8/4/2019 Webster - Clipbook http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/webster-clipbook 1/18 DANIEL WEBSTER (FL-08) Top Headlines • Democrats blast Webster for non-public meeting [Orlando Sentinel, 12/1/11] Top Quotes Top Videos Editorials Palm Beach Post: This idea doesn't hold water In August 2011, the Palm Beach Post criticized the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act saying: “Bashing the Environmental Protection Agency has been a GOP theme since the party took control of the House this year. In July, the House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, that would leave regulation of water quality to the states. Republican members of the Florida delegation, along with most state politicians, oppose the EPA's proposed standards for the state's rivers, lakes and streams - even though the Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposed essentially the same standards in 2009. Given the rhetoric, it's hard to believe that protecting the environment once was a strongly bipartisan issue […] Congress recognized that water and air pollution don't observe state lines, and put the federal government in charge of stopping both. Reactionary revisionists who want to turn back the clock ignore history and reality.” [Palm Beach Post, editorial,9/6/11] Miami Herald: House attempt to gut EPA’s enforcement of clean-water rules is dangerous In July 2011, the Miami Herald penned an editorial criticizing legislation in the house to prevent the EPA from imposing stricter water quality standards on states. According to the Miami Herald, “Clean water is not a jobs killer — certainly not in Florida, which counts on its beaches and natural assets to lure millions of tourists and billions of dollars here. Yet U.S. Reps. John Mica, an Orlando-area Republican, and Nick Rahall, a West Virginia Democrat, have sponsored a bill that seeks to gut the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate water quality, wetlands protection and the removal of mountain tops in coal mining […] Clean water doesn’t have state boundaries. The reason the EPA was created and the Clean Water Act was strengthened in 1972 was the confusing patchwork of state-by-state water rules that allowed governors and legislatures to curry favor with big industries in their states and permitted uses with disastrous consequences […] The legislation, HB 2018, is being hailed as a “state-federal partnership” that will help states create jobs. This is laughable if it weren’t so frightening […] Make no mistake. This legislation would hamstring the EPA from overruling any state’s vague water-quality limits or ensuring dredge permits are feasible even when there
Top Headlines• Democrats blast Webster for non-public meeting [Orlando Sentinel, 12/1/11]
Top Quotes
Top Videos
Editorials
Palm Beach Post: This idea doesn't hold water
In August 2011, the Palm Beach Post criticized the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act saying:“Bashing the Environmental Protection Agency has been a GOP theme since the party took control of theHouse this year. In July, the House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, thatwould leave regulation of water quality to the states. Republican members of the Florida delegation, alongwith most state politicians, oppose the EPA's proposed standards for the state's rivers, lakes and streams -even though the Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposed essentially the same standardsin 2009. Given the rhetoric, it's hard to believe that protecting the environment once was a strongly bipartisan issue […] Congress recognized that water and air pollution don't observe state lines, and put thefederal government in charge of stopping both. Reactionary revisionists who want to turn back the clock
ignore history and reality.” [Palm Beach Post, editorial, 9/6/11]
Miami Herald: House attempt to gut EPA’s enforcement of clean-water rules is dangerous
In July 2011, the Miami Herald penned an editorial criticizing legislation in the house to prevent the EPAfrom imposing stricter water quality standards on states.
According to the Miami Herald, “Clean water is not a jobs killer — certainly not in Florida, which countson its beaches and natural assets to lure millions of tourists and billions of dollars here. Yet U.S. Reps.John Mica, an Orlando-area Republican, and Nick Rahall, a West Virginia Democrat, have sponsored a bill that seeks to gut the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate water quality, wetlands
protection and the removal of mountain tops in coal mining […] Clean water doesn’t have state boundaries. The reason the EPA was created and the Clean Water Act was strengthened in 1972 was theconfusing patchwork of state-by-state water rules that allowed governors and legislatures to curry favor with big industries in their states and permitted uses with disastrous consequences […] The legislation,HB 2018, is being hailed as a “state-federal partnership” that will help states create jobs. This is laughableif it weren’t so frightening […] Make no mistake. This legislation would hamstring the EPA fromoverruling any state’s vague water-quality limits or ensuring dredge permits are feasible even when there
is evidence of contamination. Under HB 2018, the misnamed Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act,the EPA could not veto a state’s assessment of a project unless the state agrees. In effect, outdated staterules on water-quality standards, requirements for dumping waste or trash would no longer have to answer to federal oversight […] The GOP-led House, apparently embracing tea-party hysteria about federaloverreach, needs a reality check.” [Miami Herald, editorial, 7/11/11]
Bradenton Herald: House bill restricting EPA water rules wrong
In July 2011, the Bradenton Herald wrote an editorial criticizing legislation in the house to prevent theEPA from imposing stricter water quality standards on states.
