View source for Mark Souder

{{Short description|American politician (1950–2022)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Mark Souder
| image = Mark Souder.jpg
| state = [[Indiana]]
|office1 = Member of the <br />[[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]]<br /> from  [[Indiana]]
| term_start1 = January 3, 1995
| term_end1 = May 21, 2010
| predecessor1 = [[Jill Long Thompson]]
| successor1 = [[Marlin Stutzman]]
|constituency1 = {{ubl|{{ushr|IN|4|4th District}} (1995–2003) | {{ushr|IN|3|3rd District}} (2003–2010)}}
| birth_name = Mark Edward Souder
| birth_date = {{birth date|1950|7|18}}
| birth_place = [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]], U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|2022|9|26|1950|7|18}}
| party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| spouse = Diane Zimmer
| education = {{ubl|[[Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne|Indiana University, Fort Wayne]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])|[[University of Notre Dame]] (MBA)}}
}}

'''Mark Edward Souder''' (July 18, 1950 – September 26, 2022) was an American politician and businessman from [[Indiana]]. A [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]], he was a [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]] from 1995 to 2010.<ref name="WIBC20100521">{{cite web|title=House Accepts Souder's Resignation From Seat|url=http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?ID=1232564|publisher=[[WIBC (FM)]]|access-date=May 21, 2010}}</ref>

During the 1980s and early 1990s, he worked as a congressional aide and committee staff director to [[Dan Coats]]. He was elected to his congressional seat in 1994, and remained in office until he resigned in May 2010, after admitting to an affair with a female staff member.<ref>[http://goshennews.com/breakingnews/x712211551/Update-Rep-Souder-to-resign Souder to resign], ''[[Goshen News]]'', 2010 May 18 (accessed 2010 May 18).</ref><ref>{{cite news | publisher =  reuters.com | date = May 18, 2010 | title =  Republican Rep Souder admits affair, resigns | author = Richard Cowan and Thomas Ferraro | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-souder/republican-rep-souder-admits-affair-resigns-idUSTRE64H4OD20100518}}</ref>

==Early life and career==
Souder was born in [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]], the son of Irma (née Fahling) and Edward G. Souder, on July 18, 1950.<ref name = Bio>{{cite web|url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=s001143|title=SOUDER, Mark Edward – Biographical Information|website=bioguide.congress.gov|access-date=September 18, 2017}}</ref><ref name=newsbank>{{cite news |title=Souders Failed to Pay Taxes on Time: Congressional Candidate Blames "Wrong Address" |work=News-Sentinel |date=October 15, 1994 |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=FW&s_site=fortwayne&p_multi=FW&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB6CCC951D908E3&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110609042938/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=FW&s_site=fortwayne&p_multi=FW&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB6CCC951D908E3&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|archive-date = June 9, 2011 |access-date=May 19, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~battle/reps/souder.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630211310/http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~battle/reps/souder.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=souder|website=freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com|access-date=September 18, 2017}}</ref> He grew up in [[Grabill, Indiana]], and was educated at [[Leo Junior/Senior High School]], [[Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne]] and the [[University of Notre Dame]].<ref name = AP>{{cite news|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2022/09/29/mark-souder-congressman-indiana-dead/|title = Mark Souder, 'ultraconservative' congressman felled by affair, dies at 72|date = September 29, 2022|agency = [[Associated Press]]|newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]|accessdate = February 17, 2024|url-access = limited}}</ref> While in college, he was a member of the [[Young Americans for Freedom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/424554076/?terms=%22mark%20souder%22%20%22young%20americans%20for%20freedom%22&match=1 |title=31 Aug 2004, A13 – The Atlanta Constitution at |publisher=Newspapers.com |date=August 31, 2004 |accessdate=September 27, 2022}}</ref> After graduating from college, Souder worked as a marketing manager and small business owner. He was a member of the [[Church of the United Brethren in Christ]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/188189351/?terms=%22mark%20souder%22%20%20%22United%20Brethren%20in%20Christ%22&match=1 |title=2 Oct 2009, Page 15 – The Catholic Advance at |publisher=Newspapers.com |date=October 2, 2009 |accessdate=September 27, 2022}}</ref>

