U. S. Congressman Michael P. Forbes, New York
(Member of Congress, 1995-2001)

Michael P. Forbes, former three-term member of the United States House of
Representatives, is president of the PR/Strategies International. A national
governmental and public relations firm with offices in New York and
Washington, DC.

Elected to Congress in 1994, Forbes served on the prestigious Appropriations
Committee, whose principle responsibility is to decide annual budget
allocations for each agency and department of the Federal government. He
successfully championed increased funding for cancer research, environmental
clean-up, safe and affordable childcare facilities, improved transportation
and small business assistance. During his tenure on the House banking and
small business committees, and earlier at the U.S. Small Business
Administration, he became a recognized advocate for fledgling entrepreneurs
and the pioneers of electronic commerce. In addition to what was then an
innovative website that accepted campaign contributions, Forbes had one of
the first offices on Capitol Hill to create an interactive website and use
electronic mail as a more efficient, economical way to reach constituents.

Congressman Forbes was appointed by the Speaker of the House to the
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the "Helsinki"
Commission), a Joint Senate/House commission created to monitor the 1976
Helsinki accords to promote human rights, freedom and democracy in nations
formerly referred to as behind the "Iron Curtain". For six years he held a
seat on the Foreign Operations Subcommittee of the House Appropriations
Committee.

Prior to elective office, as noted Congressman Forbes was head the U.S.
Small Business Administration in New York, an appointment made by former
President George H. W. Bush. He previously served as senior staff advisor to
former U.S. Senator Al D'Amato and Congressmen Connie Mack (Fl) and Samuel
Stratton (NY).