Congressman Kirk grew up in the 10th District and recounts an early brush with death as shaping his future and leading to a career in public service. At age 16, he nearly drowned in Lake Michigan and would later tell the Chicago Tribune, "To be given a second chance means it has to mean something. For me, that means making a difference through public service."

Representative Kirk began his career in government in 1984 as an aide to his predecessor Congressman John Edward Porter, eventually serving as his Chief of Staff. He later served in the World Bank, the State Department, the law firm of Baker & McKenzie, and as legislative counsel for the U.S. House International Relations Committee.

Congressman Kirk is a Naval Reserve intelligence officer who served during conflicts with Iraq, Haiti, and Bosnia. He has served four tours at sea and three in Panama. Kirk holds the rank of Commander and in 1999 the U.S. Navy named him 'Intelligence Officer of the Year' for his combat service over Kosovo.

Kirk is the only member of Congress to serve stateside during Operation Iraqi Freedom and was an air crewman over Iraq protecting the northern no-fly zone as part of Operation Northern Watch. Commander Kirk continues to serve one weekend a month in the Pentagon.

Since taking office, Congressman Kirk focused on issues important to his 10th District constituents including: securing $55 million to expand Chicago area's Metra North Central commuter rail line and saving the North Chicago Veterans Hospital from closure by arranging a merger with Great Lakes Naval Training Center's Navy Hospital. When youth violence shocked Chicago's north shore communities, Congressman Kirk convinced the owner of the Chicago Bulls to build a community basketball facility in North Chicago.

Congressman Kirk introduced legislation to reduce mercury pollution in Lake Michigan, Mercury Pollution Reduction Act, and was recognized by the League of Conservation Voters as one of the top environmental Republicans in the House. On the aviation security bill enacted after September 11, Congressman Kirk contributed provisions to the law, including the requirement that airport baggage screeners be United States citizens.

Representative Kirk graduated from New Trier High School and attended the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico before earning a B.A. with honors from Cornell University. He holds a Master's Degree from the London School of Economics and once worked for a member of Parliament. Kirk earned a law degree from Georgetown and conducted military or official missions to more than 40 countries.

Congressman Kirk and his wife, Kimberly, live in Highland Park.