Cliff Stearns
Encyclopedia
Clifford Bundy "Cliff" Stearns, Sr. (born April 16, 1941) is the U.S. Representative
for , serving since 1989. He is a member of the Republican Party.
was educated at Woodrow Wilson High School, and later earned a degree in electrical engineering at George Washington University
, Washington, D.C.
He is also a member of Gamma Beta Chapter of Theta Tau
at GW. He participated in U.S. Air Force ROTC at GW and was honored as the Air Force ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate.
Following graduation, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force as an aerospace engineer in satellite reconnaissance during the Vietnam War. Stearns owned a small chain of motels and restaurants in north Florida. Before moving to Florida, he worked with a variety of businesses in Florida, such as CBS
, Data Control Systems Inc, and Kutola Advertising.
Stearns is a member of the Electronic Cigarette Association and supports the use of these products.
On September 29, 2008, Stearns voted against the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
Abortion
In September 2011, Stearns used his position as chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee to launch an audit of Planned Parenthood
, questioning how the organization separates its federal funding so as not to pay for abortion, which is forbidden by federal law. Planned Parenthood performs one in four abortions in the nation, the largest abortion provider in America. In spite of the fact that every Planned Parenthood affiliate is audited annually, Representative Stearns has used his position to launch an additional Congressional audit. He implies that it is untoward that Planned Parenthood receives nearly one million dollars a day in taxpayer funds, but does not seem to recognize that Planned Parenthood is among the largest providers of health care in the nation and provides primary health care to many Medicaid patients. He has expressed concern that audits of Planned Parenthood affiliates in California, New Jersey, New York, and Washington State raised questions about the possibility of overbilling involving Medicaid funds, implying that this common problem among large medical establishments indicates "a pattern of abuse."
Abortion makes up 3% of all Planned Parenthood services. The investigation was sweeping, requesting internal audits dating back 12 years and state audits for the past 20 years for the national organization and all 83 of its affiliates. Rep. Henry Waxman
questioned the political motivations for the timing of the investigation, saying, "Your fervent ideological opposition to Planned Parenthood does not justify launching this intrusive investigation."
Economic Issues
Stearns has held several economic roundtables throughout the district, meeting with business owners, bankers, and realtors to get their views on improving the creating of jobs.
Last year, he sponsored four homeowner workshops in Ocala, Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Orange Park. He brought in realtors, bankers, and mortgage experts to help people who are having trouble making their payments – they also provided essential information for first-time homebuyers.
In meeting with community bankers from Florida, he learned that 70% of Florida’s community banks are under some kind of regulatory order that reduce capital for businesses to grow and loans to revitalize the housing industry.
He took a leadership role for the Florida delegation in sending a letter to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chairman Sheila Bair, claiming that banking examiners may be pursuing an unreasonably tough analysis of Florida banks’ asset quality and are regularly requiring downgrades of performing loans.
Fiscal Issues
Stearns was one of only 39 House members to receive an “A” rating from the National Taxpayers Union (NTU).
In addition, in 2010 Citizens Against Government Waste once again named Stearns a “Taxpayer Hero.”
Stearns also is a strong opponent of automatic congressional pay raises. He also offered legislation to prevent a pay increase in a year following a federal budget deficit.
In fiscal years 2008-2010 Cliff Stearns has sponsored 46 earmarks totaling $85,810,100.
Stearn voted for Cut, Cap & Balance & the Boehner Debt Ceiling Bill; however, he voted against the final Debt Ceiling compromise bill (The "Budget Control Act of 2011
").
Veterans Issues
Throughout his tenure, Stearns has served on the Veterans Affairs Committee. He advocates for increased funding for the VA and has pushed to establish a VA cemetery in the Jacksonville area. He supports the VA's CARES plan to develop a new Regional Health Care Facility in Marion County and the expansion of the VA Hospital in Gainesville with a new 230-bed patient tower. The groundbreaking for this addition occurred in 2008. His Veterans Millennium Health care & Benefits Act and language from his VA Health Care Personnel Act to increase pay for VA health professionals were signed into law.
Technology and Privacy
Stearns has been working on extending privacy protection for about 10 years. In 2003, the International Association of Privacy Professionals gave Stearns its Privacy Leadership Award for his efforts on leadership, including holding the most extensive hearings on privacy issues as Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee.
On Aopril 13, 2011, Stearns offered bi-partisan legislation to protect consumer privacy on line—H.R. 1528, the Consumer Privacy Protection Act. The goal is to encourage greater levels of electronic commerce by providing to Internet users the assurance that their experience online will be more secure.
Stearns also is a leader in opposing net neutrality.
Stearns voted for the Patriot Act.
