Career
Van Houwelingen was born in Leerdam. He belonged to the left wing of his parties. From 1973 to 1981 and from 1989 to 1994 he was an Member of Parliament, dealing with economics, energy and environment.
From 1981 to 1989 he was State Secretary of Defense, dealing with matters of personnel and material in the Second and Third Van Agt cabinet and also in the First and Second Lubbers cabinet.
From 1994 to 2003 he was Mayor of Haarlemmermeer.
