U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland spoke to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) at a luncheon in Tallahassee Tuesday, taking aim at President Barack Obama's economic policies.
We, right now, in this country, I believe, are in a battle for our souls, the freshman Republican said.
The new congressman, the first Republican to represent his North Florida district since 1882, said that hard work and honest dealing were what helped propel small businesses and individuals to realize the promise of America -- but those values were under siege.
The principles of hard work and honest dealing are being threatened like never before, Southerland insisted.
Washingtons broken, he said. Its broken in principle. Its broken in mechanics. Its broke financially. The new congressman said that both Republicans and Democrats were responsible for the nations situation. I want a Washington, D.C., that is a reflection of the people. Its not.
While Southerland may have cast a plague on both houses, he did single out the fiscal policies backed by President Barack Obama as one of the nations chief problems. Arguing that the large national debt and the deficit were threats to the nation, Southerland tore into Obamas proposed budget for FY 2012 and maintained that federal regulations were crippling economic growth.
Southerland singled out water standards backed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which the congressman said would lead to the loss of around 14,500 jobs in Floridas agriculture sector and could cost more than $20 billion in new water treatment facilities.
Noting that Obama and his economic advisers were visiting small businesses in the Midwest to push economic innovation, Southerland fired away at the administration. This administration knows more about strangulation than innovation, insisted Southerland.
Southerland also called for the federal government to open up more opportunities to explore domestic energy sources and promised to continue to fight the administration on these issues. The congressman noted that he took an oath when he was inaugurated to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic and he emphasized domestic.
Noting the low marks Congress gets in most polls, Southerland admitted the new Republican majority in the U.S. House had their work cut out for them.
It costs the American people $1 billion to get a 13 percent approval rating. That is pathetic, said Southerland. We have to restore trust with the American people.
Speaking to a packed room full of business leaders Southerland was among friends; a third-generation funeral-home owner, the new congressman is a member of the NFIB.
I think its high time that small-business owners, through fine organizations like the NFIB, rise up and be heard, said Southerland. We represent 85 percent of our economy.
Southerland called small businesses the backbone of America and its economy. Its not Wall Street, said Southerland. Its not K Street. Its Main Street.
The new congressman also talked about personal issues, noting that his family had roots in the region extending back to the 18th century.
I have no interest in calling Washington my home, Southerland insisted. While were there, were going to make a difference. While were there, we will be faithful.
Southerland also talked about the joys and responsibilities of running a family business which has been operating for 56 years and pledged he would not let his new tasks change him.
What America needs more than anything is family values, said Southerland, pledging that he would not put off family obligations to advance his own ambitions. He noted that he had called short a meeting later in the day to attend one of his four daughters soccer match.
Southerland also talked about the responsibility of running a funeral home, noting that it was a high honor -- but also a grave responsibility -- to help people during rough moments.
It pains me to be away from the people I served on the worst day of their lives, said Southerland, noting that his funeral homes were open during holidays and that he put off vacations with his family due to his obligations.
Southerland noted that service in Congress changed many men but he insisted he would not change.
I may lose in 2012 and thats OK, but I wont lose me, he said. I have to come back to the place I call home.
As a funeral director, Ill do my best to let you down easy, he joked. And its only 6 feet down.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
