Cliff Stearns – Bio – (R-FL-6)

May 1, 2011 by Editor Fred D

Cliff Stearns Congressman Florida District 6

Cliff Stearns Biography from House.gov

Biography of Cliff Stearns

Cliff Stearns was elected in 1988 to the U.S. House of Representatives, his only elected office. He was born in Washington, D.C., attended Woodrow Wilson High School there, and then attended George Washington University (GWU), graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

He participated in U.S. Air Force ROTC at GWU 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.

He left the service with the rank of Captain and then worked in the private sector before starting his own business by purchasing a motel. He sold his first property, moved to Florida, and started a successful motel/restaurant business in the Ocala/Gainesville area.

Active in his community, Stearns was president of the Kiwanis Club, was on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club, and on the Board of Directors for Munroe Regional Hospital. Because of his community involvement, he was urged to run for Congress.

Well known for fiscal responsibility, Stearns in 2009 was one of only 39 House members to receive an “A” rating from the National Taxpayers Union.

Stearns is the Republican Leader on the Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee (formerly the Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee). Stearns is active through the Subcommittee in reforming antiquated laws that hinder the development and expansion of new products and services.

From 2001 until 2007, Stearns was Chairman of the Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee and he is still on the Subcommittee. On this panel, Stearns has led efforts to expand consumer protection by enhancing cyber-security, consumer privacy, and data-security. He also is a strong advocate for ensuring that international trade agreements are fair and protect domestic intellectual property rights.

In addition, he helped to create the Do-Not-Call List to protect consumers from unwanted telephone solicitations and the House approved legislation he amended to combat the abuse of spyware, which is software that allows a third party to monitor the computer use of individuals without their knowledge.

Throughout his tenure, Stearns has served on the Veterans Affairs Committee. He led the Veterans’ Health Subcommittee as Chairman and is currently the Deputy Republican Leader on the VA Committee.

He is a leading advocate for increasing funding for the VA. For years, Stearns pushed for establishing a VA cemetery in the Jacksonville area, and his proposal was enacted and the new VA cemetery is set to open this year. Stearns actively supports the VA’s CARES plan, which is developing a new Regional Health Care Facility in Marion County that will open this year and the expansion of the VA Hospital in Gainesville with a new 230-bed patient tower. The groundbreaking for this addition occurred in 2008.

In addition, his legislation to improve veterans’ access to long-term care, the Veterans Millennium Health care & Benefits Act; and the language from his VA Health Care Personnel Act to increase pay for VA health professionals; were signed into law.

Stearns is leading an effort to give Florida permanent control over its offshore resources after current moratoria on offshore drilling expire. He is a member of the Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee in the Energy & Commerce Committee and a 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.

He champions programs at Central Florida Community College in Ocala, Santa Fe College in Gainesville, and the University of Florida in Gainesville.

He helped to establish the Upward Bound program at the University of Florida, and succeeded in restoring funding for that program. He was instrumental in expanding UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (IFUS). Stearns secured funding for UF’s research on combating citrus disease, developing technology to benefit seniors, and reducing our reliance on imported energy.

The Central Florida Community College has benefited from Stearns’ efforts that include an Equine Studies Program, the Information Technology Center, and equipment and teacher training.

He also obtained funding for a planetarium and the Fine Arts Education building at Santa Fe College.

As the representative for Cecil Field (formerly a Navy master jet base closed under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment [BRAC] Commission), Stearns actively promotes the expansion of commercial activities at the former base. He is instrumental in gaining grants for converting Cecil and for training students in the Jacksonville area in aviation technology.

After years of controversy, he forged a consensus among state, local, and federal officials to return the Cross Florida Canal Lands to the state of Florida, resulting in a 77,000-acre greenway and $32 million in repayments to six Florida counties.

Stearns is Co-Chairman and Co-Founder of the U.S. Air Force Caucus, leading a congressional delegation to Iraq in 2005; and he is Co-Chairman and Co-Founder of the Congressional Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Caucus.

Stearns lives with his wife Joan in Ocala; they have three adult sons. He is extremely accessible to constituents. Returning to his home in Ocala often, he has held over 500 town meetings across North Central Florida.

