Biography
Congressman Cliff Stearns
Working for Florida's Sixth District since 1989

Photo of Cliff Stearns


Committee Assignments
Energy & Commerce
- Chairman, Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee
- Telecommunications & the Internet Subcommittee
- Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee
Veterans' Affairs
Vice Chairman, Health Subcommittee (Former Chairman)
House Policy Committee



Family Born:Washington, D.C.
Residence: Ocala
Family: Cliff with his wife Joan and their three children

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

What People Say About Cliff Stearns


"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)

"Cliff is a leader who has fought for legislation to spur job creation, increase productivity and keep our economy growing. We are proud to present him with this award on behalf of America's businesses, both large and small." - Thomas Donohue, President & CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce (March 15, 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)

"It's a pleasure to endorse, at long last, a plan to safeguard the Social Security surplus by locking away 100% of it for future retirees. Thank you Rep. Stearns." - Jim Martin, President, 60 Plus association (March 24, 1999)

"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: As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee's Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee, Stearns is working to expand consumer protection by enhancing cyber-security, consumer privacy, spyware control, and international trade agreements dealing with telecommunication service agreements.  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 Vice Chairman of the Veterans Health Subcommittee.

Commerce: President Bush signed Stearns’ legislation curbing frivolous lawsuits against the firearms industry into law in October 2005.  Currently, Stearns is working in his Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee on legislation to protect consumers’ personal information and to prevent identity theft.  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.  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 set to open in 2009.  Stearns actively supports the VA's CARES plan, which calls for a new Regional Health Care Facility in Marion County 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 expire.  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.

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.

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 450 town meetings across North Central Florida.


AwardsEconomic:
Taxpayers' Friend Award 2006-04
National Taxpayers Union

Hero of the Taxpayer 2006-2001
Americans for Tax Reform
Friend of the Shareholders Award 2006-04-02-00
American Shareholders Association
Spirit of Enterprise Award 2006-00
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
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
Friend of Farm Bureau 2006
American Farm Bureau Federation
Guardian of Worker Freedom 2006
Alliance for Worker Freedom
Tax Fighter Award 2006-04
National Tax-Limitation Committee

Guardian of Small Business 2006-04
National Federation of Independent Business
Honor Role 2006
Southern Economic Development Council
Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence 2005
National Association of
Manufacturers
Taxpayer Hero 2005-04
Council of Citizens Against Government Waste
Small Business Advocate 2004
Small Business Survival Committee
Spirit of Enterprise Award 2004-1989
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
2003 Privacy Leadership Award 2003
Intl. Association of Privacy Professionals

Taxpayer's Friend Award
2003
National Taxpayers Union
Guardian of Small Business
101st-107th Congress
National Federation of Independent Business

Taxpayers' Hero Award
1990-92, 1995-2000
Citizens Against Government Waste

Golden Bulldog Award 1
989-2000
Watchdogs of the Treasury


Seniors:
Friend of Senior Citizens Award
2006
60 Plus Association
Senior Guardian Medal of Honor 2004
Seniors Coalition

Franklin
Award 2004
60 Plus Association

Friend of Senior Citizens 2003
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


Veterans & National Security:
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

Charles Dick Medal of Merit
1998
National Guard Association of the United States

Special Citation
1998
U.S. Air Force Association

Peace Through Strength Victory Leadership Award
Coalition for International Security
National Security Leadership Award 101st-103rd Congress
American Security Council

Health:
Safety Net Award for Congressional Leadership 2006
The National Association on Public Hospitals & Health Systems
Visionary Award 2005
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Mothers' Choice Award 2005
Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics
Medal of Honor 2005, 03, 01, 00, 1999
U.S. Oncology
Public Service Award
American Heart Association

Family:
True Blue Award 2006 - 02
Family Research Council
Friend of the Family Award
1989-00
Christian Coalition
Mayor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Drugs
City of Ocala

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