According to the Bradenton Herald, “The U.S. House of Representatives took a wrong turn last week with passage of a measure that would restrict the Environmental Protection Agency from imposing stricter water quality standards on states […]The bill’s sponsor, Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, argued that thefederal agency exceeded its authority in the enforcement of the Clean Water Act. Such governmentoverreach would be too costly on public water treatment plants and private polluters, bill supportersmaintain. This is a disservice to Florida’s fragile and polluted waterways -- coming at a time when a toxicgreen slime covered the Caloosahatchee River near Alva. Such disgusting algae blooms, caused bysewage, manure and fertilizer pollution, kill marine life, contaminate drinking water supplies and force beach closures over the public health threat […] While proponents of the congressional measure assertedtougher EPA enforcement would kill jobs, clean water creates and saves jobs. Polluted rivers, lakes and bays kill jobs in the tourism and fishing industries, which, in turn, kills other jobs that depend on incomefrom those two economic powerhouses. The Clean Water Act came about in 1972 because states spurned pollution regulations. [Bradenton Herald, 7/22/11]
Budget Issues
Webster Supported Balanced Budget Amendment and Urged Reduced Spending
In November 2011, Webster released a statement on government spending and the balanced budgetamendment.
“For too long, unchecked spending in Washington has crippled our nation’s financial security andhindered economic expansion. It is time to make sure Washington starts showing spending restraint, and a balanced budget amendment will hold lawmakers accountable to this critical task. As a member of theBalanced Budget Amendment Task force, I carefully considered initiatives to rein in Washington’sspending problem and determined that H.J. Res 2 is the most effective, simple, and feasible approach.Florida has seen the benefits of constraining spending and it is time the federal government takes notes
from states that protect taxpayer dollars by spending within their means and responsible families who balance their checkbooks. I encourage passage of this critical amendment to inject much neededaccountability and restraint into Washington.” [webster.house.gov, 11/16/11]
Webster: Earmarks and Congressional Salaries are Minor Steps
In March 2011, Webster told the Florida Baptist Witness the fiscal crisis in Washington will not be solved by relatively minor steps like ending so-called “earmarks,” ridding the government of waste and fraud,and reducing congressional salaries.
“That’s not going to even come close to balancing the budget. … I don’t think you could have all the
economies of the world behind it and still sustain the kind of borrowing we’re doing. That’s the problem,”he asserted. [Florida Baptist Witness, 4/06/11]
Promised Budget Cuts… Eventually
In February 2011, Webster described spending cuts as using a small rudder to change the direction of anenormous ship. He said, “I’m going to give it all I got. I am also a plodder. I’m going to take days at atime, go step by step, and we’ll get there. It’s just going to take a while. But hang on, because we’returning the rudder.” [Politico, 2/23/11]
Orlando Sentinel Defended Vote to Cut COPS
In February 2011, the Orlando Sentinel responded to a DCCC press release criticizing Webster’s vote tocut funding for local police by 26 percent saying he “got elected promising to cut federal spending. Somecuts, such as this one, are far more defensible than others. But his constituents shouldn’t be surprised, or outraged, when he supports a reduction in an area where Washington didn’t belong in the first place.”[Orlando Sentinel, 2/25/11]
Zombies Protest Outside Webster’s office
In April 2011, a group of zombies gathered outside Webster’s district office to protest his vote over theRyan budget. According to Fox 34, the group is “upset that Webster's supporting Wisconsin republicanPaul Ryan's budget plan. [The budget] includes deep cuts to social security, Medicare and Medicaid. Thegroup says they dressed as zombies to dramatize their message for Webster.” [Fox Orlando, 4/28/11]
Webster Will Not Vote for Clean Debt Ceiling
At a April 2011 town hall meeting, Webster said “I’m just saying I’m not going to vote for a clean debtceiling lift.” [Webster Town Hall, 4/26/11]
Webster A “No” Vote on Debt Ceiling
In May 2011, Daniel Webster voted against raising the debt ceiling saying that "The bipartisan oppositionto an unconditional debt limit vote reflects the seriousness of our debt challenge. At a time when manyfamilies have to do more with less, the president asked Congress to extend its credit limit without anyaccountability and we said, no.” [Ocala Star-Banner, 6/1/11]
Bill May Not Alleviate Credit Rating Concerns
In July 2011, Slate’s David Weigel pointed out that Webster’s “Prioritize Spending Act” may not actuallydo much long-term.
