Newsletter: The Webster Wire - Standing up for Principle

Statement

Dear Friend,

Last week, my family joined me in freezing temperatures as the 114th Congress convened to begin a new term in Washington, DC. Following the November elections, I had written an article that I shared with Members of Congress called "Widgets, Principles, and Republicans" that you can read here.

On Tuesday morning, I was nominated me to be a candidate for Speaker of the House, and was humbled and honored by the confidence that many Members of Congress placed in me.

My candidacy and vote for Speaker of the House was not a vote against personalities or policies. It was a vote for initiating a process that I know can produce sound public policy for the people who sent us to Washington on their behalf. I will continue to advocate for a more open, Member-driven and productive process that promotes principle above power.

The process by which we have come to legislate as elected representatives of the people has become flawed, and a flawed process will always produce a flawed product.

Last Wednesday morning, I called in to Bud Hedinger's radio show to talk about my vote for Speaker of the House. Portions of my interview included the reason on why I chose to allow myself to be nominated as a candidate for Speaker, as well as my greatest desire to lead with principles and make every Member successful within Congress. I also explained what I mean by a "principle-based" system of government, as opposed to one that is built on power.

On Friday evening, I was privileged to participate in the grand opening of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation History Research and Education Center. During the program, I shared a portion of Winter Garden's recent history and development that has attracted nearly one million visitors to our area annually. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation has done a wonderful job in uniting the community to embrace our history and encourage renovation of the old dilapidated brick buildings downtown to help foster a community of incredible charm.

Legislative Update:

As we began a new legislative session last week, the House passed two important bills that will continue our work to build a strong economy and spur economic growth. Due to Obamacare, there has been a movement in recent years to redefine what constitutes a full-time work week. I support the traditional 40 hour work week, and was pleased to co-sponsor and join my colleagues in the House of Representatives in passing H.R. 30, the Save American Workers (SAW) Act, which reaffirms this standard in the American workplace and protects the potential wages of millions of American workers.

Last Friday, I voted to support H.R. 3, the Keystone XL Pipeline Act. For over six years, the Keystone XL Pipeline has held the potential for economic benefits, thousands of new jobs, and increased availability of North American energy reserves. With a willing partner in the Senate, I am hoping that the legislation authorizing the Pipeline will soon be on President Obama's desk and that he will sign this critical infrastructure project.

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress

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