Editing Ryan de la vega

{{Infobox|Name=Ryan de la Vega
|Image =  Lowe.jpg
|Position = Congressman
|Term-Length = 2012 - Present
|Constituency = [[Big Sky Country|Montana's 1st]]
|Predecessor = ''Unknown''
|Successor = ''Incumbent''
|Date-of-Birth =  January 10, 1976
|Place-of-Birth = Lockwood, Montana
|Party = Democratic Party
|Spouse = Widower
|Religion = Agnostic
|Party-Colour = blue}}

Ryan John de la Vega (born 10/01/76) is a democratic congressman from Montana's 1st district.

== Early Life ==

Ryan de la Vega was born in Lockwood Montana to parents Joseph Wayne de la Vega and Martha Jan de la Vega on January 10th, 1976. His father was a National Parks ranger, his mother an assistant D.A. 
His father's love for the environment was a big influence on de la Vega, and from a young age, he become and active observer alongside is father. His mother's job instilled in him the responsibility and respect for law, and undertook a number of internships at her D.A.'s office. Despite the families adequate income, de la Vega attended public school his whole life, where he excelled at many subjects including English, Foreign Studies, History, Law and Music. He then went onto the University of Montana where he completed degrees in Political Science, Sociology and Law. Feeling a lack of representation for his values in the notoriously conservative region, de la Vega decided to run for Congress, winning unopposed as a Democrat. As to why de la Vega chose to become a Democrat, he stated: "Alot of people believe that the Democrats and the Republics have little difference between them, but it was the value system, the liberal freedom and constant emphasis on progressive legislature that attracted me." de la Vega also said that while several Third Parties caught his eye, he felt he "could get more done as a Democrat."

[[Image:Thumb youngrobchad.jpg| de la Vega (right) and his brother Chad]]

== Private Life ==

Ryan de la Vega was married his long time love Jenna Robertson in 2008. They were wed on a beach in California. They had twins, Esther Jane and Dallas Ryan, born in March 2009. Jenna de la Vega tragically lost here life in December 2009 in a car accident involving a drunk driver. de la Vega said it was "the lowest point of my life." 

de la Vega "found it incredibly hard to move on with my life." He attended many support groups and took a lot of time off work to deal with the tragic loss. He had lost his wife and was now responsible for raising twins on his own as a single father. "My children are an amazing gift. It was really hard at first; every time I saw them, I could see Jenna in their eyes. I still can. I wish they could have known her."

Ryan, Dallas and Esther de la Vega live in Washington and at their home in Lockwood Montana on a beautiful ranch.  "The ranch is my favorite. It is a spectacular home, on a lake, surrounded by a great valley and mountains. The kids love it there. It is a great place to escape to and raise your kids. I could not imagine a more beautiful and perfect place to raise a family."

To de la vega, family is paramount. "It is hard as a single parent to spend time with my kids as well as work as a Congressman. I find both task exhausting and exhilarating. But I love my kids. They mean the world to me. They have reached an age now where they are starting to grasp what I do and despite their young minds, they understand that my time time serving the people of America is very important. I thank them for being so patient with me. I think about my kids all the time, and they miss me alot when I am at work, but thankfully, I can find time for them even with this demanding job."

[[Image:Thumb robcheryll.jpg]] 

== de la Vega in Congress ==

Ryan de la Vega was quiet at first as a freshman Democrat, seen many times as a solitary figure walking the halls of the House and occasionally discussing bills and proceedure with some veteran Democrats after hours.

It did not take long though for de la Vega to find his voice in congress, and with his first vote, voting "Aye" on HR.154, the "Early Education Act." 
"My first vote was an easy choice. Being a student for many years, education has always been a big part of my life and I have seen my fellow students rise and fall throughout the years. While it was simply the first vote I made, I believed strongly that this bill would improve education standards in the students of America, and I believe that education is one of the most important factors in the lives of young Americans, and therefore requires the best possible education system."


