History of Thomas Massie in Timeline
Thomas Harold Massie is a Republican politician and businessman serving as the U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 4th congressional district since 2012. His district encompasses a large portion of northeastern Kentucky, including the Cincinnati metropolitan area and Louisville's eastern suburbs. He secured his seat by defeating Bill Adkins in both the special and general elections.
1913: Establishment of the Federal Reserve System
The Federal Reserve System was created in 1913 through the Federal Reserve Act.
1950: Analysis of Mass Shootings and Gun-Free Zones
Massie cited data that since 1950, 98% of mass public shootings have occurred in places where guns are banned, using this to support his argument for repealing gun-free school zones.
January 13, 1971: Birth of Thomas Massie
Thomas Harold Massie was born on January 13, 1971. He later became an American businessman, engineer, and politician, known for his role as the United States representative for Kentucky's 4th congressional district since 2012.
1973: War Powers Act
The War Powers Act of 1973 is a US law intended to check the president's power to commit the United States to an armed conflict without the consent of the U.S. Congress.
1990: Enactment of the Gun-Free School Zones Act
The Gun-Free School Zones Act, which Massie later sought to repeal, was enacted in 1990.
1991: MIT Solar Car Club Achievement
In 1991, Thomas Massie participated in the MIT Solar Car Club, which secured second place behind a Swiss team in the Solar and Electric 500 race at the Phoenix International Raceway.
1992: Won MIT 2.70 Design Competition
In 1992, Thomas Massie won MIT's 2.70 Design Competition (now named 2.007). This competition was a significant milestone for him, having aspired to win it since watching it on television in seventh grade.
1993: Founded SensAble Devices Inc.
In 1993, Thomas Massie and his wife founded SensAble Devices Inc., a company that allowed users to feel digital objects on a screen. This venture marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial career.
1995: Award Wins and Business Success
In 1995, Massie won the $30,000 Lemelson-MIT Student Prize for inventors and the $10,000 David and Lindsay Morgenthaler Grand Prize in the MIT $10K Entrepreneurial Business Plan Competition.
1996: Company Reincorporation and Growth
In 1996, SensAble Devices Inc. was reincorporated as SensAble Technologies, Inc. Thomas Massie raised $32 million in venture capital, employed 70 people, and obtained 24 patents during his time with the company.
1996: Completed Master's Degree
In 1996, Thomas Massie completed his Master of Science degree with a thesis titled 'Initial haptic explorations with the phantom: virtual touch through point interaction,' furthering his education in mechanical engineering.
2000: District Lines Drawn After 2000 Census
In 2000, the congressional district lines were drawn, which influenced the structure of the elections Thomas Massie participated in during his congressional campaign.
September 11, 2001: 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
This date marks the occurrence of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, an event that deeply impacted the United States and shaped its foreign policy. While not directly related to Massie, this event serves as a backdrop to his later calls for transparency regarding the attacks.
2001: Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF)
The Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) of 2001 is a joint resolution of the United States Congress which became law on September 18, 2001, authorizing the use of United States Armed Forces against those responsible for the attacks on September 11, 2001.
2002: Appearance on Junkyard Wars
In 2002, Massie showcased his engineering skills as a contestant on the television show Junkyard Wars, where teams compete to build machines from scrap materials.
2003: Sale of SensAble Technologies
In 2003, Thomas Massie sold SensAble Technologies, Inc., marking the end of his involvement with the company he founded a decade earlier.
2010: Ran for Judge Executive of Lewis County
In 2010, Thomas Massie ran for the position of Judge Executive of Lewis County. He won the primary election by defeating the incumbent and then went on to win the general election by nearly 40 points.
2010: District Lines Redrawn After 2010 Census
In 2010, the congressional district lines were redrawn, impacting the elections that Thomas Massie ran in for his congressional campaign.
December 2011: Geoff Davis Announced Retirement
In December 2011, Congressman Geoff Davis announced his retirement from his seat in Kentucky's 4th congressional district. This announcement opened the door for Thomas Massie to run for the position.
2011: Judge-Executive of Lewis County
Thomas Massie served as the Judge-Executive of Lewis County, Kentucky, starting in 2011. This role marked the beginning of his political career, which later led to his election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
January 10, 2012: Announced Candidacy for Congress
On January 10, 2012, Thomas Massie announced his candidacy for Congressman Geoff Davis's seat in Kentucky's 4th congressional district. He received endorsements from Senator Rand Paul, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, FreedomWorks, and other organizations.
