U.S. Senator John Ensign is the current Chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, and has been serving Nevadans in the United States Senate since 2001. As chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee's, Senator Ensign is charged with helping shape the Republican agenda in the U.S. Senate. Prior to becoming Nevada's 24th Senator, John Ensign was a veterinarian, small business owner and United States Congressman.

Senator Ensign is a long-time proponent of conservative principles, and is committed to smaller, more effective government, reforming our tax system and a strong national defense. Throughout his career, Ensign has fought for lower taxes, an aggressive approach to combating terrorists, increased parental control in education choices, and quality, affordable health care.

Senator Ensign serves on the following committees: Budget; Finance; Commerce, Science and Transportation; Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee; and Rules and Administration. Ensign is Ranking Member of the subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet of the Commerce Committee, and the subcommittee on State, Local and Private Sector Preparedness and Integration of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee.

Senator Ensign was raised in northern Nevada and moved to southern Nevada where he graduated from Clark High School. He attended UNLV and earned a Bachelor's degree from Oregon State University. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 1985. Senator Ensign immediately began practicing veterinary medicine and opened the first 24-hour animal hospital in Las Vegas.

Senator Ensign spends his workweek in Washington and his weekends in Las Vegas with his wife, Darlene, and their three children -- Trevor, Siena and Michael.