David Ross 'Dave' Obey is an American lobbyist and former Democratic politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district from 1969 to 2011. Born on October 3, 1938, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, he moved to Wisconsin at a young age and built his career in the state's northwestern region. Before Congress, he worked as a real-estate agent and served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1963 to 1969. In Congress, Obey became a key figure in fiscal policy, chairing the influential House Appropriations Committee from 1994 to 1995 and again from 2007 to 2011, where he focused on foreign aid budgets and international affairs. Known for his progressive stance, he also championed education, health care, and environmental issues, and was instrumental in passing legislation like the Ryan White CARE Act for AIDS funding. His long tenure made him the longest-serving Democratic Representative from Wisconsin until surpassed in total service by a Republican in 2020. He retired in 2011 amid the Republican wave in the 2010 midterms. Post-Congress, Obey transitioned to lobbying, leveraging his extensive network in Washington, D.C. His career reflects a commitment to Midwestern values and Democratic priorities, though he faced criticism for his role in large-scale appropriations bills during economic downturns. Obey remains an influential figure in policy circles, occasionally commenting on current events.