Newsletter: The Webster Wire - Widgets, Principles, and Republicans

Statement

Dear Friend,

Last week, I spoke with several of our local reporters to share with them the legislative process that I envision for a productive and principled Congress. The Orlando Sentinel wrote an article about my white paper entitled "Widgets, Principles, and Republicans," in which I lay out my desire for a legislative process based on principle rather than power. The Ledger ran an editorial, affirming that "Webster was right to push for a return to normal legislative sausage-making, because the current method is certainly painful to watch."

In the national news, the Washington, D.C. newspaper, The Hill, asked to write a profile piece that included the work I had done as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and Majority Leader in our state senate. Although the headline was flattering: Run for Speaker makes Webster a rock star, I was happier about the opportunity to share my goals for a "member-driven process," where we include every Member of Congress and seek to make them successful on behalf of their constituents.

It was an honor to once again participate in a Home at Last home dedication ceremony in Oakland this weekend. Marine Sgt. Stephen Tovet was injured by an IED explosion while serving on his fourth deployment to Afghanistan, resulting in the amputation of his left leg and part of his hand. The Home at Last program just completed building a mortgage-free home in Oakland for this hero, and I was privileged to present a flag that I had flown over the Capitol in his honor, and officially welcome the Tovet family into our community.

Last weekend, the Clermont-Minneola Lions Club hosted their organizational district meeting, and I was glad to join Nick Jones, the incoming president of the club, in welcoming the Lions Club leadership from around the state and congratulating them for their community service. In honor of their services to our community, I gave the Clermont-Minneola club a flag flown over the Capitol as a commemorative token of appreciation for all the volunteer hours they have provided.

Legislative Update:

Last week, the House of Representatives passed several important pieces of legislation. First, I voted to support H.R. 203, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act, which will hold the government accountable for offering the mental health attention that many of our veterans require and deserve. This bill passed the House unanimously last Congress, but stalled in the Senate. I am hopeful new Senate leadership will make it a priority.

I also voted for H.R. 33, the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act, legislation that will ensure emergency service volunteers can continue to operate and serve their communities without being unnecessarily constrained under the Affordable Care Act. Rather than placing an extra burden on our local municipalities, this legislation will exempt volunteer emergency service personnel from the employee restraints created within Obamacare.

Lastly, H.R. 185 calls for a more transparent process of writing federal rules and guidance that will impact our jobs and pocketbooks. The Regulatory Accountability Act of 2015 will restrain the Executive Branch from circumventing public input and congressional oversight by issuing major policy changes through guidance documents, a loophole I have long advocated for closing. Last year, I sponsored legislation to close this loophole and spoke with the House Committee on the Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte about the problems this unaccountable process holds. I am pleased that he agreed and included these changes in this bill.

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress

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