Stearns is the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversigh and Investigations Subcommittee. From 2001 until 2007, Stearns was Chairman of the Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee and he still serves on the Subcommittee.
He helped to create the Do-Not-Call List to protect consumers from unwanted telephone solicitations and legislation to combat spyware, which is software that allows a third party to monitor the computer use of individuals without their knowledge.
Energy Issues
Stearns is member of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, a bi-partisan forum for discussing and disseminating information about renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Stearns’ paper on developing clean-coal technology and applying coal-to-liquid technology was published in December 2008 in the Stanford Law & Policy Review.
During consideration of cap-and-trade legislation in the Energy and Commerce Committee in May 2009, Stearns offered an amendment to afford existing nuclear power plants the same benefits provided to new nuclear power plants in the bill. The amendment simply recognized that nuclear is carbon free and did not provide any new subsidy to the industry.
In 2008, Stearns joined in offering a package of bills to increase domestic energy production. This included more domestic oil and gas production, greater use of clean-coal technology, reducing the barriers to new nuclear power plants, and encouraging renewable energy sources.
Accessibility
Like every other member of Congress, Stearns holds town meetings and has conducted nearly 560 of these events. In addition, he has held over 40 tele-town halls.
Community Service
Served on the Munroe Regional Community Hospital Board of Directors, the Board of the Ocala Boys and Girls Club, and was President of the Ocala Kiwanis Club. Was also active with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce and President of the local Motel/Restaurant Association.
Health Care Reform
During consideration of the health care legislation, Stearns offered the following amendments:
9/11 First Responders
During the debate over compensation for 9/11 first responders and others, Stearns advocated a "standard re-authorization and appropriation process". Congressman Stearns submitted an amendment that was adopted without opposition to H.R.#847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, that would screen thousands of non-first responders and First Responders who submit claims for chronic medical conditions against a Department of Homeland Security terrorist watch list (original committee markup referenced).
Other
Bars fund for IRS to implement the Spanish language for tax refunds.
Increase funding for nuclear energy activities at the Department of Energy.
Prohibit funds to be used by the Internal Revenue Service to implement a Spanish-language version of the "Where's my Refund?" service.
Cut $25.5 million from AmeriCorps and increase funding for TRIO educational programs and the geriatric program.
Prohibit use of funds for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for litigation expenses incurred in connection with cases against employers on the grounds that such employers require employees to speak English.
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
for , serving since 1989. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Early life, education and career
According to his official biography, Stearns was born in Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
was educated at Woodrow Wilson High School, and later earned a degree in electrical engineering at George Washington University
George Washington University
The George Washington University is a private, coeducational comprehensive university located in Washington, D.C. in the United States...
, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
He is also a member of Gamma Beta Chapter of Theta Tau
Theta Tau
ΘΤ Fraternity was founded in 1904 by four engineering students at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. As defined by the fraternity, the purpose of Theta Tau is to develop and maintain a high standard of professional interest among its members, and to unite them in a strong bond of...
at GW. He participated in U.S. Air Force ROTC at GW and was honored as the Air Force ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate.
Following graduation, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force as an aerospace engineer in satellite reconnaissance during the Vietnam War. Stearns owned a small chain of motels and restaurants in north Florida. Before moving to Florida, he worked with a variety of businesses in Florida, such as CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
, Data Control Systems Inc, and Kutola Advertising.
Committee assignments
- Committee on Energy and CommerceUnited States House Committee on Energy and CommerceThe Committee on Energy and Commerce is one of the oldest standing committees of the United States House of Representatives. Established in 1795, it has operated continuously—with various name changes and jurisdictional changes—for more than 200 years...
- Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade
- Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
- Subcommittee on Oversight and InvestigationsUnited States House Energy Subcommittee on Oversight and InvestigationsThe U.S. House Energy Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is a subcommittee within the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.-Jurisdiction:...
(Chairman)
- Committee on Veterans' AffairsUnited States House Committee on Veterans' AffairsThe standing Committee on Veterans' Affairs in the United States House of Representatives oversees agencies, reviews current legislation, and recommends new bills or amendments concerning veterans. Jurisdiction includes retiring and disability pensions, life insurance, education , vocational...
- Subcommittee on HealthUnited States House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on HealthThe United States Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health is one of the four subcommittees within the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.The Subcommittee on Health has legislative and oversight jurisdiction for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ health care system, programs and research...
- Subcommittee on Oversight and InvestigationsUnited States House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and InvestigationsThe United States Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is one of the four subcommittees within the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.-Jurisdiction:...