May 22, 2012: Won Republican Nomination for Congress
On May 22, 2012, Thomas Massie won the Republican nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating State Representative Alecia Webb-Edgington and Boone County Judge Executive Gary Moore by a significant margin.
July 1, 2012: Resigned as Judge-Executive
Thomas Massie resigned as the Judge-Executive of Lewis County effective July 1, 2012, to focus on his congressional campaign. This allowed for an immediate election to replace him.
July 31, 2012: Geoff Davis Resigned from Office
On July 31, 2012, Congressman Geoff Davis resigned from office due to a family health issue, leading to a special election for his replacement.
August 1, 2012: Republican Party Endorsed Massie
On August 1, 2012, the Republican Party committee for Kentucky's 4th Congressional district unanimously endorsed Thomas Massie as their nominee for the upcoming special election.
November 13, 2012: Sworn in to U.S. House of Representatives
Thomas Massie was sworn in for the balance of Congressman Geoff Davis's term on November 13, 2012. This early swearing-in granted him two months' seniority over the rest of the 2012 House freshman class.
2012: Congressional Campaign Backed by Tea Party
In 2012, Thomas Massie was described as a libertarian Republican and a member of the Tea Party movement, which supported his candidacy for Congress.
2012: End of Tenure as Judge-Executive
In 2012, Thomas Massie ended his tenure as Judge-Executive of Lewis County, Kentucky, to focus on his campaign for Congress. His time in this role spanned from 2011 to 2012.
2012: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 2012, Thomas Massie defeated Bill Adkins in both the special and general elections to become the United States representative for Kentucky's 4th congressional district. The district covers much of northeastern Kentucky, including parts of the Cincinnati area and Louisville's eastern suburbs.
May 2013: Opposed Reelection of Speaker John Boehner
In May 2013, Thomas Massie broke from his party's majority by voting against the reelection of Speaker of the House John Boehner, instead casting his vote for Justin Amash of Michigan.
December 2013: Voted Against Undetectable Firearms Act
In December 2013, Thomas Massie was the only congressman to vote against the Undetectable Firearms Act, which was otherwise widely supported.
2013: Tweet About Climate Change and Snow
In 2013, Massie implied skepticism towards climate change by tweeting about a snow cancellation of a global warming hearing.
2013: Early Adoption of Tesla Model S
Massie became an early adopter of the Tesla Model S in 2013, aligning with his environmentally conscious practices.
2013: Advocacy for Industrial Hemp Legalization and Testimony Before Kentucky Senate
Massie began his efforts to legalize industrial hemp in 2013. He introduced the Industrial Hemp Farming Act and related amendments, even testifying before the Kentucky Senate on the issue.
2013: Introduction of the Justice Safety Valve Act
Massie introduced the Justice Safety Valve Act in 2013 to give judges more sentencing flexibility, arguing that mandatory minimums lead to excessive sentences for nonviolent offenders.
March 2014: Voted Against Israel Strategic Partner Bill
In March 2014, Thomas Massie voted against a bill to name Israel an American strategic partner because it would have subsidized green energy companies in Israel. He opposed the bill based on his stance against subsidies for green energy.
May 2014: Objected to Voice Vote for Jack Nicklaus Medal
In May 2014, Thomas Massie objected to a voice vote to award golf star Jack Nicklaus a gold medal, demanding a roll call vote instead. The vote passed easily, 371–10.
June 2014: Named 'Mr. No' by Politico
By mid-June 2014, Thomas Massie had voted 'no' at least 324 times in the 113th Congress, opposing one of every three measures that came to the House floor. Consequently, Politico named him 'Mr. No'.
2014: Continued Support for Industrial Hemp Legalization
Massie's support for industrial hemp legalization continued in 2014 when he introduced hemp-related amendments.
2014: Introduction of Milk Freedom Legislation
Massie introduced the Milk Freedom Act and Interstate Milk Freedom Act in 2014, aiming to legalize interstate transportation of raw milk.
2014: Sponsoring Amendment Against Warrantless Online Data Searches
In 2014, Massie sponsored an amendment, which passed the House, to stop warrantless searches of U.S. citizens' online data and prohibit the NSA/CIA from requesting surveillance backdoors in products.
2014: Call for Release of Redacted 9/11 Report Pages
In 2014, Massie joined Representatives Walter B. Jones and Stephen Lynch in advocating for the release of the 28 redacted pages of the 9/11 Commission Report. Their call for transparency aimed to shed light on potential unanswered questions surrounding the attacks.
2015: Further Support for Industrial Hemp Legalization
In 2015, Massie continued his advocacy for legalizing industrial hemp through introducing related amendments.
