Ike advises clients on a variety of legal and public policy issues, especially matters relating to national defense, small business and international trade.
Prior to joining the firm as Partner, Ike served as the U.S. Representative from Missouri’s Fourth District (1977-2011). As U.S. Representative, Ike’s focus was on issues involving jobs and the economy, the war in Afghanistan, military health insurance reform and standing up for the U.S. men and women in uniform.
He also served as the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee from 2007 until his departure. He also served on the Small Business Committee as Subcommittee Chair for Procurement, International Trade and Technology.
State voters first chose Ike to represent them in 1971 for a seat in the Missouri Senate. He held this position until joining the U.S. House in 1977. He began his career when he was elected County Prosecutor and later served as a special assistant Missouri attorney.
Ike was instrumental in the enactment of the Goldwater-Nichols Act, which simplified the chains of command, reduced inter-service rivalries and implemented shared procurement processes between the branches.
He also played an active role in bringing the B-2 Stealth Bomber to Whiteman Air Force Base and the Army Engineer, Chemical and Military Police Schools to Fort Leonard Wood, both located in Missouri’s Fourth District.
More recently, Ike drafted and helped institute the Weapons Acquisition Systems Reform Act, reform-minded legislation that overhauls the defense procurement process and provides additional checks against cost overruns and schedule changes.
In addition, Ike is a frequent keynote speaker on topics that include national security.