From 1974 to 1976, Souder served as [[marketing]] manager for Gabbort's Furniture. From 1976, he was the owner of Souder's General Store, also known as Historic Souder's of Grabill.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=21780|title=The Voter's Self Defense System|website=Vote Smart|access-date=September 18, 2017|archive-date=October 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029121432/http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=21780|url-status=dead}}</ref> Souder served as an aide for United States Representative [[Dan Coats]] from 1983 to 1984; as minority staff director of the House Select Committee on Children, Youth and Families from 1985 to 1988; and again as an aide for Coats from 1988 to 1993, staying with Coats when the latter became a [[United States Senator]] in 1989.<ref name = Bio/> He was a staff director on the [[United States House Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/543389561/?terms=souder%20United%20States%20House%20Select%20Committee%20on%20Children%20Youth%20and%20Families&match=1 |title=6 Oct 1987, 5 – The Times at |publisher=Newspapers.com |date=October 6, 1987 |accessdate=October 2, 2022}}</ref>

==Congressional career==
[[File:CongressmanSouder.jpg|thumb|Souder early in his congressional career]]
Souder was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Republican in November 1994, defeating Coats' successor in Congress, Democrat [[Jill Long Thompson|Jill Long]], in that year's national Republican landslide. He was re-elected in every election thereafter until his resignation in 2010. It was the only elected office he ever held. He originally ran on a signed pledge with America that he would not serve more than two additional terms.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.perrspectives.com/blog/archives/000365.htm|title=PERRspectives: Republican Terms Unlimited|website=www.perrspectives.com|access-date=September 18, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=November 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> He was regarded as a staunch advocate of [[abstinence education]] and [[family values]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120927061520/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/right-now/2010/05/rep_mark_souder_will_resign_af.html Rep Mark Souder Will Resign], May 18, 2010, ''Washington Post.''</ref><ref>[http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2010/05/indiana-gop-congressman-to-resign-amid-affair-with-staffer.html Indiana GOP Congressman to resign amid affair with staffer] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402115747/http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2010/05/indiana-gop-congressman-to-resign-amid-affair-with-staffer.html |date=April 2, 2015 }}, May 18, 2010, ABC News.</ref>

Souder was the Ranking Member on the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism. He was also a senior member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and the House Education and Labor Committee. Along with U.S. Rep. [[Brian Baird]] (D-WA), he was co-founder and co-chairman of the Congressional National Parks Caucus. He was also co-founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Drug Policy.<ref>{{cite web|author=David Epstein |url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2008/01/14/epstein-congress |title=David Epstein: Notes on Tuesday's Congressional hearing – Sports Illustrated |publisher=Si.com |date=January 14, 2008 |accessdate=September 27, 2022}}</ref> Until the start of the 110th Congress, Souder was chairman of the House Government Reform Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/659214458/?terms=%22mark%20souder%22%20%22government%20reform%22%20committee&match=1 |title=26 Aug 2006, 25 – The News and Observer at |publisher=Newspapers.com |date=August 26, 2006 |accessdate=September 27, 2022}}</ref>