Wiegel explained that “A measure like Webster’s might stave off an outright default if the debate drags past the deadline, but Chambers warns that “a sudden and unplanned fiscal contraction” (e.g. a massivedrop in federal spending because the government has been limited to incoming revenue) could “probablyengender some severe dislocations in the market” and may “make us rethink our economic forecast.” In
other words, the U.S. credit outlook could still darken, even as it manages to make payments on its debt.”[Florida Independent, 7/22/2011]
After Aiding Webster, Chamber of Commerce Pressing them On Debt Ceiling
In July 2011, the New York Times reported that business groups are putting pressure on republicanlawmakers to raise the debt ceiling.
The Times also explained that “The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent $250,000 to help electRepresentative Daniel Webster.”
But now, “The chamber and other business groups have pressed with increasing urgency for Congress to
raise the maximum amount that the government can borrow. They have cataloged the consequences of default at meetings, parties and dinners and over drinks.”
The Times also reported that “Business groups stayed mostly on the sidelines for months. The chamber orchestrated a May letter from business groups to political leaders calling for an agreement. In July, thegroups sent a second letter, this time signed by several hundred chief executives. It was nothing incomparison with the efforts the same groups have made in recent years to oppose legislation on healthcare and financial regulation, or their recent advocacy in support of free trade agreements with SouthKorea, Colombia and Panama.
One reason for the relative silence was the assumption that the ceiling would be raised.” [New York
Times, 7/27/2011]
Webster Supported Boehner Plan
In July 2011, Webster announced that he would be supporting the Boehner deficit reduction plan.Webster said that “This is a good enough bill for me to support.” [Orlando Sentinel, 7/27/2011]
Supported Boehner Budget Control Act
In July 2011, Webster expressed his support for the Boehner Budget Control Act.
Webster explained that “Today’s vote on a serious and responsible plan to cut spending is a significantstep towards transforming the way Washington wastes taxpayer money…The Budget Control Act holds true to the two principles I’ve insisted on throughout this debate: no newtaxes and cuts must exceed the amount the debt ceiling is raised. A serious plan to cut spending
immediately, cap future spending, and advance a balanced budget amendment is a welcome initiative at atime when the Senate and White House have been absent at best.” [Webster Press Release, 7/29/2011]
Business and Consumer Issues
Wanted to End Corporate Loopholes
In July 2011, Webster said that “What we would like to do is reduce the corporate tax rate and usecorporate welfare to pay for that…so we get rid of Washington picking winners and losers.” [Joplin Globe,
7/21/2011]
Campaign Finance Issues
Webster Registered A Joint Fundraising Committee Called Freshman JFC
In December 2011, twelve House Republicans formed a joint fundraising committee called Freshman
Class JFC. [The Hill, 12/5/11]
Webster Filed 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report
In July, Daniel Webster for Congress filed its July Quarterly FEC Report. Webster raised $116,441.43 inthe 2nd quarter and has $404,854 cash on hand. He received $51,000 from PACs.
