Wilbert Joseph "Billy" Tauzin III, commonly known as Billy Tauzin, is an American politician, lobbyist, and lawyer born on June 14, 1943, in Chackbay, Louisiana, a small rural Cajun community. He began his political career in 1972 when he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives as a Democrat, serving four full terms until 1980. He transitioned to national politics in 1980, winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives for Louisiana's 3rd Congressional District, where he served for 25 years until 2005. Initially a Democrat and a founding member of the conservative House Blue Dog Coalition, he switched parties in 1995 to become a Republican, a move that allowed him to retain significant influence after the GOP gained control of Congress in 1994. As a Republican, he chaired the influential House Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection starting in 1997, overseeing legislation on telephone, cable, wire, and Internet communications and commerce, and became known for his role in telecom deregulation. After retiring from Congress in 2005, he became President and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), serving until 2010 and playing a key part in healthcare policy and deregulation. Post-PhRMA, he founded Tauzin Consultants, LLC, continuing his influence in lobbying and consulting. His career trajectory from state legislator to congressional leader and industry lobbyist underscores his extensive network in government and business sectors.