In November 1997, Souder was one of eighteen Republicans in the House to co-sponsor [[1997 impeachment resolution by Bob Barr|a resolution]] by [[Bob Barr]] that sought to launch an [[Impeachment inquiry in the United States|impeachment inquiry]] against President [[Bill Clinton]].<ref name="pace1">{{cite news |last1=Pace |first1=David |title=17 in House seek probe to impeach president |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/498562556 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The Record | agency= The Associated Press |access-date=March 4, 2021 |language=en |date=November 6, 1997 |url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="hutcheson"/> The resolution did not specify any charges or allegations.<ref name="hutcheson">{{cite news |last1=Hutcheson |first1=Ron |title=Some House Republicans can't wait for elections |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/197738955 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=Asheville Citizen-Times |agency= Knight-Rider Newspapers |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=November 17, 1997}}</ref> This was an early effort to [[Federal impeachment in the United States|impeach]] Clinton, predating the eruption of the [[Clinton–Lewinsky scandal]]. The eruption of that scandal would ultimately lead to a more serious effort to impeach Clinton in 1998.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barkham |first1=Patrick |title=Clinton impeachment timeline |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/1998/nov/18/clinton.usa |website=The Guardian |access-date=March 6, 2021 |language=en |date=November 18, 1998}}</ref> On October 8, 1998, Souder voted in favor of legislation that was passed to open [[Impeachment inquiry against Bill Clinton|an impeachment inquiry]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Roll Call 498 Roll Call 498, Bill Number: H. Res. 581, 105th Congress, 2nd Session |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/1998498 |website=clerk.house.gov |publisher=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives |access-date=March 1, 2021 |language=en |date=October 8, 1998}}</ref> [[Impeachment of Bill Clinton|On December 19, 1998]], Souder voted in favor of one (and against three) of the four proposed articles of impeachment against Clinton (only two of which received the majority of votes needed to be adopted). The only article of impeachment that Souder voted in favor of adopting was the third article, which charged Clinton with [[obstruction of justice]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Roll Call 546 Roll Call 546, Bill Number: H. Res. 611, 105th Congress, 2nd Session |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/1998546 |website=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives |access-date=March 6, 2021 |language=en |date=December 19, 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Roll Call 545 Roll Call 545, Bill Number: H. Res. 611, 105th Congress, 2nd Session |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/1998545 |website=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives |access-date=March 6, 2021 |language=en |date=December 19, 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Roll Call 544 Roll Call 544, Bill Number: H. Res. 611, 105th Congress, 2nd Session |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/1998544 |website=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives |access-date=March 6, 2021 |language=en |date=December 19, 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Washington |first1=U. S. Capitol Room H154 |last2=p:225-7000 |first2=DC 20515-6601 |title=Roll Call 543 Roll Call 543, Bill Number: H. Res. 611, 105th Congress, 2nd Session |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/1998543 |website=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives |access-date=March 6, 2021 |language=en |date=December 19, 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=H.Res.611 – 105th Congress (1997–1998): Impeaching William Jefferson Clinton, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/105th-congress/house-resolution/611 |website=www.congress.gov |publisher=United States Congress |access-date=March 6, 2021 |date=February 12, 1999}}</ref>

In March 2006, President [[George W. Bush]] signed into law the [[Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act]], which represented the most comprehensive anti-methamphetamine legislation ever passed by Congress. Souder authored much of this law, which targets meth trafficking at local and state, national, and international levels.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/interviews/souder.html | title=The meth epidemic | website=[[PBS]] | date=February 14, 2006 }}</ref>

In December 2006, Bush signed into law the ONDCP Reauthorization Act, which Souder had authored and introduced. The law reauthorizes the office of "the [[Drug Czar#United States|Drug Czar]]" for five years.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.goshennews.com/news/local_news/recent-rep-souder-votes-outlined/article_d893e5f2-7f51-5e8c-b54f-1b1149ec431a.html | title=Recent Rep. Souder votes outlined | date=January 10, 2008 }}</ref>

===Committee assignments===
*[[United States House Committee on Homeland Security|Committee on Homeland Security]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/362252992/?terms=%22mark%20souder%22%20%22homeland%20security%22&match=1 |title=15 Feb 2003, 6 – The Courier-Journal at |publisher=Newspapers.com |date=February 15, 2003 |accessdate=October 2, 2022}}</ref>
**[[United States House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism|Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism]] (Ranking Member)
**[[United States House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment|Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment]]
*[[United States House Committee on Education and Labor|Committee on Education and Labor]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/265152477/?terms=souder%20%22%20Economic%20and%20Educational%20Opportunities%22&match=1 |title=10 Dec 1994, 5 – Journal and Courier at |publisher=Newspapers.com |date=December 10, 1994 |accessdate=October 2, 2022}}</ref>
**[[United States House Education Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education|Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education]]
**[[United States House Education Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness|Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness]]
*[[United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform|Committee on Oversight and Government Reform]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/265443990/?terms=%22mark%20souder%22%20oversight%20and%20government%20reform&match=1 |title=8 Jul 2008, 14 – Journal and Courier at |publisher=Newspapers.com |date=July 8, 2008 |accessdate=October 2, 2022}}</ref>
**[[United States House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Domestic Policy|Subcommittee on Domestic Policy]] (Vice Ranking Member)
**[[United States House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia|Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia]]
*Co-founder and Co-chairman of the National Parks Caucus<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/522265177/?terms=souder%20%22National%20Parks%20Caucus%22&match=1 |title=15 Mar 2005, 8 – The Evening Sun at |publisher=Newspapers.com |date=March 15, 2005 |accessdate=October 2, 2022}}</ref>

