Page 29 - August 2015 Life In Naples Magazine

PRACTICAL LEGISLATION: We “Applying a business background
support, cosponsor, and vote for practical
solutions and smart governance ideas, using
our team’s extensive private sector experience
and fresh business perspectives. We focus on
legislation that will help grow our economy
and move us toward a balanced budget.
Towards this goal, I supported the
2016 GOP Budget – the first budget
passed through the House in six years.The
budget wasn’t perfect – but businesses need
predictability to invest and grow. I’ve supported six appropriations
bills, offering amendments that will help our district wherever
possible. I’ve also supported the Keystone XL Pipeline to help grow
our economy and create jobs.
With respect to foreign policy, national security, and border issues,
I’ve been an active Member of both the Homeland Security and
Foreign Affairs Committees in the U.S. House, and I’ve cosigned
every resolution and voted yes on all legislation supporting the State
of Israel.
I’ve sponsored or cosponsored 117 resolutions and pieces of
legislation, and I’ve cast over 600 votes – in pursuit of policies of
practical governance; while always sticking to core conservative values.
FAIRNESS FOR ALL: Applying a business background in
bringing together various stakeholders (employees, shareholders,
unions, boards of directors, customers, suppliers), I’m working hard to
help the Republican Party win the fairness arguments on all matters.
I’ve been speaking out and promoting positions that support the idea
that all stakeholders deserve, and must have, a seat at the table – on all
aspects of governance.
Recently, I introduced an amendment and led the discussion on
the need to prevent foreign currency manipulation in all future trade
deals – in fairness to the millions of world-class American workers
who have lost or still might lose their jobs to this unfair practice.
During various immigration debates, I’ve made the argument
that amnesty or special treatment of illegal migrants is unfair to the
millions of Americans, including legal immigrants, who are either
unemployed or struggling to make ends meet.
I’ve also opposed any deals with Cuba’s Castro brothers – arguing
that any deal must include a fair accounting for the U.S. citizens
who’ve lost land to the Castros.
CONSTITUENT SERVICE: We pledge to selflessly and
passionately serve the best interests of all of the residents of our
district. Wherever federal involvement is appropriate, my office works
in partnership with colleagues in federal agencies, and with state
and local officials, to assist the citizens of Florida 19. We are keenly
focused on the needs of the almost 100,000 military veterans who
reside in our district. We are especially involved with programs and
actions that protect the Everglades, our water resources, our beaches,
wildlife, waterways, and the ecosystem that makes Southwest Florida
such a magnificent place in which to live.
Toward this goal, I’ve co-sponsored two bills and authored
Life in Naples | August • September • October 2015
in bringing together various
stakeholders (employees,
shareholders, unions, boards of
directors, customers, suppliers),
I’m working hard to help the
”Republican Party win the fairness
arguments on all matters.
an amendment to another bill to increase federal funding for the
restoration and preservation of the Everglades. I’ve focused on projects
critical to the flow of clean water from Lake Okeechobee, through
the Caloosahatchee River, and into the Gulf. We have supported
projects of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
other federal agencies, and a dozen local environmental groups in
Florida – securing $5 million in extra funding.
I’ve opposed drilling in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and
cosponsored an amendment to prevent drilling there after the current
ban (through 2022) expires.
Valuing the advice of health officials in Lee and Collier Counties, I
supported the SGR or “doc fix” to Medicare, so critical to funding and
assuring medical coverage for our tens of thousands of senior citizens.
I’ve supported legislation dealing with FAA funds for TSA
services and Flight Towers for our local airports.
My impressive, hard-working team in our Lee and Collier offices
and on Capitol Hill has processed several hundred immigration,
veterans’ affairs, and other cases within our district, and they’ve
responded to thousands of emails, letters, and phone calls from our
constituents.
It’s been a terrific first year. And while I aligned with conservatives
for a change in leadership in the House, and voted NO on several key
votes as I stood firm for conservative principles, I have consistently
voted YES on legislation that moves our nation in a positive direction
during these challenging times. I’ve also reached across the political
aisle on practical issues of governance. For example, I’ve cosponsored
Amendments on the trade bill and on Everglades funding with
like-minded Democrats. I’ve also met with and will collaborate with
Senator Nelson on issues important to the Everglades and toward the
prevention of off-shore drilling.
Following the address I gave to the nation on behalf of the Tea
Party following the President’s 2015 State of the Union Address, the
National Journal gave my office high praise for our positive impact on
changing the debate in Washington. Other groups like the Heritage
Foundation, Freedom Works, Eagle Forum, and Club for Growth
have consistently ranked us very favorably amongst my peers.
Please let my team know how we can better serve you. Call us in
Washington, in one of our district offices, or stop by and say “hi” when
you are out and about.
Mr. Clawson represents Florida’s 19th District in the U.S. House of
Representatives. He is the former CEO of Hayes Lemmerz International,
the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive wheels.
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