Congressman Bill Sarpalius
bsarpalius@advantage-dc.com

Congressman Bill Sarpalius is President and C.E.O. of Advantage Associates, a respected bipartisan firm specializes in helping clients with governmental, political and international affairs. He has extensive experience in state government and in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government.

First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988, Congressman Bill Sarpalius represented Texas 13th Congressional District for six years. His large district encompassed 38 counties in the Texas Panhandle. As a measure of the respect accorded to him by his colleagues, they elected him as President of the 1994 "Freshman Class." Prior to his election to Congress, Congressman Sarpalius served eight years as a Texas State Senator.

While serving in the U.S. House, Congressman Sarpalius served as Chairman of the Agriculture Committee's General Farm Commodities Subcommittee. In that capacity, he was actively involved in the drafting of the NAFTA and GATT trade agreements. After leaving Congress in 1995, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton to a senior position in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Congressman Sarpalius also served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Rural Enterprise, Exports & Environment and helped open doors for U.S. business to establish overseas markets in Russia and other developing nations. He gained international recognition for his deep involvement in the movement for independence and recognition of Lithuania and the other Baltic States during the fall of communism. Because of his efforts in working for independence the President of Lithuania proclaimed him as the "Grand Duke of Lithuania".

Congressman Sarpalius has gained a reputation as being shrewd and tenacious tactician on behalf of his clients. More importantly, he has also proven that he can work effectively with Republicans and Democrats alike. Congressman Sarpalius has delivered motivational speeches on a variety of topics to attendees at more than 500 conventions and banquets -- speaking to audiences as large as 10,000 people. Congressman Sarpalius holds a M.S. degree from West Texas A&M University and a B.S. degree from Texas Tech University. He grew up and graduated from Cal Farley's Boys Ranch. Congressman Sarpalius and his wife Jenny reside in Maryland and has one son and one granddaughter.

Internet links related to Congressman Sarpalius:

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

United States Association of Former Members of Congress

Future Farmers of America: Prominent Former Members