2015: Introduction of the Federal Reserve Transparency Act
In 2015, Massie introduced the Federal Reserve Transparency Act, aiming to increase accountability and transparency within the Federal Reserve. He believed the Federal Reserve should adhere to the same standards as other government agencies.
2015: Introduction of Surveillance State Repeal Act and Efforts to End PATRIOT Act Provisions
In 2015, Massie introduced the Surveillance State Repeal Act to repeal the PATRIOT Act and FISA Amendments Act. He also worked with Rep. Justin Amash to ensure the expiration of certain PATRIOT Act provisions.
2015: Voted 'Present' on Iran Nuclear Agreement
In 2015, Thomas Massie was the sole member of the House to vote 'present' on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, citing Constitutional concerns about the House's authority over treaties.
2015: Introduction of the PRIME Act
Massie introduced the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act in 2015 to ease federal regulations on in-state meat sales, arguing that current regulations burden farmers and consumers.
2015: Vote on Iran Nuclear Agreement
Massie took the unusual step of voting "present" on the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, making him the only member of the House to choose this option and the only Republican to not vote against it.
2015: Yemen Conflict
The Yemen conflict that began in 2015 involves several different factions. The conflict has caused a large humanitarian crisis.
November 2016: Voted Against Extension of Iran Sanctions
In November 2016, Thomas Massie was the only member of the House to vote against extending U.S. sanctions against Iran.
2016: Letter to Obama Urging Declassification of 9/11 Report
Continuing their efforts for transparency, in 2016, Massie, Jones, and Lynch wrote to then-President Obama, urging him to declassify the 28 redacted pages of the 9/11 Commission Report.
2016: Vote Against Extending Iran Sanctions
Massie was the sole member of the House to vote against a measure that would have extended sanctions on Iran in 2016.
February 2017: Introduced Bill to Abolish Department of Education
In February 2017, Thomas Massie introduced a one-page bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would abolish the United States Department of Education. He also cosponsored a bill to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency.
April 2017: Expressed Skepticism Over Syrian Chemical Attack
In April 2017, Thomas Massie expressed skepticism about the role of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the 2017 Khan Shaykhun chemical attack, questioning the narrative around the incident.
May 2017: Voted Against Sanctions on North Korea
In May 2017, Thomas Massie was the sole House member to vote against sanctions on North Korea, continuing his pattern of controversial votes.
July 2017: Opposition to Sanctions Bill
In July 2017, Massie joined a group of Representatives and Senators in opposing a bill that aimed to impose new economic sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
December 29, 2017: Vote on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
On December 29, 2017, Massie voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, citing his support for tax cuts while expressing concerns about potential increases in government spending.
2017: Vote Against Sanctions on Iran, Russia, and North Korea
In 2017, Massie was one of only three House members who voted against a bill that sought to impose new sanctions on Iran, Russia, and North Korea.
2017: Criticism of Republican Efforts to Repeal the Affordable Care Act
Despite supporting the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, Massie criticized fellow Republicans in 2017 for their approach, arguing their efforts fell short of completely repealing the act.
October 2018: Speech at John Birch Society Anniversary
Massie delivered a speech at the John Birch Society's 60th anniversary celebration in October 2018, addressing topics such as government corruption and his stance against an Article V Convention to amend the Constitution.
2018: Criticism of French President Emmanuel Macron
Massie criticized French President Emmanuel Macron in 2018 after Macron's speech to Congress advocating for the U.S. to rejoin the Paris Climate Accords.
March 26, 2019: Vote to Override Trump's Veto
On March 26, 2019, Massie joined a group of 14 Republicans who voted alongside House Democrats to overturn President Trump's veto on a measure aimed at reversing his declaration of a national emergency at the southern border.
April 10, 2019: Exchange with John Kerry
During a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on April 10, 2019, Massie engaged in a contentious exchange with former Secretary of State John Kerry, questioning the validity of Kerry's political science degree from Yale University and his stance on climate change, characterizing them as "pseudoscience."
July 2019: Vote Against Anti-Boycott Resolution
In July 2019, Massie was the sole Republican among 17 members of Congress to vote against a House resolution that condemned efforts to boycott Israel and the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
August 2019: Call to Imprison James Comey
In August 2019, Massie made a statement suggesting that former FBI Director James Comey should be imprisoned instead of Maria Butina, who had been convicted of acting as a foreign agent for Russia.
October 2019: Criticism of Maria Butina's Sentence
Massie criticized the jail sentence given to Maria Butina, a Russian citizen who pleaded guilty to acting as a foreign agent, attributing it to what he perceived as Russophobia.
