Seventh-day Adventist U.S. Congressman Roscoe G. Bartlett has been named one of the 500 most influential people in United States foreign policy by the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA), a non-partisan international affairs system.

Each person’s influence is determined by their impact on broad national opinion through their prominence, their writings, public presentations, media appearances, and their influence on government decision-makers. Within government, this influence derives from holding key foreign policy-making position and using those roles effectively.

The WACA is composed of 80 councils and 26 affiliated organisations with 434,000 participants. It reaches over 20 million people each year through its 2,500 events, radio, TV, and school programs. Its purpose is “to determine the 500 people whose views have the most influence in shaping American foreign policy.”

Congressman Bartlett (Republican, Maryland) is a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and chair of its Subcommittee on Projection Forces. He also serves on its Terrorism Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee. One of three scientists in the Congress, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Due to his experience, he also serves on the Small Business Committee.

As devout Seventh-day Adventist Christian, strong moral values and spiritual faith have had a major influence on Bartlett’s life and education. Asked about his goal as a Congressman, Dr. Bartlett says: "I'm not interested in politics, but I'm interested in my country. I am a conservative who wants to help restore the limited federal government envisioned and established in the Constitution by our nation's founders. I want to ensure that future generations of Americans will have the same opportunities for success that I did." He frequently quotes from the Constitution which he carries at all times for guidance in crafting national policy. "Upholding the Constitution, including the entire Bill of Rights, and maintaining a strong defense should be our priorities. If we don't get these priorities right, nothing else will matter."

Bartlett is among only 73 House members to appear on the list. Other government officials in the 500 include President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and Secretary of State Colin Powell.