A Senator from New York; born in Brooklyn, Kings County, N.Y., August 1, 1937; graduated, Syracuse University School of Business Administration 1959; graduated Syracuse Law School 1961; admitted to the New York bar in 1962; public administrator of Nassau County, N.Y. 1965-1968; tax assessor in Hempstead, N.Y. 1969; town supervisor in Hempstead 1971-1977; presiding supervisor in Hempstead, and vice chairman of Nassau County Board of Supervisors 1977-1980; elected as a Republican to the United States Senate in 1980; reelected in 1986 and 1992, and served from January 3, 1981, to January 3, 1999; unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1998; chairman, National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee (One Hundred Fourth and One Hundred Fifth Congresses), Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs (One Hundred Fourth and One Hundred Fifth Congresses). Former Senator D'Amato had a distinguished 18-year career in the U.S. Senate, served as chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, was a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee - specializing in defense and transportation issues - and served on the Senate Finance Committee. The former Senator is considered an expert in the legislative and political process. As such, Senator D'Amato keeps close relationships with Members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, and is regularly called upon for his advice and counsel. He is also a noted commentator on the Fox News Channel, NY1, and Bloomberg Radio. Former Senator D'Amato had a distinguished 18-year career in the U.S. Senate, served as chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, was a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee - specializing in defense and transportation issues - and served on the Senate Finance Committee. The former Senator is considered an expert in the legislative and political process. As such, Senator D'Amato keeps close relationships with Members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, and is regularly called upon for his advice and counsel. He is also a noted commentator on the Fox News Channel, NY1, and Bloomberg Radio.