Contributions of Note:Received $5000 from Darden Restaurants Employee Fund. In June 2011, Webster received$5000 from Darden Restaurants Employee Fund. [Daniel Webster for Congress 2011 JulyQuarterly Report, filed 7/15/11]
Received $1000 from Haley PAC. In April 2011, Webster received $1000 from Haley’s PAC.[Daniel Webster for Congress 2011 July Quarterly Report, filed 7/15/11] Received $2500 from the Majority Committee PAC. In June 2011, Webster received $5000from the Majority Committee PAC which is Kevin McCarthy’s leadership PAC. [Daniel Webster for Congress 2011 July Quarterly Report, filed 7/15/11] Received $500 from Craig Miller. In June 2011, Webster received $500 from Craig Miller.[Daniel Webster for Congress 2011 July Quarterly Report, filed 7/15/11]
Other Items of Note:
Webster Owes $1185.25 to Kirsten Borman. In his July 2011 Quarterly FEC report, Webster listed that he owed $1118.25 to Kirsten Borman who is listed in the report as fundraisingconsultant. [Daniel Webster for Congress 2011 July Quarterly Report, filed 7/15/11]
Webster Received $51,00 from PACs. In his July 2011 Quarterly FEC report, Webster received$51,000 in PAC donations. [Daniel Webster for Congress 2011 July Quarterly Report, filed7/15/11]
Webster: Received 73% from Heritage Action for America
Based on 30 key votes from January- August 2011, Webster received a 73% score from the HeritageAction for America. [Heritage Action for America, accessed 9/6/11]
Webster’s 3rd Quarter 2011 FEC Report
In October 2011, Webster for Congress filed its October 2011 Quarterly FEC Report. Webster raised$146,154.95 in the 3rd quarter of 2011, has $198,209.16 cash on hand and spent$107,116.69. Webster received $60,140.10 from PACs. [Daniel Webster for Congress 2011 October Quarterly,
filed 10/14/11]
Contributions of Note:
Received $10,000 for Cantor’s Leadership PAC. In August and September 2011, Webster received $10,000 from Every Republican is Crucial (ERIC PAC). Received $4487.84 from Florida Young Gun’s Victory Fund. In September 2011, Webster received $4487.84 from the Florida Young Guns Victory Fund.
Expenditures of Note:
Spent $218.55 at Chick-Fil-A. In June 2011, Webster spent $218.55 at Chick-Fil-A in Arlington,VA.
Contributed $50,000 to NRCC As “Excess Funds.” In July 2011, Webster contributed $50,000.00 to the NRCC as “excess funds.”
Paid $1397 in Payroll Taxes to Virginia. From July-September 2011, Webster paid $1397 in payroll taxes to Virginia. There were no payments to Florida. Other Items of Note:
Webster received $60,140.10 from PACs. In his October 2011 Quarterly FECreport, Webster received $60,140.10 from PAC donations.
Webster Called Campaign Fundraising “Loser”
In October 2011, the Washington Post labeled Webster and other Florida representatives SteveSoutherland and David Rivera as “losers” because of their low third quarter fundraising numbers.[Washington Post, 10/17/11]
Webster Struggled to Get Any Significant Legislation Passed
In December 2011, the Orlando Sentinel noted that Webster “struggled to get significant pieces of legislation passed.”
He told the Orlando Sentinel: "The idea of sending things to the Senate, just so we can talk about how badthe Senate is, is not my idea of legislating.’ To that end, Webster said he has spent much of his first termtrying to make bipartisan friends, joining ‘working groups’ with Democrats and even socializing with thelikes of Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.” [Orlando Sentinel,
12/17/11]
Webster Said He Goal Was to Make Washington More Workable
In December 2011, Webster said he wanted to make Washington more workable.
“Webster said his goal is to make Washington more workable in the long run. ‘Do these kind of thingsshow any kind of immediate success?’ he asked. ‘No. But at the end, they build a snowball that can't bestopped.’” [Orlando Sentinel, 12/17/11]
Scheduled to Attend “2012 Freshman Family & Fishing Weekend”
In December 2011, Webster was scheduled to attend the “2012 Freshman Family & Fishing Weekend” inKey Largo, Florida at the Ocean Reef Club. [Washington Post, 12/13/11] Content With Congressional Work Schedule
In May 2011, according to the Orlando Sentinel, Webster said “he was fine with the number of daysCongress is in session.” The Sentinel reported that “The House met only 47 days and the Senate 41 daysduring the first four months of this session, from Jan. 5 through April 30,” which is “far fewer than the 83days spent on the job by most Americans who toiled through the usual five-day work week.”