Family

Born:Washington, D.C.

Residence: Ocala

Education

Woodrow Wilson High School, Washington, D.C.

George Washington University; B.S. Electrical Engineering

Air Force ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate

Military

Captain – U.S. Air Force

Aerospace Engineer / Satellite Reconnaissance

Meritorious Service Commendation Medal

Business

Data Control Systems Incorporated

CBS Incorporated

Kutola Advertising Agency

Images 70 / Wilson Height Welch

Stearns House Incorporated

Committee Assignments

Energy & Commerce Committee

Republican Leader – Telecommunications & the Internet Subcommittee

Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee

Energy and Air Quality

Veterans Affairs Commitee, Deputy Republican Leader

Health Subcommittee

Congressman Cliff Stearns Accomplishments:

List of Recognition and Awards

What People Say About Cliff Stearns

“The Chamber is proud to present Representative Stearns with the Spirit of Enterprise Award on behalf of businesses large and small. In the face of unprecedented economic challenges and in the midst of an election cycle, this Congress made some historic and courageous decisions that impacted the lives of every American. The Spirit of Enterprise Award identified those lawmakers that truly stepped up to the plate and demonstrated real leadership in making this country a place where business can continue to grow and create jobs. ” – Thomas Donohue, President & CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce (March 26, 2009)

“Thank you for your strong support for the Jeffersonian ideal of a smaller government that permits the free enterprise system to flourish. Through your votes on issues such as reducing taxes, workplace regulations and other economic matters, you have demonstrated your commitment to our nation’s prosperity and economic well-being.” – Jonathan Eisen, Senior Vice President, International Foodservice Distributors Association (July 24, 2008)

“Cliff Stearns, R-Ocala, was critical to the project (new outpatient VA clinic in South Marion County) ‘because everyone saw the need for this clinic in the area.’” – Mary Kay Hollingsworth, Department of Veterans Affairs (June 15, 2008)

After encouraging the students to stay in school until they had completed at least a two- or four-year college degree, Stearns opened the floor for questions…”He inspired me to consider politics,” said Juliun Kinsey, 16, a junior at the Professional Academies Magnet at Loften studying business and entrepreneurship. “I liked the points he brought up,” said Fredrick Caldwell, a 17-year-old junior from the early college program at Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville. – Gainesville Sun Article (February 2, 2008)

Sharing ideas with politicians can be like shouting inside a sound-proof booth. But U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Ocala, who represents part of Westside Jacksonville, has come up with a booklet with the ideas of his constituents that he calls “Your Good Ideas.” Stearns gets a gold star for seeking input from his constituents and doing more than just paying lip service to listening. – The Florida Times-Union (December 12, 2007)

Congress — Spend, spend, spend — “If you think Congress has even a modicum of good sense, consider this: The U.S. Senate recently passed a transportation bill that included $2 billion in ‘earmarks’ — local projects inserted by members. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Ocala, voted to eliminate waste in 42 of 50 votes studies. That’s 84 percent, one of the best records in Congress. This nation needs more people like Stearns in office. – The Florida Times-Union (September 18, 2007)

Three Cheers — Stearns stands out — “Members of Congress were poor stewards of the public’s money last year, says Citizens Against Government Waste. One exception was Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Ocala. Of the House vote analyzed by the group, its Web site says, Stearns voted against pork-barrel spending 91 percent of the time. He qualified as a ‘Taxpayer hero.’” – The Florida Times-Union (July 16, 2007)

“U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns received an ‘A’ from the National Taxpayers Union for his fiscal responsibility, the highest rating in the Florida delegation and one of only 48 members in the House. The federal government has a spending problem. Too few of the members are willing to keep the budget in balance without raising taxes.” – The Florida Times-Union (April 2, 2007)

“For example, Ocala Republican Congressman Cliff Stearns, a longtime champion of veterans issues, called conditions at Walter Reed unacceptable and an outrage…’Congress must ensure that our troops get the best care possible for the injuries they received defending our freedoms.’ We could not agree more with both points.” – Editorial, Ocala Star-Banner (March 9, 2007)