===Resignation===
On May 18, 2010, Souder announced he would resign from Congress effective Friday, May 21, after admitting to an affair with Tracy Meadows Jackson, a staffer.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100521065051/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gG1FTYolYkpS5NuRUB_yYVq_xiKgD9FPA09O0 Indiana Rep. Souder says he'll resign over affair] May 18, 2010, ''Associated Press.''</ref><ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/raw-data-prepared-remarks-by-indiana-rep-mark-souder/ RAW DATA: Prepared Remarks by Indiana Rep. Mark Souder] May 18, 2010 ''Fox News''</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Rep. Mark Souder to resign amid affair with staffer |work=Fox News |last=Pergram |first=Chad and Steve Brown. |date=May 18, 2010 |url=http://congress.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/05/18/fox-exclusive-rep-mark-souder-to-resign-amid-affair-with-staffer/ |access-date=May 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524021756/http://congress.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/05/18/fox-exclusive-rep-mark-souder-to-resign-amid-affair-with-staffer/ |archive-date=May 24, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="CILIZZA0518"/><ref name="SMITH0518">{{cite news |title=Citing 'relationship' with staffer, Souder to resign |last=Smith |first=Sylvia A. |work=Fort Wayne Journal Gazette |date=May 18, 2010 |url=http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20100518/NEWS07/100519554/1066/NEWS03 |archive-date=September 19, 2011 |access-date=May 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919184759/http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20100518/NEWS07/100519554/1066/NEWS03 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/05/18/2010-05-18_report_republican_rep_mark_souder_to_step_down_over_affair_with_female_staffer.html "Republican Rep Mark Souder to step down over affair with female staffer"], May 18, 2010, New York ''Daily News''.</ref> He and Jackson had made a television video in which they both extolled the virtues of abstinence.<ref>{{YouTube|id=FSxj5ITAbNE&playnext=1&list=PL7E2CDD499E028625}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://fortwaynehomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=25915 |title=Who is Tracy Jackson? - FortWayneHomepage.net |publisher=fortwaynehomepage.net |access-date=January 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723131411/http://fortwaynehomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=25915 |archive-date=July 23, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In a written statement released that morning, Souder said:

<blockquote>It is with great regret I announce that I am resigning from the U.S. House of Representatives as well as resigning as the Republican nominee for Congress in this fall's election. ... I sinned against God, my wife and my family by having a mutual relationship with a part time member of my staff. I am so shamed to have hurt those I love.<ref name="CILIZZA0518">{{cite news | last1=Cilizza |first1= Chris | first2=Aaron | last2=Burke | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/house/mark-souder-to-resign.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928233846/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/house/mark-souder-to-resign.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 28, 2011 | title=Mark Souder to resign after affair | date= May 18, 2010 | newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref></blockquote>

Souder deviated from his written statement when reading it aloud to the [[Fort Wayne]] press later in the morning to explain why, unlike many legislators admitting adultery, he did not have his wife of 30 years at his side:

<blockquote>I'm sick of politicians who drag their spouses up in front of the cameras rather than confronting the problem they caused.<ref>Smith, Sylvia. [http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20100518/NEWS07/100519554/1002/LOCAL "Souder to resign; cites 'relationship' with staffer"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521233954/http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20100518/NEWS07/100519554/1002/LOCAL |date=May 21, 2010 }}, May 18, 2010. ''Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette''.</ref></blockquote>

==Political positions and actions==
Souder said that an actual voting record in Congress is more valuable than claimed positions on issues. His 1994 issues profile is available in the project archives. The [[American Conservative Union]] gave him a lifetime rating of 90%.<ref>[http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?old=true&can_id=CNIP0687&npatform_id=0 Souder's responses to the 1994 Congressional National Political Awareness Test] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061016193534/http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?old=true&can_id=CNIP0687&npatform_id=0 |date=October 16, 2006 }}, Project VoteSmart, accessed October 29, 2006</ref>