November 2019: Vote Against Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act
In November 2019, Massie was the only member of Congress to vote against the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. He stated his belief that the United States should not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
November 2019: Vote Against Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act
In November 2019, Massie cast the only vote in Congress against the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, expressing concerns that the act could escalate tensions with China.
December 2019: Vote Against UIGHUR Act
Continuing his stance on non-intervention, in December 2019, Massie was one of the few who opposed the UIGHUR Act, which condemned the treatment of Uyghurs in China.
2019: High Rating from Federation for American Immigration Reform
The Federation for American Immigration Reform, an organization that supports stricter immigration controls, gave Massie a 92% rating for his stance and voting record on immigration-related issues in 2019-2020.
2019: Introduction of the Second Amendment Protection Act
Massie introduced H.R. 2071, the "Second Amendment Protection Act," during the 2019–2020 session, aiming to lift the federal ban on firearm ownership for medical marijuana patients.
2019: Criticism of Civil Asset Forfeiture and Introduction of Reform Act
Massie criticized civil asset forfeiture laws and helped introduce the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act in 2019 to reform federal asset forfeiture policies.
2019: Vote Against Condemning the BDS Movement
In 2019, Massie was the only Republican House member to vote against condemning the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, arguing against federal involvement in private boycotts.
2019: Support for Repealing AUMF
In 2019, Massie expressed support for legislation that aimed to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) of 2001. He argued that the AUMF granted overly broad authority and that Congress should reassert its constitutional prerogative to declare war.
2019: Letter to Trump on Military Restraint
In 2019, Massie co-signed a letter to President Trump, advocating for limitations on the use of military force without congressional authorization. The letter emphasized the need to prioritize political solutions, particularly in the context of the conflict in Afghanistan.
2019: Downplaying Concerns Over Rising Carbon Dioxide Levels
During a 2019 House Oversight Committee hearing, Massie suggested that concerns about rising carbon dioxide levels were exaggerated.
2019: Opposition to Act Refusing Recognition of Crimea Annexation
In 2019, Massie was the only member of Congress to oppose an act that refused to recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea.
February 26, 2020: Vote Against Making Lynching a Federal Hate Crime
Massie voted against a bill that would make lynching a federal hate crime on February 26, 2020.
March 27, 2020: Quorum Call During COVID-19 Pandemic
Massie's actions on March 27, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, sparked controversy when he demanded a quorum call in the House, necessitating the return of members who had been sheltering in their districts. This maneuver, which threatened to delay the passage of a $2.2 trillion aid package, was met with criticism for potentially endangering members of Congress by requiring their physical presence amid a public health crisis.
April 2020: Vote Against Paycheck Protection Program Funding
In April 2020, Massie was among five House members who voted against the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, a bill designed to provide an additional $320 billion in funding for the Paycheck Protection Program.
July 2020: Opposition to Mask Mandates and Vaccine Mandates
During July 2020, Massie expressed opposition to both mask mandates and compulsory vaccinations. His stance on these public health measures drew criticism, particularly after he drew comparisons between vaccine mandates and the Holocaust in a tweet that he later removed.
September 2020: Defense of Kyle Rittenhouse
In September 2020, Massie defended Kyle Rittenhouse, who was facing homicide charges for shooting two people during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Massie claimed Rittenhouse showed "incredible restraint" and emphasized that Rittenhouse "didn't empty a magazine into a crowd."
2020: Opposition to 2020 Election Results and Peaceful Transfer of Power
Massie was among a small group of Republicans who voted against a resolution affirming a peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 election.
2020: Vote Against Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
Massie's stance on non-intervention continued in 2020, when he was one of three House members to vote against the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.
2020: Vote Against Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020
In 2020, Massie opposed the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, specifically its provision to increase the number of H-2B visas, which allow U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary nonagricultural jobs.
2020: Continued Advocacy for Gun Rights
Massie's advocacy for gun rights continued throughout the 2019-2020 session, including his introduction of the "Second Amendment Protection Act."
January 6, 2021: Opposition to Challenging 2020 Election Results
While acknowledging allegations of election fraud, Massie was one of seven Republicans who did not support challenging the 2020 election results. They argued that Congress lacked the authority to influence the outcome.
June 2021: Opposition to Congressional Gold Medal for Capitol Police and Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday
In June 2021, Massie opposed awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6 and voted against making Juneteenth a federal holiday. While supporting a day to commemorate the end of slavery, he disagreed with naming it "Independence Day."
