Representative Phil Roe

Representative Phil Roe
Name	Phil Roe
Birth date	21 May 1945
Birth place	Goodlettsville, Tennessee
Alma mater	East Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Occupation	Physician, Politician
Party	Republican Party
Religion	Baptist
Spouse	Jean Roe
Notable works	Member of the United States House of Representatives from Tennessee's 1st congressional district (2009–2021)

Representative Phil Roe was an American physician and Republican politician who represented Tennessee's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2009 to 2021. A retired obstetrician-gynecologist and administrator, Roe combined a medical background with veteran advocacy, legislative work on veterans' affairs, and involvement in health policy deliberations. During his tenure he chaired the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and served on committees influencing appropriations and health oversight.

Early life and education

Roe was born in Goodlettsville, Tennessee and raised in northwestern Nashville, Tennessee. He attended Gallatin High School (Tennessee) before matriculating at East Tennessee State University where he earned a degree in pre-medical studies. Roe pursued medical training at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, completing his medical degree and subsequent residency in obstetrics and gynecology. His formative years intersected with regional institutions such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center affiliates and local hospitals in Knoxville, Tennessee and Johnson City, Tennessee.

Medical career

After residency Roe practiced as an obstetrician-gynecologist in Johnson City, Tennessee and served on staff at regional hospitals including Johnson City Medical Center and clinics affiliated with Caldwell County Hospital District. He held leadership positions as a medical director and chief of staff, engaging with professional organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association, and the Tennessee Medical Association. Roe also became an administrator at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Johnson City, where his work connected him to the Department of Veterans Affairs and to veterans' service organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

U.S. House of Representatives

Roe was first elected to represent Tennessee's 1st congressional district in the 2008 United States House of Representatives elections after defeating incumbent David Davis in the Republican primary election. He won the general election and was reelected multiple times through the 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee. In Congress Roe worked with members across the Republican Study Committee, the House Republican Conference, and caucuses including the Congressional Arts Caucus and the Congressional Prayer Caucus. He announced he would not seek reelection in 2020, retiring at the end of the 116th United States Congress.

Committee assignments and legislative initiatives

Roe served as Chair of the United States House Committee on Veterans' Affairs during the 115th United States Congress and continued committee work into the 116th United States Congress. He was also a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and subcommittees focused on military construction, veterans' affairs, and health-related appropriations. Legislative initiatives sponsored or supported by Roe included measures tied to veterans' healthcare reform, veterans' benefits modernization, and access to medical services in rural districts, aligning with statutes like the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 and subsequent amendments. Roe collaborated with members such as Steve Womack, Mark Takano, and Buddy Carter on bipartisan oversight and funding resolutions affecting the Department of Veterans Affairs and health facilities in northeastern Tennessee.

Political positions

Roe's voting record reflected alignment with the Republican positions on fiscal policy, federal appropriations, and regulatory reform. On healthcare Roe emphasized veterans' access, rural hospital support, and opposition to certain mandates within major health legislation debated at the federal level. He favored strengthening the United States military's medical readiness and supported appropriations for defense and veterans' services. Roe took conservative stances on judicial nominations, tax policy including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and energy development pertinent to Appalachian regions, often voting with leadership majorities in the House of Representatives.

Personal life and legacy

Roe is married to Jean Roe and has two children; the family resides in Johnson City, Tennessee. A veteran advocate and physician-legislator, Roe's legacy includes efforts to improve veterans' healthcare delivery, bolster rural medical services, and integrate medical expertise into legislative oversight. Institutions and initiatives in northeast Tennessee—including expansions at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center and partnerships with East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine—reflect aspects of his influence. Colleagues from committees and bipartisan partners such as Tim Walz, Micah Kellner, and Susan Collins have noted his contributions to veterans' policy debates and health appropriations. Roe retired from Congress in January 2021, succeeded by a new representative.

Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Tennessee Category:American physicians Category:Republican Party (United States) politicians