===Influence of religion===
In 2004, Souder said in an interview that "the closer to the clearness of the [[Bible]], the less ability I should have to compromise. So I view, on [[abortion]], there's really not much room to compromise." He said, regarding Israel, "[T]he bottom line is, they're God's chosen people. He's going to stand with them. The question is: Are we going to stand with them?"<ref name="R&E">[https://web.archive.org/web/20040610150015/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week734/interview1.html "Interview: Congressman Mark Souder"], ''Religion & Ethics Newsweekly'', April 23, 2004</ref> Souder applied for [[non-combatant]] status during the [[Vietnam War]] on religious grounds. His draft number was never called.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/313281671/?terms=%22mark%20souder%22%20vietnam%20noncombatant&match=1 |title=28 Nov 1994, 2 |work=The Indianapolis News |via=Newspapers.com |date=November 28, 1994 |accessdate=September 27, 2022}}</ref>

===Illegal drugs===
Souder supported the [[war on drugs]]. He authored and advocated for the 1998 Aid Elimination Penalty (HEAEP), an amendment to the [[Higher Education Act of 1965|Higher Education Act]]. The provision suspends eligibility for federal financial aid to college students convicted of drug-related offenses, regardless of when those drug convictions occurred.<ref name=slate/><ref>[http://souder.house.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=67d0642f-7e9c-9af9-7e29-9140b8cb6929 Congressman Souder's Position] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070426000250/http://souder.house.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=67d0642f-7e9c-9af9-7e29-9140b8cb6929 |date=April 26, 2007 }}</ref> By 2006, the law had interfered with the financial aid of more than 9,000 Indiana students (one in every 200 applicants from that state). In almost all cases, the suspensions of eligibility for aid were based on applicants checking a box saying that they had a drug conviction, or failing to check the box saying that they do not, rather than an actual check of criminal records. Following an amendment in 2006, only students who are enrolled in college and receiving financial aid at the time of their conviction could have their aid suspended. Students could resume eligibility after a period of time (for example, after one year if convicted of possession of a controlled substance) or if they complete a drug rehabilitation program approved by the [[U.S. Department of Education]]. Before the 2006–2007 academic year, the provision could also apply to high school students, but this changed with the passage of the Deficit Reduction Act in 2001.<ref name=slate>[http://www.slate.com/id/2139803/ Just Check No?: A lie college students might want to tell], ''Slate'', April 13, 2006</ref> A 2013 research report by the [[National Bureau of Economic Research]] found the law had no impact on drug usage among young people, and that it acts as a strong deterrent to college attendance, severely limiting the ability of people to better their lives through education.<ref>{{cite report |last1=Lovenheim |first1=Michael F |last2=Owens |first2=Emily G |title=Does Federal Financial Aid Affect College Enrollment? Evidence from Drug Offenders and the Higher Education Act of 1998 |url=https://www.nber.org/papers/w18749 |publisher=National Bureau of Economic Research |date=2013 |doi=10.3386/w18749 |access-date=March 4, 2019 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

In early 2006, Souder added to a bill about the office of the drug czar, a provision calling for the fungus ''[[Fusarium oxysporum]]'' to be used as a biological control agent against drug crops in foreign countries. Several federal and state agencies have previously rejected such use of the fungus because it is highly prone to mutation.<ref>[https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg19025492.900-call-for-biowar-on-drugs.html Call for biowar on drugs], ''New Scientist'' 190(2549). April 29, 2006.  {{subscription required}}</ref>

===Online poker===
Souder advocated a federal prohibition of [[online poker]]. In 2006, he cosponsored {{USBill|109|H.R.|4411}}, the Goodlatte–Leach [[Internet Gambling Prohibition Act]] and {{USBill|109|H.R.|4777}}, the [[Internet Gambling Prohibition Act]].