[[Image:DC Green July 2007 ~ 4.jpg]]

== de la Vega as SHEE Chairperson ==

In the latest session of congress, Ryan de la Vega was nominated by Ben Parensi to take up the vacant role of Chairperson of the Science, Health, Education and Environment committee. de la Vega was honoured to accept the nomination, and following a quick approval of then House Majority Leader David Cromartie. 

In a speech made upon his appointment, de la Vega expressed the honour and prestige that came with the new role: "This committee is one that I am very proud to be a member of, let alone a chairman. As you all know, I have been advocating for better health and education services for much of my time in public office and my experience and love for the environment stems from my father, who is a retired National Parks Ranger here in Montana. I could not be more happy about this new responsibility, and I will certainly treat this position with acuity, respect and adept chairmanship. I look forward to my new role and hope to continue in it for some time."

[[Image:Thumb robs smile.jpg]]

== Ideology ==


de la Vega has continued to be active in debates on Health Care, Education, Electoral Reform and Human Rights. "I believe the rights of Americans to Health Care, Education and fundamental Human Rights are the most important rights of an American Citizen. It is these rights that I feel the strongest about, because they affect the lives of every citizen. I prefer not to be involved in legislature that only applies to a select few and holds no value to the every day American." 

"I have been chosen to represent the people, and it is the people I represent, not the companies seeking tax breaks or offering political oppertunity to the highest bidder. Throughout history, many officials believe that they are above the people, not for the people. I intend to return the trust of the voters by being the voice they need."

[[Image:DC Green July 2007 ~ 8.jpg]]

== Trivia ==

Ryan's favorite games console is the Playstation.

His favorite games on the Playstation are Final Fantasy VII & Metal Gear Solid

Ryan was married in 2008 to Jenna Robertson. They were married for a year before she tragically died in a car accident in December 2009.

Ryan and Jenna had twins during their short marriage, a daughter: "Esther" and a son: "Dallas."

Ryan is a self-confessed fan of Shakespeare. His favourite play is Hamlet, followed closely by Romeo & Juliet.

Ryan's favorite place to go on vacation is Australia.

When Ryan was only 7 years old, he was attacked by bear.

Ryan is an avid musician and performed "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls and "Coming Home" by City & Colour  at his wife's funeral, reportedly in tears.
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 "My first vote was an easy choice. Being a student for many years, education has always been a big part of my life and I have seen my fellow students rise and fall throughout the years. While it was simply the first vote I made, I believed strongly that this bill would improve education standards in the students of America, and I believe that education is one of the most important factors in the lives of young Americans, and therefore requires the best possible education system."
-de la Vega then became quite notorious for his support of education, often at the expense of the military. During his first session, he was often debating for salutary educational services. There were many bills increasing appropriations to the military and anti-terror services, something de la Vega found only truncated the education and health services and was incredibly vocal to his opposition of his bills, not only attacking the right wing, but even fellow Democrats. "Look, let's get one thing straight. I am not anti-military. I am, however, opposed to over-spending in areas that already recieve adequate funding. there are not enough books for students in schools yet we are spending money on departments that are already receive adequate funding."
-de la Vega in the latest session has remained vocal, but shown a lot more restraint,appearing more bipartisan and adept as a congressman. With a Democratic majority, there has not been too much de la Vega has been opposed to in the House, however that has not stopped him from speaking up. Texas Congressman Buford T Justice copped a significant amount of flack from de la Vega over a number of issues including the combat of HIV/AIDS both at home overseas, and the call for the embargo to be dropped against Cuba. While there were some notable fueds between the two in the last session, de la Vega insists he has tried to be more accepting of the right-wing point of view but "will not sacrifice my own convictions. When something is not right, I will say it. Not just because of my own beliefs, but what is in the best interests for the American people."
 [[Image:DC Green July 2007 ~ 4.jpg]]