June 27, 2021: Lawsuit Against Nancy Pelosi Over Mask Fines
Massie, along with Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Ralph Norman, filed a lawsuit against Speaker Nancy Pelosi on June 27, 2021. The lawsuit contested fines imposed on them for refusing to wear masks on the House floor.
July 2021: Vote Against ALLIES Act
Massie voted against the bipartisan ALLIES Act in July 2021. This act intended to simplify the process for Afghan allies who assisted the US military during the Afghanistan invasion to obtain special immigrant visas, addressing a backlog of applications.
September 2021: Vote Against Iron Dome Funding
In September 2021, Massie was the only Republican to vote against allocating $1 billion in funding for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system.
December 4, 2021: Controversial Christmas Photo with Guns
Massie faced criticism for posting a Christmas family photo on December 4, 2021, featuring an assortment of guns, just days after a school shooting. While he claimed no intention to offend, the photo sparked outrage.
2021: Vote Against Condemnation of Myanmar Coup
In 2021, aligning with his previous voting pattern on foreign affairs, Massie was one of 14 House Republicans who voted against a resolution condemning the Myanmar coup d'état.
2021: Vote Against Funding for Israel's Iron Dome
In 2021, Massie joined eight Democratic representatives in voting against $1 billion in funding for Israel's Iron Dome air defense system, citing concerns about the national debt.
January 30, 2022: Twitter Controversy Involving Anthony Fauci
Massie faced significant backlash on January 30, 2022, for a tweet criticizing Anthony Fauci that included a quote misattributed to Voltaire, which was later revealed to have originated from neo-Nazi Kevin Alfred Strom.
February 28, 2022: Vote Against Emmett Till Antilynching Act
On February 28, 2022, Massie was one of only three representatives who opposed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, a bill aimed at making lynching a federal hate crime.
March 2022: Opposition to Ukraine Sovereignty Resolution and Amplification of Russian Claims
Massie was one of three members to oppose a March 2022 resolution supporting Ukraine's sovereignty after Russia's invasion and amplified Russian claims about Ukrainian biological weapons.
May 2022: Vote Against Antisemitism Resolution
Massie was the sole member of the House of Representatives to vote against a non-binding resolution condemning antisemitism in May 2022, defending his decision by claiming the resolution promoted censorship.
2022: High Rating from NumbersUSA
NumbersUSA, a group advocating for reduced immigration, both legal and illegal, gave Massie a 93% score in 2022, reflecting his alignment with their goals.
2022: Vote Against National Defense Authorization Act
Massie was among 19 House Republicans to vote against the final passage of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.
2022: Introduction of the Safe Students Act
In 2022, Massie introduced H.R. 7415, the "Safe Students Act," to repeal the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, arguing that gun-free zones are ineffective and advocating for local control over firearms policies in schools.
February 2023: Vote Against Resolution Mourning Turkey-Syria Earthquake Victims
In February 2023, Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene were the only two representatives to vote against a resolution offering condolences and support for the victims of the Turkey-Syria earthquake.
October 2023: Vote Against House Resolution on U.S. Support for Israel
In October 2023, Massie was the only Republican to vote against a House resolution guaranteeing U.S. support for Israel's military actions in Gaza.
November 2023: Vote Against Resolution Affirming Israel's Right to Exist
In November 2023, Massie was the only member of Congress to oppose a resolution affirming Israel's right to exist and equating anti-Zionism to antisemitism.
March 19, 2024: Vote Against Condemning Abduction of Ukrainian Children
On March 19, 2024, Massie voted against House Resolution 149 Condemning the illegal abduction and forcible transfer of children from Ukraine to the Russian Federation.
April 16, 2024: Co-Sponsorship of Motion to Vacate
On April 16, 2024, Massie co-sponsored a motion to vacate initiated by Marjorie Taylor Greene, which aimed to remove Mike Johnson from his position as Speaker of the House.
May 9, 2024: Targeted by AIPAC Ad Campaign and Response
On May 9, 2024, AIPAC and allied groups launched a $300,000 ad campaign against Massie for his "anti-Israel views." Massie responded by suggesting AIPAC should register as a foreign agent.
May 16, 2024: Introduction of the Federal Reserve Board Abolition Act
On May 16, 2024, Massie introduced the Federal Reserve Board Abolition Act (H.R. 8421) to abolish the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, Federal Reserve banks, and repeal the 1913 Federal Reserve Act.
2024: Endorsement of Ron DeSantis for President
Massie endorsed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for president in the 2024 election, citing DeSantis's decisiveness, respect for the Constitution, policy understanding, family values, and inspiring leadership.