===Kelty endorsement===
In October 2007, in the [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]] mayoral race, Souder endorsed fellow Republican [[Matt Kelty]]. Souder, however, withdrew his official support for Kelty in October 2007 because of Kelty's campaign finance law problems and a birthday cake frosted with a crude joke<ref>{{cite news |title= Kelty contrite after 'wicked' poke with cake |first= Benjamin |last= Lanka |work= The Journal Gazette |date= October 9, 2007 |location= Fort Wayne, Indiana |url= http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071009/LOCAL/710090345/1002/LOCAL }}</ref> which was given to Kelty by several Republicans and garnered controversy. Souder said that the joke cake was "immature".<ref>[https://fortwayneindiana.blogspot.com/2007/10/congressman-souder-disses-matt-kelty.html Congressman Souder Disses Matt Kelty], October 11, 2007, ''Fort Wayne Left''</ref>

==Election history==
{{see also|2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Indiana#District 3}}
In his initial campaign for Congress in 1994, Souder pledged his support for term-limit legislation.<ref>Andrea Stone, [https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-04-12-term-limits_x.htm "Term-limit pledges get left behind"], ''USAToday'', April 12, 2006</ref> He served four terms (1995–2003) representing Indiana's 4th congressional district. In 2002, after redistricting based on the 2000 census, Souder was elected to represent Indiana's 3rd congressional district.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/362104050/?terms=%22mark%20souder%22&match=1 |title=6 Nov 2002, 61 – The Courier-Journal at |publisher=Newspapers.com |date=November 6, 2002 |accessdate=September 27, 2022}}</ref>

In 2004, the 3rd district re-elected Souder 69%–31% against [[Maria Parra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/127369378/?terms=%22mark%20souder%22%20%22Maria%20parra%22&match=1 |title=The Indianapolis Star 03 Nov 2004, page Page 12 |publisher=Newspapers.com |date=November 3, 2004 |accessdate=September 27, 2022}}</ref> In the 2006 general election, Souder's Democratic opponent was Fort Wayne City Councilman and military veteran Tom Hayhurst, an [[Doctor of Medicine|MD]]. Souder won 54% to 46%, carrying all eight counties in his congressional district.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/126791493/?terms=%22mark%20souder%22&match=1 |title=8 Nov 2006, Page A9 – The Indianapolis Star at |publisher=Newspapers.com |date= |accessdate=September 27, 2022}}</ref>

In 2008, Souder was re-elected to an eighth term in the U.S. House. Souder defeated Democrat [[Mike Montagano]] and Libertarian William Larsen.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/698450348/?terms=%22mark%20souder%22%20%22%20Mike%20Montagano%22&match=1 |title=5 Nov 2008, 4 – The Times-Mail at |publisher=Newspapers.com |date=November 5, 2008 |accessdate=September 27, 2022}}</ref>

{{Election box begin | title= 2008 General election, Indiana's District 3 }}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Republican Party (United States)
  |candidate  = '''Mark Souder''' ([[incumbent]])
  |votes      = 155,693
  |percentage = 55%
  |change     = 
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Democratic Party (United States)
  |candidate  = [[Mike Montagano]]
  |votes      = 112,309
  |percentage = 40%
  |change     = 
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Libertarian Party (United States)
  |candidate  = William Larsen
  |votes      = 14,877
  |percentage = 5%
  |change     = 
}}
{{Election box turnout
  |votes      = 282,879
  |percentage = 61%
  |change     = 
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
  |winner     = Republican Party (United States)
  |swing      = 
}}
{{Election box end}}

Souder's resignation prompted the [[2010 Indiana's 3rd congressional district special election]], which coincided with that year's [[2010 United States House of Representatives elections|regular elections]]. Souder was succeeded by Republican [[Marlin Stutzman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=651548|title=Our Campaigns – IN – District 03 – Special Election Race – Nov 02, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Hansen |first1=Karen |title=Red Tide: A GOP wave washed over state legislatures on Election Day |url=https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/red-tide.aspx |publisher=[[National Conference of State Legislatures]] |access-date=September 30, 2022 |date=December 2010}}</ref>