However, Webster, “who has hosted 10 ‘town hall’ meetings in the last five months,” justified the work schedule by explaining that “We are the House of Representatives. We are supposed to be in touch withthe people.” [Orlando Sentinel, 05/31/2011]
Only Sponsored Two Bills
As of June 2011, according to the Orlando Sentinel, Webster has only sponsored two bills in Congress,“both procedural measures that defined the rules of debate for other bills.” [Orlando Sentinel, 06/05/2011]
When asked about his early accomplishments as a legislator, Webster has said that "I found a mistake in arule. They addressed the wrong rule number … I pointed it out, did an amendment, and everybody washappy after that." [Orlando Sentinel, 06/05/2011]
Webster “An Arm of Leadership”
In June 2011, Rep. David Dreier of California told the Orlando Sentinel that Webster was a valuable assetto the Rules Committee.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Dreier said that "He [Webster] is an arm of leadership. The rulescommittee is a leadership assignment, [and] he is one of the more thoughtful people [on it]." [Orlando
Sentinel, 06/03/2011]
DCCC Hit in District
In July 2011, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee launched “robo-calls to hitRepublicans in 60 districts across the country,” including Daniel Webster. [Orlando Sentinel, 7/25/2011]
Crime & Public Safety Issues
Webster Supported Offsetting Disaster Funding
In September 2011, Webster voted with Republicans in the House for a bill that would partially offsetdisaster aid. The legislation would cut “$1.5 billion from a program to develop fuel-efficient vehicles […]FEMA already has delayed reimbursement to Florida and other states for recovery from past disasters to preserve the remaining money for immediate emergencies.”
According to the Sun Sentinel, “‘We have a limited amount of money,’ said U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, R-
Winter Garden, who supported the House bill. ‘Everything we can do to bring some sort of sanity to theway we fund things is a good thing.’ Webster said Congress should consider creating a nationalcatastrophe fund backed by the federal government to provide relief to states and communities struck byhurricanes and other disasters.” [Sun Sentinel, 9/21/11]
Orlando Sentinel Defended Vote to Cut COPS
In February 2011, the Orlando Sentinel responded to a DCCC press release criticizing Webster’s vote tocut funding for local police by 26 percent saying he “got elected promising to cut federal spending. Somecuts, such as this one, are far more defensible than others. But his constituents shouldn’t be surprised, or outraged, when he supports a reduction in an area where Washington didn’t belong in the first place.”
[Orlando Sentinel, 2/25/11]
Economic and Financial Issues
Asked to Support Unemployment Benefit Extensions by Unemployed, Occupy Activists
In December 2011, a group of unemployed constituents and activists, including union, Hispanic, student,and Occupy activists appealed to Webster to vote on the extend unemployment benefits. [Orlando Sentinel,
12/14/11]
Received “B” Grade From Americans for Prosperity
In January 2011, Americans for Prosperity scored the most important economic votes of the first sessionof the 112th Congress. Representative Webster received a grade of B from Americans for Prosperity.[Americans for Prosperity 112th Congress Mid Term Scorecard,1/2012]
AFP Founded In 2003 By David H. Koch. The New York Times wrote about David H. Koch,noting that “in 2003 he helped establish the nonprofit Americans for Prosperity Foundation, whichsupports free-market policies and promotes government spending limits. It split off from an earlier Koch-backed enterprise, now called FreedomWorks, which promotes similar goals.” [ New York
Times, 7/10/08]
Americans for Prosperity Funded, Run by Koch Industries Executives. Americans for
Prosperity was founded by David H. Koch, one of the wealthiest men in America and theexecutive vice president and board member of Koch Industries, which was founded by his father.Recently, Koch gave $5 million to Americans for Prosperity. In 2009, AFP President Tim Phillipssaid Koch “launched our organization.” The executive Vice President of Koch Industries said,“What we have done is support the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, which has been active invarious forms for nearly 30 years.” [ New York Times, 7/10/08; MSNBC, 3/31/10; Politico, 10/14/08,
Washington Examiner, 7/18/10; Washington Independent, 10/5/09]
Webster Voted Down Amendment on Job Creation Being Highest Priority
In 2011, the Rules Committee met to consider H Res 72, directing certain committees to review existing, pending, and proposed regulations, with respect to their effects on jobs and economic growth.
The Republicans on the committee voted down an amendment by Rep. Hastings that would add a sectionto the rule instructing committees to make the creation of jobs their highest priority and to report jobslegislation to the House as soon as possible.
