John Porter

In Memoriam: John Edward Porter, Former Congressman and Advocate for Biomedical Research

June 1, 1935 - June 3, 2022

John Edward Porter, who served as a U.S. Congressman for two decades, passed away on June 3, 2022, at the age of 87.

Porter was a Republican who represented the northern Chicago suburbs from 1980 to 2000. He was a strong advocate for biomedical research and helped increase funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Porter was born on June 1, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Northwestern University and the University of Chicago Law School. After graduating from law school, Porter worked as a lawyer before entering politics.

Porter was first elected to Congress in 1980. He served on the House Appropriations Committee and was the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.

Porter was a strong advocate for biomedical research. He helped to increase funding for the NIH by over $1 billion during his time in Congress. He also worked to pass legislation that created new programs to train biomedical researchers.

Porter retired from Congress in 2000. He continued to be involved in public service after leaving office, serving on the board of directors of several non-profit organizations.

Porter is survived by his wife, Carole, and four children. His family has asked that donations be made to the National Institutes of Health in his memory.