- Subcommittee on Health
Caucus memberships
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Caucus (Co-Chairman)
- Congressional Cystic Fibrosis Caucus (Co-Chairman)
- Congressional Horse Caucus (Co-Chairman)
- Congressional Air Force Caucus (Co-Chairman)
- Transatlantic Legislators Dialogue (Vice-Chairman)
- Biomedical Research Caucus
- Bipartisan Congressional Pro Life Caucus
- Bipartisan Privacy Caucus
- Canada-US Interparliamentary Union
- Community College Caucus
- Congressional Caucus on Adoption
- Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues
- Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans
- Congressional Caucus on Poland
- Congressional Caucus on Taiwan
- Congressional Caucus on US-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans
- Congressional Cyber Security Caucus
- Congressional Friends of Liechtenstein Caucus
- Congressional Invisible Wounds Caucus
- Congressional Internet Caucus
- Congressional Israel Allies Caucus
- Congressional Media Fairness Caucus
- Congressional Prayer Caucus
- Congressional Ship Building Caucus
- Congressional Singapore Caucus
- Congressional Sovereignty Caucus
- Congressional Sportmen's Caucus
- Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus
- Congressional Wireless Caucus
- House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus
- Immigration Reform Caucus
- New Media Caucus
- Republican Study CommitteeRepublican Study CommitteeThe Republican Study Committee [RSC] is a caucus of over 170 conservative members of the Republican Party in the United States House of Representatives...
(RSC) - Tea Party CaucusTea Party CaucusThe Tea Party Caucus is a caucus of the United States House of Representatives and Senate launched and chaired by Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann on July 16, 2010. The caucus is dedicated to promoting what it considers fiscal responsibility, adherence to the movement's interpretation of...
Political positions
Stearns is a signer of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.Stearns is a member of the Electronic Cigarette Association and supports the use of these products.
On September 29, 2008, Stearns voted against the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (Division A of , commonly referred to as a bailout of the U.S. financial system, is a law enacted in response to the subprime mortgage crisis...
Abortion
In September 2011, Stearns used his position as chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee to launch an audit of Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood Federation of America , commonly shortened to Planned Parenthood, is the U.S. affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation and one of its larger members. PPFA is a non-profit organization providing reproductive health and maternal and child health services. The...
, questioning how the organization separates its federal funding so as not to pay for abortion, which is forbidden by federal law. Planned Parenthood performs one in four abortions in the nation, the largest abortion provider in America. In spite of the fact that every Planned Parenthood affiliate is audited annually, Representative Stearns has used his position to launch an additional Congressional audit. He implies that it is untoward that Planned Parenthood receives nearly one million dollars a day in taxpayer funds, but does not seem to recognize that Planned Parenthood is among the largest providers of health care in the nation and provides primary health care to many Medicaid patients. He has expressed concern that audits of Planned Parenthood affiliates in California, New Jersey, New York, and Washington State raised questions about the possibility of overbilling involving Medicaid funds, implying that this common problem among large medical establishments indicates "a pattern of abuse."
Abortion makes up 3% of all Planned Parenthood services. The investigation was sweeping, requesting internal audits dating back 12 years and state audits for the past 20 years for the national organization and all 83 of its affiliates. Rep. Henry Waxman
Henry Waxman
Henry Arnold Waxman is the U.S. Representative for , serving in Congress since 1975. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He is considered to be one of the most influential liberal members of Congress...
questioned the political motivations for the timing of the investigation, saying, "Your fervent ideological opposition to Planned Parenthood does not justify launching this intrusive investigation."
Economic Issues
Stearns has held several economic roundtables throughout the district, meeting with business owners, bankers, and realtors to get their views on improving the creating of jobs.
Last year, he sponsored four homeowner workshops in Ocala, Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Orange Park. He brought in realtors, bankers, and mortgage experts to help people who are having trouble making their payments – they also provided essential information for first-time homebuyers.
In meeting with community bankers from Florida, he learned that 70% of Florida’s community banks are under some kind of regulatory order that reduce capital for businesses to grow and loans to revitalize the housing industry.
He took a leadership role for the Florida delegation in sending a letter to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chairman Sheila Bair, claiming that banking examiners may be pursuing an unreasonably tough analysis of Florida banks’ asset quality and are regularly requiring downgrades of performing loans.
Fiscal Issues
Stearns was one of only 39 House members to receive an “A” rating from the National Taxpayers Union (NTU).
In addition, in 2010 Citizens Against Government Waste once again named Stearns a “Taxpayer Hero.”
Stearns also is a strong opponent of automatic congressional pay raises. He also offered legislation to prevent a pay increase in a year following a federal budget deficit.
In fiscal years 2008-2010 Cliff Stearns has sponsored 46 earmarks totaling $85,810,100.
