Blackburn’s reputation for focusing on individual freedom and free enterprise boosted her from the Tennessee Senate to the U.S. House of Representatives. Blackburn was first elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2002, quickly becoming a leader in Congress and a leading voice advocating for a small, efficient federal government that is accountable to its citizens.  Blackburn serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee where she is vice-chair of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade (CMT).  As CMT vice-chair, she also sits on the Subcommittee on Oversight. Blackburn serves on two other critical Energy and Commerce Subcommittees: Health and Communications and Technology.