“The era officially ended (steroids in baseball) in March 2005, in hearings before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection of the House of Representatives (Stearns, Chairman). But the legal ramifications, inside and outside baseball, continue.” – Howard Wasserman, FindLaw Legal News (March 24, 2006)

“Congressman Cliff Stearns is one of the more frugal members from our area.” – Channel 9 News Investigates (Orlando, WFTV, Feb. 27, 2006)

“Rep. Stearns’ pro-taxpayer score was one of the best in the entire House. By consistently voting to reduce federal spending, taxes, and debt, Cliff Stearns has truly earned the title, ‘Taxpayers’ Friend.’”- John Berthoud, President, National Taxpayers Union (Feb. 23, 2006)

“Cutting waste is a politically difficult task becuase almost every program has an active constituency that profits from the status quo. But Rep. Stearns recognizes that the federal government must set priorities. He has taken a long-term view of the nation’s fiscal problems and makes a serious effort to tackle the enormous debt being left to future generations.” – Tom Schatz, President, Citizens Against Government Waste (September, 2005)

North Central Florida is full of veterans, and Stearns built a strong reputation as their advocate — a reputation that remains formidable. – Chuck Floyd, Chairman of the Alachua County Democratic Party (May 15, 2004)

“Stearns’ philosophy on the federal budget is pretty simple: don’t spend more than you have, don’t increase the budget more than the cost of living and don’t give government workers bigger pay raises than the average taxpayer. Sure sounds a lot like accountability and fiscal responsibility.” – Ocala Star Banner (January 24, 2004)

“U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns has been honored by the nation’s largest wartime veterans organization and a coalition of 142 other groups. Representative Stearns was elected by the people and truly listens to his constituents here in Florida.” – American Legion (March 4, 2003)

“Cliff Stearns has shown his colors to the taxpayers of Florida and those living all across America…Florida taxpayers need not worry where Rep. Stearns’s interests lie. Stearns represents taxpayers, not raptorial government spending lobbies that swarm around his office building in Washington.” – Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform (February 28, 2002)

“U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns listens with horror as a parade of witnesses describes the accounting mess that helped ruin Enron. As one of the most senior members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, (he) is demanding answers about the ‘complete failure and meltdown of fundamental responsibilities and oversight’ in the Enron Corp. case.” – Orlando Sentinel (February 10, 2002)

“Cliff Stearns, long a strong advocate for veterans…told us that keeping veterans issues on the front burner is an ongoing battle. We have long supported Stearns’ proposal that veterans be allowed to receive treatment from their regular physician or local hospital….” – Ocala Star Banner (December 7, 2001)

“Recently, Rep. Cliff Stearns…introduced the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Act. For the sake of our veterans…and the overworked VA medical personnel, [I] wholeheartedly urge the passage of this important legislation.” – Washington Times (July 10, 2000)

“Over the years the National Guard has depended on his reliable support… The National Guard has no better friend in Congress than Cliff Stearns.” – Presentation of the Charles Dick Medal of Merit by the National Guard Association of the United States (September 6, 1998)

Working in Congress

Leadership: Stearns is the Ranking Republican on the Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee. Stearns is active through the Telecommunications Subcommittee in reforming antiquated laws that hinder the development and expansion of new products and services.

As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection (CTCP) Subcommittee, Stearns worked to expand consumer protection by enhancing cyber-security, consumer privacy, spyware control, and international trade agreements dealing with telecommunication service agreements. Still a member of the CTPC Committee, Stearns is continuing to push for consumer privacy, data security, curbing identity theft, and protecting consumers from buying cars with undisclosed damage. In addition, he is Co-Chairman and Co-Founder of the U.S. Air Force Caucus, leading a congressional delegation to Iraq in 2005; Co-Chairman and Co-Founder of the Congressional Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Caucus; and he is a senior member of the Veterans Affairs Committee.