The Republicans voting against the amendment included Reps. Sessions, Foxx, Bishop, Woodall, Nugent,Scott, Webster and Dreier. [Rules Committee Vote No. 29, 2/03/11]
Voted for Rule to End Foreclosure Relief Program
In March 2011, Webster voted in the Rules Committee to provide a modified open rule for considerationof HR 830, a bill that would terminate a Federal Housing Administration program established to provideassistance to homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth. The rule provided for one hour of general debate, would make in order only those amendments printed inthe Congressional Record by March 9, and would provide one motion to recommit with or withoutinstructions. The order was reported favorably, 7-4. [Rule for Floor Consideration of HR830, 3/08/11]
In March 2011, Webster voted in the Rules Committee to provide a modified open rule for considerationof HR 836, a bill that would terminate a Department of Housing and Urban Development program that provides emergency loans to unemployed homeowners facing foreclosure. The provided one hour of debate and would provide one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The order was reported favorably, 7-4. [Rule for Floor Consideration of HR830, 3/08/11]
Voted Against Establishing Program to Help Homeowners Refinance Mortgages
In March 2011, Webster voted against a Polis amendment in the Rules Committee that would make aCardoza amendment in order to establish a program that would require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac tohelp homeowners refinance the loans they own. The amendment would allow Fannie and Freddie to issuenew mortgage-backed securities to fund the program. The amendment was rejected, 4-7. [Polis amendment, 3/08/11]
Webster Introduced Bill to Set Priorities for Government Payments
With the debt deadline looming, “Webster filed the ‘Prioritize Spending Act of 2011’ [in June 2011].As it sounds, the bill would prioritize which debts the US should pay first, using tax revenue that theTreasury Department receives each month; a figure Webster estimated ranged from$110 billion to $290 billion. At the top of the list: Treasury’s obligation to pay ‘the principal and interest on debt held by the public,’ salaries and benefits for military personnel, Social Security and Medicare.” [Orlando Sentinel,
blog, 7/7/11]
Admitted that he was unsure of what came next with debt ceiling talks
In July 2011, Webster said that he would support a two month increase in the debt ceiling so that theHouse and Senate could hammer out a legitimate compromise.
According to Webster, “As far as where [Republicans] land, that can’t be determined until there’s aspecific plan…It’s hard to say what the other side wants.” [Washington Post, 7/26/2011]
Webster Spent $4644.91 for Commercial Transportation
From April- June 2011, Rep. Webster’s disbursements included a total of $4644.91 for commercialtransportation. $3,321.82 was charged to a Citibank Government Card. The remaining $1323.09reimbursed to him. [2011 2nd Quarter Statements of Disbursement, 7/5/11]
From April-June 2011, Rep. Webster spent $20,917.80 on mass communication. [2Q Mass Communications
spending 7/5/11]
Education Issues
Energy Issues
Environmental Issues
Webster Voted for Anti EPA Bill
In July 2011, Rep. Webster voted for H.R. 2018, the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act which wassponsored by Rep. John Mica.
According to McClatchy, the “House bill would revise the Clean Water Act to prevent the EPA from
setting water-pollution standards when it finds that state standards don't protect public health […] The billwas sponsored by Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., who objected to EPA water regulations for algae in Floridarivers [..] The House passed the bill Wednesday night. The 239-184 vote was largely along party lines,with only 13 Republicans opposed.” [H.R. 2018, Vote #573, 7/13/11; McClatchy, 7/13/11]
Webster Voted for Bill that Would Limit EPA Regulatory Responsibilities
In July 2011, Webster voted for H.R. 2018, the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act which wassponsored by Rep. John Mica.
