WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam H. Putnam (R-FL 12) today announced his candidacy for Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, an elected arm of the House Leadership.

The House Republican Policy Committee, formerly chaired by Representative John Shadegg (R-Arizona), is the incubator of ideas for the House Republican Conference. In addition, the Committee seeks input from every member of the House Republican Conference to turn interesting and innovative ideas into legislation that may become law. Chairman Shadegg resigned his post to enter the race for Majority Leader.

"The House Republican Policy Committee must develop plans and policies for the next fifty years, not just the next fiscal year," stated Putnam, who is in his third term in Congress. "We cannot afford to address the problems of the 21st Century by looking to the solutions of the past; we need to tackle today's challenges with a bold, fresh perspective. As a governing majority, it is our responsibility to develop a blueprint for the future."

In his three terms in Congress, Putnam has developed an expertise in a wide variety of policy areas. While in the Florida Legislature, he served as Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, formulating policies that affect the State's second largest industry. In Congress, he headed the Government Reform Committee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census, and in that capacity focused on computer privacy and security concerns, both for the federal government as well as private industry. Most recently, he has been one of the leaders fighting for reforms to our federal budget, working to cut unnecessary programs while funding priority programs.

"In coming to power in 1994, the Republican Party was recognized as the party of ideas," Putnam concluded. "We must continue that tradition by offering a bold vision and common-sense solutions to the American people. I believe that I can bring this about most effectively as Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee."

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