==Later life==
After his resignation, Souder and his wife, Diane, returned to their home in rural [[Allen County, Indiana]].<ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.wane.com/top-stories/former-congressman-mark-souder-dies-at-72/|title = Former Congressman Mark Souder dies at 72|publisher = [[WANE-TV]]|last = Rowley|first = Dirk|date = September 26, 2022|accessdate = September 26, 2022}}</ref> He co-wrote a book about the history of local television in Fort Wayne, which was published in 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.fwbusiness.com/news/latest/article_6e442bc0-282e-5ba0-8321-08e73ad50a10.html|title = New Book documents 65 years of Fort Wayne television|last = Morrissey|first = Michael|work = Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly|date = November 27, 2020|accessdate = September 27, 2022}}</ref> He also wrote columns for the website ''Howey Politics Indiana''.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://howeypolitics.com/Content/Columns/Brian-Howey/Article/Brian-Howey-Mark-Souder-s-conservative-legacy/10/21/31653|title = Brian Howey: Mark Souder's conservative legacy|last = Howey|first = Brian|work = Howey Politics Indiana|date = October 3, 2022|accessdate = October 3, 2022|archive-date = October 4, 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221004144524/https://howeypolitics.com/Content/Columns/Brian-Howey/Article/Brian-Howey-Mark-Souder-s-conservative-legacy/10/21/31653|url-status = dead}}</ref>

Souder was diagnosed with [[pancreatic cancer]] in January 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wpta21.com/2022/01/22/former-congressman-souder-updates-cancer-fight/|title=Former congressman Souder updates cancer fight|date=January 22, 2022 |publisher=WPTA21|accessdate=January 24, 2022}}</ref> He died of the disease on September 26, 2022, at age 72.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.wpta21.com/2022/09/26/former-congressman-souder-passes-following-cancer-diagnosis/|title = Former congressman Souder passes following cancer diagnosis|publisher = [[WPTA]]|date = September 26, 2022|accessdate = September 26, 2022}}</ref>

== Books ==
* {{cite book|last1 = Souder|first1 = Mark|last2 = Long|first2 = Melissa|last3 = Herron|first3 = Heather|year = 2021|title = Television in Fort Wayne 1953 to 2018|isbn = 978-1949478747|publisher = M.T. Publishing Company}}

==See also==
*[[List of federal political sex scandals in the United States]]

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* {{CongLinks | congbio=s001143 | votesmart=21780 | fec=H4IN04099 | congress= }}<!--
Links formerly displayed via the CongLinks template:
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?cid=N00003844 Financial information (federal office)] at [[Center for Responsive Politics|OpenSecrets.org]]
* [http://www.ontheissues.org/IN/Mark_Souder.htm Issue positions and quotes] at [[On the Issues]]
* -->
* [http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20060601221749/http://www.ssdp.org/campaigns/hea Higher Education Act Drug Provision]
* {{C-SPAN|36600}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-par|us-hs}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Jill Long Thompson]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the [[List of United States Representatives from Indiana|U.S. House of Representatives]]<br />from [[Indiana's 4th congressional district]]|years=1995–2003}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Steve Buyer]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[Tim Roemer]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the [[List of United States Representatives from Indiana|U.S. House of Representatives]]<br />from [[Indiana's 3rd congressional district]]|years=2003–2010}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Marlin Stutzman]]}}
|-
{{s-end}}
{{USCongRep-start|congresses= 104th–111th [[United States Congress]] |state=[[Indiana]]}}
{{USCongRep/IN/104}}
{{USCongRep/IN/105}}
{{USCongRep/IN/106}}
{{USCongRep/IN/107}}
{{USCongRep/IN/108}}
{{USCongRep/IN/109}}
{{USCongRep/IN/110}}
{{USCongRep/IN/111}}
{{USCongRep-end}}
{{IndianaUSRepresentatives}}
{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Souder, Mark}}
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[[Category:Businesspeople from Indiana]]
[[Category:Deaths from pancreatic cancer]]
[[Category:Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne alumni]]
[[Category:Place of death missing]]
[[Category:Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Indiana]]
[[Category:Sex scandals in the United States]]
[[Category:United States congressional aides]]
[[Category:University of Notre Dame alumni]]
[[Category:Writers from Indiana]]
[[Category:People from Allen County, Indiana]]
[[Category:20th-century United States representatives]]
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