According to McClatchy, the “House bill would revise the Clean Water Act to prevent the EPA from
setting water-pollution standards when it finds that state standards don't protect public health […] The billwas sponsored by Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., who objected to EPA water regulations for algae in Floridarivers [..] The House passed the bill Wednesday night. The 239-184 vote was largely along party lines,with only 13 Republicans opposed.” [H.R. 2018, Vote #573, 7/13/11; McClatchy, 7/13/11]
Ethics Issues
Webster Profiled Activists
In an August 2011, Rep. Webster created a “watch list” to distribute to his colleagues.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, “He simply wanted to share some friendly advice with other membersof Congress about how to manage town hall meetings and the sometimes-raucous crowds they attract, by passing along a "Town Hall Primer" put out by an activist group that had disrupted one of his meetingslast April. Instead, the material distributed by the Winter Garden Republican's office this spring hascreated a stir of its own because it included a watch list of six Central Floridians — with names andmultiple photographs — who spoke at Webster town halls earlier this year. It listed their ties, someaccurate and some not, to progressive activist groups, and in one case questioned a speaker's service in
Vietnam […] In an interview, Webster said his office received the MoveOn document from a constituent,whom he declined to name, not long after one of his town meetings was disrupted by heated arguments between liberal activists and conservatives in the audience. He said he forwarded it to other lawmakersonly because he felt they should be warned that similar groups might attempt to sabotage their meetings.[…] However, emails sent to about six other lawmakers, including Griffin, accidentally included the
watch list, Webster said. ‘It definitely was not meant to be passed on,’ he said.” [Orlando Sentinel, 8/18/11]
Foreign Policy Issues – Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea
Called on God to Guide the Country’s Foreign Aid Decisions
In May 2011, Webster did an interview with the host’s of “Good Life 45,” a televangelist program closeto his district, where he said that “I believe God’s hand needs to be on this country.”
He continued by saying that “Some people have been talking about, every place I go, they bring up theissue foreign aid. I go, you can’t get rid of all foreign aid. Why? Because you ask them and they go, ‘yea
we can’t do that.’ You take away the money from Israel? No. That’s something we can’t do. Do I likeforeign aid? Sometimes, but not every time. Don’t like giving money to our enemies, but I love givingmoney to Israel. And so there’s a picture there that people realize that, we stop helping Israel, we loseGod’s hand and we’re in big time trouble.” [Good Life 45, 5/20/11]
Gay and Lesbian Issues
Gun Issues
Health Care Issues
Dan Webster Said Current Medicare Beneficiaries Will Not See a Single Change
In an April Press Release, Dan Webster expressed his supported for the Ryan budgetand said “Paul Ryan’s plan saves Medicare for future generations while ensuringthat current recipients will not see a single change to their current benefit orcoverage.” [Webster Press Release, 4/15/11]
Immigration and Border Issues
Webster On Immigration
In July 2011, Webster attended a special ceremony in which he discussed immigrants.
Webster said that “We are a nation of immigrants…And people to come to the front door, and become a part of our country is something we want to celebrate and welcome.” [CFN News 13, 7/4/2011]
In August 2011, Rep. Dan Webster explained his opposition to delayed deportations.
According to WDBO, Webster said, “ ‘America is a nation of immigrants, but you know they wentthrough the front door,’ he said about others who came to this country and completed the citizenship
process. ‘That's the way it ought to be,’ Webster said. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano saysthe department will focus on deporting illegal immigrants who are criminals or pose a threat to nationalsecurity or public safety. The decision will allow many illegal immigrants to stay in the country and applyfor a work permit. ‘It's a hint to back door amnesty to illegal immigration and I just don't think that'sright,’ Webster added.” [WDBO,8/19/2011]
Israel
Labor and Working Family Issues
Supported Food Assistance Programs
In September 2011, a spokesman for Webster opened the possibility that Webster supported cuts to food programs because they weren’t being used for their stated purpose.
