendment Acknowledging Climate Change
In a demonstration of bipartisanship, Rob Portman co-sponsored an amendment to the 2017 Energy Bill. This amendment was significant for its acknowledgment of climate change as a real phenomenon and its assertion that human activities contribute to the problem.
January 2018: Urged Trump to Preserve NAFTA
In January 2018, Rob Portman was among 36 Republican senators who appealed to President Trump to maintain the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
April 2018: Sponsored the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act
The Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA), sponsored by Portman, was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in April 2018. The act aimed to clarify sex trafficking laws, making it illegal to knowingly assist, facilitate, or support sex trafficking. This action followed an investigation that revealed the classified advertising website Backpage was aware of its platform being used for the sexual exploitation of young girls.
June 2018: Requested Moratorium on Family Separation Policy
In June 2018, Portman was among 13 Republican senators who signed a letter addressed to Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The letter urged a temporary halt to the Trump administration's family separation policy while Congress worked on drafting relevant legislation.
September 2018: Supported Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court Nomination
In September 2018, Portman expressed his support for Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court by President Trump. Despite sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh, Portman did not demand an FBI investigation.
November 2018: Requested USMCA Submission to Congress
In November 2018, Rob Portman joined 11 other Republican senators in signing a letter to President Trump. The letter urged the submission of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to Congress by the month's end. This was to facilitate a vote before the conclusion of the year.
2018: Proposed Funding for NOAA
The proposed funding for NOAA from 2013 to 2018, as outlined in Rob Portman's bill, indicates a commitment to addressing the environmental challenges posed by harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
2018: Co-Authored Israel Anti-Boycott Act
In 2018, Rob Portman, alongside Senator Ben Cardin, co-authored the Israel Anti-Boycott Act. The act proposed making it illegal for companies to participate in boycotts against Israel or Israeli settlements located in the occupied Palestinian territories.
2018: Anti-Abortion PAC Ratings
In 2018, Rob Portman received a 100% rating from two anti-abortion political action committees (PACs): the National Right to Life Committee and the Campaign for Working Families.
2018: Continued Support from the NRA
By 2018, the NRA had spent over $3 million in support of Portman.
March 2019: Voted Against Trump's Emergency Declaration
In March 2019, Portman was one of 12 Republicans who diverged from their party and joined Democrats in voting for a resolution. This resolution opposed President Trump's use of an emergency declaration for the purpose of securing funding for a border wall. Subsequently, he co-sponsored a bill intended to mandate congressional approval for any declarations of national emergency.
2019: Cosponsored the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act
In 2019, Portman was one of 31 Republican senators to co-sponsor the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This bill, introduced by Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, aimed to enable individuals with concealed carry permits in their home state to carry concealed weapons in other states as well.
September 2020: Supported Vote on Trump's Supreme Court Nominee
In September 2020, Portman supported a vote on President Trump's nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy created by Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death. This occurred less than six weeks before the 2020 presidential election.
2020: Initially Refuses to Acknowledge Biden Victory
Following the 2020 election, Rob Portman initially refused to acknowledge Joe Biden's victory, despite acknowledging the appropriateness of the transition process.
2020: Former Campaign Manager Calls Him "Proud Conservative"
In 2020, Rob Portman's former campaign manager described him as a "proud conservative."
2020: Responded to 2020 Election and Trump's Impeachment
In 2020, when Joe Biden was declared the winner of the presidential election, Portman was among the few Republicans who stated their intention to certify the electoral college vote. During President Trump's second impeachment trial, Portman ultimately voted not guilty but acknowledged that Trump's remarks leading up to the Capitol attack bore some responsibility for the violence.
2020: Supports Trump in 2020 Election
Rob Portman supported Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, reversing his 2016 decision to not vote for Trump.
January 25, 2021: Announcement to Not Seek Re-election
Rob Portman announced on January 25, 2021, that he would not pursue a third term in the Senate in the 2022 election.
February 13, 2021: Acquittal Vote in Trump's Second Impeachment Trial
On February 13, 2021, Rob Portman voted to acquit former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial, which pertained to charges of inciting the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
May 27, 2021: Vote on January 6th Commission
On May 27, 2021, Rob Portman joined a bipartisan group of senators in voting to establish a commission to investigate the January 6th Capitol attack. However, the vote failed to reach the required threshold for passage.
August 10, 2021: Vote on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
On August 10, 2021, Rob Portman was among a group of 19 Republican senators who broke ranks to vote in favor of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, demonstrating a willingness to collaborate across party lines.
August 2021: Involved in Crafting Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan
In August 2021, Portman played a key role in developing the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan, which successfully passed in the Senate.
October 2021: Vote on Raising the Debt Ceiling
In October 2021, Rob Portman joined a group of 10 Republican senators and all Democrats to end debate on raising the debt ceiling, though he ultimately voted against the bill itself.
July 2022: Vote on the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act
In July 2022, Rob Portman initially voted in favor of the PACT Act, which aimed to provide healthcare for veterans suffering from illnesses caused by burn pit exposure during overseas service. However, he later reversed his position and voted against the final version of the bill when it returned to the Senate.
July 19, 2022: Cosponsorship and Passage of the Respect for Marriage Act
Following the House's passage of a bill to provide federal protection for same-sex marriage, Rob Portman announced his intention to co-sponsor the bill in the Senate on July 19, 2022, and formally did so the next day. He was among 12 Republicans who voted to both advance and pass the Respect for Marriage Act, thereby enshrining federal protections for same-sex marriage rights into law.
August 23, 2022: Awarded the Order of Merit, first class, by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
On August 23, 2022, Rob Portman received the Order of Merit, first class, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This honor recognized Portman's significant contributions to strengthening interstate cooperation, supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and promoting Ukraine's global standing.
October 2022: Voting Record Compared to Biden
As of October 2022, Rob Portman has voted in line with President Biden's positions on legislation about 61.8% of the time.
2022: Supported Bipartisan Agreement on Gun Control
In 2022, Portman joined nine other Republican senators in supporting a bipartisan agreement on gun control. This agreement encompassed several provisions, including a red flag provision, support for state crisis intervention orders, funding for school safety resources, more robust background checks for gun buyers under 21, and penalties for straw purchases.
2022: Announces Retirement from Senate
Rob Portman announced in 2022 that he would not seek a third term in the Senate, citing the increasing difficulty of making progress in a partisan environment.
2023: End of Senate Tenure and Founding of The Portman Center
Rob Portman's time as a U.S. Senator concluded in 2023. Following this, he established The Portman Center for Policy Solutions at the University of Cincinnati.