Jane Margaret Lakes Harman (born June 28, 1945), is a seven-term Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing California's 36th congressional district. It was reported in September 2008 that she is the richest member of Congress with over $160 million in assets.

Harman, was born Jane Margaret Lakes in New York City, the daughter of Lucille Geier and Adolph. N. Lakes. Her father escaped Nazi Germany and worked as a medical doctor. Harman attended Los Angeles public schools, graduating from University High School in 1962. She received a bachelor's degree from Smith College in 1966 and was Phi Beta Kappa. Harman continued her studies at Harvard Law School, earning her law degree in 1969.

After graduation from law school, Jane Harman began her political career in Washington, D.C. by serving as chief counsel and staff director for the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitutional Rights. She served in that position until moving over to the Executive Branch of government serving as special counsel to the Department of Defense, and as Deputy Secretary of the Cabinet, both positions in the Carter Administration. She held a brief teaching position at UCLA, as Regent's Professor, during her brief absence from the House of Representatives.