“The scourge of hunger continues to be a problem in Florida and across the nation, which has historicallyreceived substantial federal funding, including nearly $100 billion in 2011 alone. As Congress works torein in years of undisciplined federal spending, which threatens our ability to adequately fund even themost necessary and basic programs, taxpayer dollars will have to be utilized in increasingly efficient waysand for their stated purpose.” [WFTV, 9/22/11]
Webster Against Aid to Local Government Saying Government Workers are Not “Real” Jobs
In October 2011, it was reported that Webster, “generally considered one of the more open-minded GOPfreshmen, said he agreed with some parts of Obama's plan — such as cuts to payroll taxes — butdownplayed its aid to local governments. […] You can call anything a jobs program. But I don't think something that hires more government workers is a real jobs program.” [Orlando Sentinel, 10/10/11]
Other Social Issues
Opposed “Truce” On Social Issues
In March 2011, Webster claimed that budgetary issues are inseparable from social issues and that socialissues are “part of the fiscal crisis. There are things you cannot separate.” [Florida Baptist Witness, 4/06/11]
In 2011, Dan Webster reported earnings of at least $54,199 for the preceding year,2010. Webster holds assets valued between $221,000 - $640,000. Webster hadno reported liabilities. The following table illustrates Daniel Webster’s earned income for calendar year2010:
[2011 Personal Financial Disclosure, filed 5/13/11]
Senior Issues
Opposed Entitlement Reform for Seniors Already Retired
In February 2011, Webster defended entitlement reform that included spending cuts saying, “I don’t think reform includes any senior that is already retired — whether they be on Medicare, or Social Security or both of those — or in a nursing home on Medicaid,” [Politico, 2/28/11]
60 Plus Association Begin Airing Ads in District
In April 21, the 60 Plus Association launched a new campaign in the district thanking the Member for “protecting Medicare” during the recent budget debates. [60 Plus Association Press Release, 4/27/11]
60 Plus is “a controversial and conservative special interest group that has long fought to privatizeMedicare and Social Security”. [DCCC Press Release, 4/21/11]
Tax Issues
Tea Party
Featured at Tea Party Town Hall – Tea Party Noted that He Appearance Was Rare
In November 2011, Webster was featured at an East Side Tea Party Town Hall. The organization said thatit was a “rare appearance” to appear on the East Side of Orlando. [libertylinked.com, 11/28/11]
Criticized by Democrats for Speaking at Private Town Hall
In November 2011, Democrats criticized Webster for his appearance at an East Side Tea PartyTown Hall which was not open to the broader public.
Webster’s staff said that hold public town halls was something they were “looking at planning
going into next year”. A previous Webster town hall in April resulted in a shouting match. [Orlando
Sentinel, 11/30/11]
Rep. Webster Missed First Day Vote to Help Family through Security
Webster missed a procedural vote necessary for the House to adopt rules for the upcoming session vote onhis first day. Webster said he stepped off the House floor to help his son and daughter-in-law through asecurity check point. Webster eventually voted in favor of the underlying bill. [Orlando Sentinel, 1/06/11]
Note: South Florida Democrat Frederica Wilson also missed the same vote
Webster Faced Angry Town Halls in April 2011
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Webster faced an angry town hall meeting. “A town-hall meeting heldin Orlando by U.S. Rep. Dan Webster degenerated into bedlam Tuesday, with members of the crowdshouting down the freshman Republican congressman and yelling at one another. It could be a sign of things to come for Webster, a staunch conservative in a competitive district that Democrats hope torecapture in 2012. Last week, Webster took heat from conservative tea party members for not pushinghard enough to cut the federal budget.” [Orlando Sentinel, 4/26/11]
Supported Deeply Conservative Social Agenda
In a June 2011, Webster touted his conservative principals. “Webster hasn't hesitated to support a deeplyconservative fiscal and social agenda. A devout Christian, he has signed on to a resolution against gay
marriage and another that would mark the first weekend in May as ‘Ten Commandments Weekend.’”
Webster also “firmly supports continuation of the Bush-era tax cuts for families earning more than$250,000,” saying that Washington “[has] a spending problem, not a taxing problem. The less we spend,the more jobs we have the potential to create." [Orlando Sentinel, 06/05/2011]
Transportation Issues
Criticized Gov. Scott for Rejecting High Speed Rail in Florida
In February 2011, Webster criticized Florida Governor Rick Scott when he refused $2.4 Billion allocated
by the Federal Government for high speed rail between Orlando and Tampa. Webster said, “It’s moneywe have. It wouldn’t cost the state anything. They ought to keep at least the door open until they’ve seenthe proposals.” [WDBO Radio, 2/17/11]
Opposed Circumventing Gov. Scott’s Decision to End High Speed Rail
In February 2011, Webster opposed efforts of local governments to circumvent Governor Scott’s decisionto reject federal funding for high speed rail between Tampa and Orlando. He said, “He’s the governor,and I believe we should respect that.” He expressed concern that bypassing Scott could allow lawmakersto go around the governor whenever they opposed future funding decisions. [Sun-Sentinel, 2/23/11]
Maintained Support for Commuter Rail
While rejecting efforts to build new high speed rail, Webster restated his support of SunRail, the planned Central Florida commuter line under review by the governor’s office. He said, “I see thatas a different thing,” and called SunRail a relative bargain because it would use existing railroadtracks. [Sun-Sentinel, 2/23/11]
