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SUPPORTING SOUTHWEST We cannot ignore the possibility of
FLORIDA’S VETERANS AND
MILITARY PERSONNEL
Supporting the approximately
100,000 veterans and active military
personnel in our district, amongst the
highest number in any of America’s
Congressional districts, is one of my
highest priorities.
I consistently vote to improve
funding for our military, active and
retired, in appropriations bills. When our country sends brave
individuals into harm’s way, we must provide them the very best
equipment in the field.
For those who have already served, I’ve cosponsored bills
and resolutions to ensure they receive the benefits they so richly
deserve. I’m committed to seek corrections for the failings in the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Participating in dozens of events honoring our veterans,
including the Honor Flights that welcome WWII veterans to
Southwest Florida, and in Veterans Day events that celebrate the
brave men and women who have served our country, is a small
token of the appreciation I feel for those who secure our freedom.
I take great pride in selecting the best possible candidates from
our community to attend our nation’s service academies. This is a
responsibility I take very seriously. I want to thank the candidates
and the members of the review board who help in the selection
process.
PROTECTING SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S
ENVIRONMENT, WATER RESOURCES,
BEACHES, AND THE EVERGLADES
It was awareness of the dirty water released from the
Caloosahatchee River into the Gulf that led me into public service
back in 2013. Progress in these areas is a personal passion and
commitment of mine.
Our nation needs to adopt economically friendly policies that
enable private sector investment and job creation,preserve property
values, and bring good-paying jobs to our area. Protecting our
rivers, water resources, Southwest Florida beaches, and preserving
the unique ecosystems of the Florida Everglades, must always be
top priorities.
I’ve introduced several important amendments, and supported
a variety of other bills, to help our district and the state in these throughout 2016.
regards.Two of the most important pieces of legislation would: (1)
secure $123,000,000 for Southern Florida ecosystem restoration
and $64,000,000 for seepage control at Herbert Hoover Dike,
near Lake Okeechobee and (2) ban the use of federal funds for oil
drilling exploration in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.
SERVING THE HOUSE
FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
During these challenging times, it has been an honor to serve
on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee – engaging in issues
you read about every day: the defense of Israel; refugee crises,
Life in Naples | January 2016
“ threats to our country from illegal
”migrants, or from un-vetted refugees.
religious persecutions, genocide, civil wars, and barbarian atrocities in
the Middle East, Africa, and elsewhere; nuclear negotiations with Iran;
and Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the Middle East.
I actively promote America’s partnership with Israel, an alliance
essential not only to the future of both nations, but to the security and
liberties of the civilized world. I’ve spoken out and voted against the
flawed nuclear agreement with Iran.
Recent atrocities in Paris, Mali, the Sinai, and even here at home
– remind us that the world is a dangerous place, and that extremists
threaten free people everywhere. To defeat the forces of evil, we need a
comprehensive strategy, a clear path to victory, with active involvement
of ground troops from the countries in the Middle East; those most
threatened. Moving forward in what will be a long struggle; we must end
wasteful spending of U.S. taxpayer dollars, and end the disproportionate
sacrifice of American blood and treasure.
PROTECTING CITIZENS AT HOME – SERVING ON
THE HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE
Congress must deal with the economic and security issues that result
from a poorly secured border. We cannot ignore the possibility of threats
to our country from illegal migrants, or from un-vetted refugees. I will
continue to work to block funds for existing or further executive orders
that threaten our security.
Protecting our national security extends beyond our borders. I’ve
challenged the DHS Secretary to fully leverage the strength of our
U.S. markets and financial infrastructure to improve China’s behavior
regarding cybersecurity. We must prevent hacking and cyber attacks.
Congress must also work to ensure that our district receives the
funding due from the federal government. We helped Collier County
retain about $9 million in funding from FEMA. We’ve also sponsored
an amendment during committee to pave the way for our Southwest
Florida International Airport to receive reimbursement for installing
explosive detection systems.
WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR
In closing, my team and I hope you and your families enjoyed
the blessings of this past Holiday Season, and wish you the very best
On a very personal note, I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring
of condolences after the passing of my Mom, Cherie, this past July.
Thank you.
As always, please let us know how we can better serve you. Call us in
Washington, D.C. or in one of our district offices – or stop by and say
“hi” when you are out and about. And please visit our website at: www.
clawson.house.gov
Congressman Clawson represents Florida’s 19th District in the U.S.
House of Representatives. He serves on the House Foreign Affairs and House
Homeland Security Committees. He is the former CEO of Hayes Lemmerz
International, the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive wheels.
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