Commerce: Stearns was a leader in creating the Do-Not-Call list to protect consumers from unwanted commercial telephone calls at their homes. President Bush signed Stearns’ legislation curbing frivolous lawsuits against the firearms industry into law in October 2005. In addition, the House approved the legislation he amended to combat the abuse of spyware, which is software that allows a third party to monitor the computer use of individuals without their knowledge. In 2005, the House approved Stearns’ proposal to protect consumers from ‘price gouging’ for fuel during emergency situations. He is also looking carefully at international trade agreements to ensure that America’s intellectual property rights and competitive advantage in high tech products and services are protected.

He is also looking carefully at international trade agreements to ensure that America’s intellectual property rights and competitive advantage in high tech products and services are protected. The full Committee approved his legislation addressing the use of illegal steroids in professional sports, which contributes to steroid abuse among students in high school and lower schools.

Stearns is active through the Telecommunications Subcommittee in reforming antiquated laws that hinder the development and expansion of new products and services.

Veterans Affairs: Stearns is a leading advocate for increasing funding for the VA. For years, Stearns pushed for establishing a VA cemetery in the Jacksonville area, and his proposal was enacted leading to a new VA cemetery openung this year. Stearns actively supports the VA’s CARES plan, which calls for a new Regional Health Care Facility in Marion County this year and expansion of the VA Hospital in Gainesville.

He was Chairman of the Veterans Health Subcommittee from 1997 to 2000 and its Vice Chairman from 2001 to 2002 and since 2005. His Veterans Millennium Health Care & Benefits Act, H.R. 2116, was signed into law in 1999. The health provisions will improve access to long-term care for disabled veterans and expand the VA’s obligation to provide alternatives to nursing home care. In 2000, the provisions from H.R. 5109, the Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Act authored by Stearns, were combined with other veterans proposals and enacted as S. 1402. The health-care personnel provisions guarantee annual pay raises for VA nurses, revises and increases the rates of special pay for VA dentists, and includes pharmacists among those exempt from special salary caps. He succeeded in placing VA health clinics in Ocala and Leesburg. In September 2005, the House approved Stearns’ resolution commemorating the 60th Anniversary of V-J (Victory in Japan) Day.

Helping Older Americans: Stearns voted to reform Medicare with a voluntary prescription drug benefit, one that gives beneficiaries choices in meeting their health care needs. Stearns’ legislation was signed into law to expand choices for beneficiaries with disabilities (Cash & Counseling program). He is also committed to the long-term solvency of the Social Security system and supports using Social Security dollars only to pay benefits. Earlier in his tenure, he led the effort to overturn regulations limiting senior’s only housing and pushed for additional funding and programs to meet the medical needs of seniors.

Looking Out for Schoolchildren: In the 108th Congress, President Bush signed Stearns’ Asthmatic Schoolchildren Treatment and Education Act (ASTHMA), encouraging children’s right to carry their inhalers on their person. And, in the 109th, the House passed Stearns’ amendment funding training for Head Start Employees to provide for the unique needs of children with disabilities and their families.

Serving Florida: Stearns is leading an effort to give Florida permanent control over its offshore resources after current moratoria on offshore drilling expired. He has championed programs at Central Florida Community College in Ocala, Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, and the University of Florida in Gainesville, and obtained funding for these schools to expand and enhance their programs.

As the representative for Cecil Field, Stearns actively promotes the expansion of commercial activities at the former base. He is instrumental in gaining grants for converting Cecil and for training students in the Jacksonville area in aviation technology. He also worked with the U.S. Attorney General to bring the Federal “Weed & Seed” program, which funds community-based efforts to combat crime and poverty, to several Florida cities.

Accessibility: He is extremely accessible to constituents. Returning to his home in Ocala often, he has held over 500 town meetings across North Central Florida.

Biography from Friends of Cliff Stearns

BACKGROUND

Education:

Woodrow Wilson High School
Washington, DC
George Washington University
Washington, DC
B.S. – Electrical Engineering
Distinguished Military Graduate
Air Force ROTC

Military Service:

Captain, United States Air Force
Recipient of the Air Force
Commendation Medal for
Meritorious Service as an
Aerospace Engineer in Satellite
Reconnaissance

Employment Positions:

Data Control Systems, Inc.
CBS, Inc.
Kutola Advertising Agency
Images 70/Wilson Height Welch
Stearns House, Inc.

