It’s a new day in the US Congress

by Congressman Curt Clawson

On November 4th I was honored and humbled to be re-elected to the US Congress. During this season of thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the broad support received throughout our district. I want to assure all my constituents – whether you voted for me or not – that my team and I will continue to serve you with integrity and to the best of our
abilities.

I want to congratulate others elected, including Governor Scott – and to thank all who ran for their willingness to serve.

This election was about choices. The American people rejected current trends and elected Republicans to lead both Houses of Congress. This presents an important new opportunity– and an obligation – for your representatives to reshape US policies.

I’d like to share my thoughts on the overall national picture – and indicate where I intend to focus.

After years of partisan gridlock, Congress must seize this moment, unite, and address the enormous and complex tasks before us – presenting a clear vision for America in the decades ahead. We must advocate opportunity for all and peace through strength – following the Constitutional principles of free market capitalism and limited federal government that made America the greatest nation on earth.

In recent years, 383 bills passed the House only to be ignored by the Senate’s Democrat leadership. This will not happen in 2015 and 2016. Now that the election is over, it is time to get to work.

Our focus should be on jobs and national security.

Progress will require far more unity in Congress. The American people need pragmatic solutions; not political bickering. We need Republicans, working together with Democrats, to get much-needed legislation onto the President’s desk; undeterred by concerns about possible vetoes.

At home we need “smart growth” policies to restore economic growth and jobs – preserving America as the world’s best place for investment – while protecting natural treasures like the Florida Everglades. We need policies that help rather than hinder American companies on the world stage. We need to move toward sustainable North American energy independence.

We need tax and regulatory reforms to revive the entrepreneurial spirit currently dampened by government intervention. To truly enable free enterprise, we must also end
influences of special interest groups, unnecessary regulations, and crony capitalism. We need reforms that will encourage US companies to bring home some of the $2 trillion in profits being held overseas. My team is strong and will focus here.

One of the greatest detriments to economic growth and job creation is Obamacare – and the worst is yet to come. Only a limited number of Americans are currently signed onto the government exchanges. If the employer mandate takes effect next year, tens of millions will lose their current doctors; while facing higher premiums and higher deductibles.

Six years ago there were problems with America’s healthcare system – but Obamacare was absolutely the wrong solution. Obamacare cannot be fixed with Band-Aids. We must strike it from the books and replace it with more programmatic, patient-centric solutions. Washington needs to partner with the states to assist those who cannot afford
to pay for their healthcare. And we need to deal with portability of insurance throughout life, pre-existing conditions, and much needed tort reform. America has spoken here, and I will vote for repeal and replacement of Obamacare.

We must also tackle America’s immigration issues. America is a land created by immigrants – a place where anyone from anywhere can succeed, regardless of race, religion, sex, or nation of origin. We must remain committed to legal immigration – open to those who play by the rules and enter the US seeking their own American Dream. We must end illegal immigration, beginning with border security and unwavering enforcement of current laws. Only after securing the border can we deal firmly, but compassionately, with those twelve million individuals already living in the United States. This will require bi-partisan support.

Internationally, Americans are growing increasingly concerned about failing US foreign policy. The next Congress must lead in defining a “peace-through-strength” vision to be followed by our current President and by his successors.

To begin, Congress must end sequestration and restore America’s military and intelligence capabilities – To preserve America’s leadership of the world.

We must also address the global threats of Islamic extremism. America must lead a broad, sustainable, diverse coalition of nations in a long term strategic plan to 1) contain and deter the spread of this cancer, 2) deal with its root causes, and 3) move step-by-step to eliminate it from the globe. In this struggle we must insist on shared funding from the rest of the world – and must end the disproportionate sacrifice of American blood and treasure. And we need to stand with our ally Israel.

During the 114th Congress I will vote in support of the above ideas, focusing on those where I can apply my business experience, passion for the environment, and leadership talents to make a difference.

In closing I wish you and your families a blessed and joyful Christmas season – and ask for your continued prayers and support in the work that lies ahead.