Howard Lawrence Berman is an American attorney and retired politician who served as a U.S. Representative from California for 15 terms from 1983 to 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented the 26th congressional district until redistricting and then the 28th congressional district, both encompassing parts of the San Fernando Valley. Berman chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2007 to 2011 and was a key figure in international relations policy, focusing on intellectual property, U.S. foreign policy, international sanctions, nonproliferation, and U.S.-Middle East relations. This included his support for the Iraq War Resolution. He was known for his strong pro-Israel stance, advocating for U.S.-Israel relations and defense cooperation. He developed innovative campaigning techniques early in his career alongside allies like Henry Waxman and his brother Michael Berman. Born on April 15, 1941, in Los Angeles, California, to Jewish parents Eleanor (née Schapiro) and Joseph Berman, Howard Berman grew up in a family with Russian immigrant roots on his mother's side. He graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in 1959 and pursued higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), earning a B.A. in international relations in 1962 and an LL.B. (J.D.) from UCLA School of Law in 1965. Before entering Congress, Berman served in the California State Assembly from 1973 to 1983 and was known for his work as a lawyer and volunteer. Post-Congress, Berman has remained involved in policy discussions, including on U.S.-Israel relations and global affairs, reflecting his Jewish heritage and long-standing advocacy for Israel. He is recognized for his legislative skills and temperament in navigating complex foreign policy issues during his three-decade career in the House.