Career Before Congress:
Small Business Owner

Residence:
Ocala

Family:
Married to Joan Moore
Children: Douglas, Emily, Scott,
Bundy and Amy

Republican Leader on the Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee, Energy and Commerce Committee
Stearns is committed to removing the barriers that limit the growth of the telecom industry, fostering new services and products for consumers. He also is overseeing the transition to digital broadcasts while ensuring that consumers are provided with a converter box if they do not have a digital television.

Veterans Affairs Committee – Deputy Republican Leader (Current) and Chairman of the Veterans Health Subcommittee (2000 – 1997)
Through his efforts, a new Patient Tower is being built at the Gainesville VA Medical Hospital to increase patient privacy with the first floor housing new clinics. In addition, he secured a new Regional VA Health Care Facility that is being built in South Marion County.

For years, Stearns advocated a new VA cemetery to serve those in northeast Florida. His provision was signed into law and this new cemetery is opening in Jacksonville.

While Chairman of the Veterans Health Subcommittee, his bill, H.R. 2116, the Veterans Millennium Health Care & Benefits Act, was signed into law. This measure improves access to long-term care for disabled veterans and expands the obligation of the VA in providing alternatives to nursing home care. Provisions from his bill, H.R. 5109, the Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Act, were enacted as part of S. 1402. His provisions guarantee yearly pay increases for VA health care personnel and increase the rate of special pay for dentists and pharmacists working at the VA. These pay reforms are vital to retaining qualified health care professionals.

Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee (2007-2001), Energy and Commerce Committee
Stearns led the effort to develop the Do-Not-Call list to block unwanted commercial solicitations over the phone. In addition, he rewrote legislation adopted by the House preventing Spyware, software that tracks a person’s computer use without their knowledge.

As Chairman, Stearns carefully examined trade agreements and negotiations, especially concerning the protection of intellectual property rights, an area in which the United States is the world’s leader. He also pushed for legislation to prevent identity theft and to promote online security.

Co-founded and Co-chairman
U.S. Air Force Caucus, Congressional Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Caucus, Congressional Cystic Fibrosis Caucus, American Quarter Horse Caucus, and Asthma Awareness Caucus.

Working for a Better America
Immigration
A member of the House Immigration Reform Caucus, Stearns is working to secure our borders and enforce our laws. He is a cosponsor of the SAVE Act to provide immigration reform by securing America’s borders, clarifying and enforcing existing laws, and enabling a practical employer verification program.

He supports building fences and other physical barriers to prevent illegal immigration, while enlarging the number of agents patrolling our borders. By a vote of 420-0, the House adopted the Stearns amendment to H.R. 4337, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act. His amendment prohibited the granting of any immigration-related benefits, such as green cards and work benefits, to any legal alien without first getting a complete background check.

An advocate of making English the official language, Stearns believes that a common language will help unify our citizens.

Stearns has received an “A” rating from Americans for Better Immigration and the “A for English” Award from U.S. English, Inc.

Budget and Taxes
Stearns is a fiscal conservative, committed to limiting the growth in federal spending and to preserving tax relief for all Americans. He opposed the budget proposal put forward by the Congressional leadership that provides for new taxes and large increases in domestic spending. Stearns is one of only 48 House members recognized in 2007 by the National Taxpayers Union with an “A” rating for his consistent record on fiscal responsibility.

Stearns supported tax relief enacted in 2001 and 2003, but many of these provisions are expiring. He is working to make these expiring provisions permanent.

Energy
Our nation’s dependence on oil, most of it imported, is a national security and economic threat. Stearns strongly believes that America must produce more energy domestically, deploy our technology to develop or expand the use of clean and alternative fuels, and increase conservation. That is why he serves on the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus.

Stearns joined in offering a package of legislation that would unlock more of America for energy development. Among these bills is one opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska to drilling as a means to access the estimated 10-16 billion barrels of oil there, enough to replace U.S. imports from Saudi Arabia. Another would promote the use of coal in an environmentally sensitive manner because the U.S. has a 250-year supply of coal at the current rate of use. In addition, he supports a bill that would repeal the ban on developing western shale oil, which could provide up to two trillion barrels of oil.