Stearn voted for Cut, Cap & Balance & the Boehner Debt Ceiling Bill; however, he voted against the final Debt Ceiling compromise bill (The "Budget Control Act of 2011
Budget Control Act of 2011
The Budget Control Act of 2011 was passed by the 112th United States Congress signed into law by President Barack Obama. It brought conclusion to the 2011 United States debt ceiling crisis, which had threatened to lead the United States into sovereign default on or about August 3, 2011.The law...
").
Veterans Issues
Throughout his tenure, Stearns has served on the Veterans Affairs Committee. He advocates for increased funding for the VA and has pushed to establish a VA cemetery in the Jacksonville area. He supports the VA's CARES plan to develop a new Regional Health Care Facility in Marion County and the expansion of the VA Hospital in Gainesville with a new 230-bed patient tower. The groundbreaking for this addition occurred in 2008. His Veterans Millennium Health care & Benefits Act and language from his VA Health Care Personnel Act to increase pay for VA health professionals were signed into law.
Technology and Privacy
Stearns has been working on extending privacy protection for about 10 years. In 2003, the International Association of Privacy Professionals gave Stearns its Privacy Leadership Award for his efforts on leadership, including holding the most extensive hearings on privacy issues as Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee.
On Aopril 13, 2011, Stearns offered bi-partisan legislation to protect consumer privacy on line—H.R. 1528, the Consumer Privacy Protection Act. The goal is to encourage greater levels of electronic commerce by providing to Internet users the assurance that their experience online will be more secure.
Stearns also is a leader in opposing net neutrality.
Stearns voted for the Patriot Act.
Stearns is the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversigh and Investigations Subcommittee. From 2001 until 2007, Stearns was Chairman of the Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee and he still serves on the Subcommittee.
He helped to create the Do-Not-Call List to protect consumers from unwanted telephone solicitations and legislation to combat spyware, which is software that allows a third party to monitor the computer use of individuals without their knowledge.
Energy Issues
Stearns is member of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, a bi-partisan forum for discussing and disseminating information about renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Stearns’ paper on developing clean-coal technology and applying coal-to-liquid technology was published in December 2008 in the Stanford Law & Policy Review.
During consideration of cap-and-trade legislation in the Energy and Commerce Committee in May 2009, Stearns offered an amendment to afford existing nuclear power plants the same benefits provided to new nuclear power plants in the bill. The amendment simply recognized that nuclear is carbon free and did not provide any new subsidy to the industry.
In 2008, Stearns joined in offering a package of bills to increase domestic energy production. This included more domestic oil and gas production, greater use of clean-coal technology, reducing the barriers to new nuclear power plants, and encouraging renewable energy sources.
Accessibility
Like every other member of Congress, Stearns holds town meetings and has conducted nearly 560 of these events. In addition, he has held over 40 tele-town halls.
Community Service
Served on the Munroe Regional Community Hospital Board of Directors, the Board of the Ocala Boys and Girls Club, and was President of the Ocala Kiwanis Club. Was also active with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce and President of the local Motel/Restaurant Association.
Health Care Reform
During consideration of the health care legislation, Stearns offered the following amendments:
- Provide tax deduction for health care;
- Require the President, Supreme Court Justices, and Members of Congress to buy their coverage of the Exchange:
- Eliminate the tax on medical devices;
- Repeal the cuts to Medicare Advantage.
9/11 First Responders
During the debate over compensation for 9/11 first responders and others, Stearns advocated a "standard re-authorization and appropriation process". Congressman Stearns submitted an amendment that was adopted without opposition to H.R.#847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, that would screen thousands of non-first responders and First Responders who submit claims for chronic medical conditions against a Department of Homeland Security terrorist watch list (original committee markup referenced).
Other
Bars fund for IRS to implement the Spanish language for tax refunds.
Increase funding for nuclear energy activities at the Department of Energy.
Prohibit funds to be used by the Internal Revenue Service to implement a Spanish-language version of the "Where's my Refund?" service.
Cut $25.5 million from AmeriCorps and increase funding for TRIO educational programs and the geriatric program.
Prohibit use of funds for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for litigation expenses incurred in connection with cases against employers on the grounds that such employers require employees to speak English.
2006
Stearns was re-elected in 2006 with nearly 60% of the vote.2008
Stearns was re-elected in 2008 with over 61% of the vote.2010
Stearns defeated Independent candidate Steve Schonberg with 71% of the vote. He won against Don Browning in the Republican primary.Personal life
Stearns lives in Ocala, FL with his wife, Joan (née Moore). They have three grown sons.External links
- Congressman Cliff Stearns official U.S. House site
- Cliff Stearns for U.S. Congress official campaign site
- Profile at SourceWatchSourceWatchSourceWatch is an internet wiki site that is a collaborative project of the liberal Center for Media and Democracy...