Veterans
As a veteran, Stearns is a stalwart advocate for his fellow former servicemembers. Stearns offered H.R. 3646, the Veterans Effective Training Job Opportunities and Benefits Study Act (VET JOBS Act). This bill would direct the VA Secretary and the Labor Secretary to post on the VA website the results of a joint study on the greatest employment needs in various job markets across the country as a means to help veterans identify the best training to pursue.

Stearns also wants to expand and update the educational benefits for the veterans of the 21st century. He supports two bills to modernize the GI Bill, including the new House companion bill to Senator Webb’s legislation. These measures also would increase the amount available to veterans for their education.

In addition, he voted to require the VA to cover the cost of emergency care that veterans receive at non-VA facilities, to increase the cost of living adjustment (COLA) for disabled veterans, and to authorize funding for new VA construction projects, including the new Patient Tower at the Gainesville VA hospital.

Stearns also succeeded in having new VA outpatient clinics in Leesburg and in Ocala, and, most recently, a new Regional Health Care facility that is being opened in south Marion County.

Serving Florida
Stearns has successfully secured support for crucial programs at the University of Florida, Central Florida Community College, Santa Fe Community College, and other institutions.

Earlier in his tenure, Stearns helped to ensure seniors-only housing and to bring the “Weed & Seed” program to several Florida communities to fund law enforcement programs.

His efforts have yielded funding for Camp Blanding, the premier training ground for the Florida National Guard, and for development at the Cecil Commerce Center, which had been a military facility closed during budget cutbacks.

Accessibility
Stearns lives in Ocala and regularly meets with constituents in his three district offices. In addition, he has held over 500 town meetings throughout the district where the public can ask questions and make comments.

Awards

The Economy

Guardian of Small Business 2008-06-04 — National Federation of Independent Business
Spirit of Innovation Award 2008 — Telecommunications Industry Association
Spirit of Enterprise Award 2008-00 — U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Taxpayers’ Friend Award 2007-04 — National Taxpayers Union
Eagle Award 2007 — Association of Building Contractors
Friend of Farm Bureau 2007-06 — American Farm Bureau Federation
Hero of the Taxpayer 2006-2001 — Americans for Tax Reform
Friend of the Shareholders Award 2006-04-02-00 — American Shareholders Association
Protector of Property Rights 2006-04-02-00 — Property Rights Alliance
Small Business Champion 2006 — Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
Jefferson Award 2006 – 1992 — International Food Distributors Association
Guardian of Worker Freedom 2006 — Alliance for Worker Freedom
Tax Fighter Award 2006-04 — National Tax-Limitation Committee
Honor Role 2006 — Southern Economic Development Council

Veterans & National/Border Security

“A in English” Award 2008 – U.S. English, Inc.
Inducted into U.S. Border Control’s Hall of Fame 2006 & 100 Percent Rating — U.S. Border Control
A+ Career Rating on Immigration 2006 — Americans for Better Immigration
Citizens Flag Alliance 2003 — American Legion
W. Stuart Symington Award 2001 — Air Force Association
George “Buck” Gillespie Congressional Award 2001 — Blinded American Veterans Foundation
Congressional Laurel 2000 — Armed Forces Journal

Pro-Family

True Blue Award 2007-02 — Family Research Council & Focus on the Family
Friend of the Family Award 2000-1989 — Christian Coalition
Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Drugs — City of Ocala

Senior Citizens

Medicare Choices Leadership Award 2007 — The Coalition for Medicare Choices
Friend of Senior Citizens Award 2006 â€“ 60/Plus Association
Senior Guardian Medal of Honor 2004 — Seniors Coalition
Franklin Award 2004 â€“ 60/Plus Association
Friend of Senior Citizens 2003 â€“ 60/Plus Association
Super Friend of Seniors 2000 and Guardian of Seniors’ Rights 105th-103rd Congress — 60/Plus Association
Legislative Achievement Award 2000 — The Seniors Coalition
100 Percent Rating 2000 — United Seniors Association