BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A Brevard County woman who hoped to be reunited with her three children six months ago now says she doesn’t know where they are.

Congressman Bill Posey is lending his assistance to help Michelle Littleton bring her children home from Lebanon.

“I don’t even know where they are,” said Littleton. “It’s gut-wrenching as a mother.”

Littleton has fought tirelessly to bring her children, Yousef, Leilah and Ascila home since they were taken to Lebanon by her ex-husband on what was supposed to be a 10-day vacation.

In December, the Merritt Island mother even offered congressional testimony on international parental abduction. But despite favorable court rulings in both U.S. and Lebanese courts, her children have not been returned.

Littleton learned the state department lost track of her children weeks ago.

“My children have vanished, and it’s really scary that we’re giving billions to Lebanon and our ambassador can’t even seem to form a relationship with Lebanese officials to make sure they are enforcing these orders and tracking abductors and bringing home abducted children,” Littleton said.

Congressman Bill Posey attempted to turn up the heat by proposing cuts in funding to both the Lebanese Internal Security Force and the state department’s Office of Children’s Issues.

“Lebanon had found the father wrongly had these children in Lebanon and they should have been post-haste returned,” Posey said. “And the Lebanese government should have made sure that happened. That not being done our state department should have brought pressure on them to make that happen.”

Posey wasn’t allowed to debate two proposed amendments on the House floor, but Litttleton continues to write letters in hopes that others will take notice.

House clerk is working on an ‘artificial intelligence engine’ that will compare legislation

As lawmakers grapple with how to shape legislation dealing with artificial intelligence, the clerk of the House is developing an AI tool to automate the process of analyzing differences between bills, amendments and current laws.

That’s according to Robert F. Reeves, the deputy clerk of the House, who on Friday told the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress that his office is working on an “artificial intelligence engine” that may be ready as soon as next year.

The idea, Reeves said, is to offer members and staff a tool that would accurately compare legislative text. He said it’s already available to Office of Legislative Counsel staffers, who then must check the accuracy with human intelligence. It’s about 90 percent there, he told the panel.

The bipartisan, one-year modernization committee, chaired by Democratic Rep. Derek Kilmer, is charged with offering big-scope recommendations for making Congress more tech-savvy and better functioning. The panel can’t offer legislation, but it’s seen no shortage of tips from colleagues.

During Friday’s hearing, the panel looked broadly at transparency in the legislative process and whether and how technology facilitates or stymies deal-making on Capitol Hill.

The AI project in the clerk’s office stems from House rules for the 115th Congress that called for more tools to help lawmakers, staff and the public understand legislative changes. It is part of the “Posey Comparative Print” rules, after Republican Rep. Bill Posey, Reeves noted.

The modernization panel’s vice chairman, Rep. Tom Graves, said after the Friday hearing that such technology could help lawmakers avoid unintended consequences when moving legislation.

A bill, or an amendment, can include one line that says “strike this,” the Georgia Republican noted, “and it could be striking 100 pages of current law, but you don’t know what they are.”

“Many members come out of the general assemblies in the states, and the technology that’s being utilized in the states is remarkable for comparative language perspectives, being able to see how does a proposed law or an amendment interface or fit within existing law. And that’s something we don’t have access to here as members of Congress,” Graves said.

RACE: U.S. House District 8

TERM: 2 years

CANDIDATES:

• Sanjay Patel, D-Satellite Beach
• Bill Posey, R-Rockledge (incumbent)

KEY ISSUES: Indian River Lagoon, leadership and experience, safeguarding taxpayer money, transportation and infrastructure

RECOMMENDATION: Bill Posey

When asked to name the most important issue to Indian River County residents, the candidates in U.S. House District 8 agreed on two.

Bill Posey, 70, R-Rockledge, seeking his sixth term, and Sanjay Patel, 41, D-Satellite Beach, cited the economy and Indian River Lagoon.

In their interview with our editorial board, Patel went on the attack, claiming the incumbent was out of touch with the massive income gap between rich and poor, the low wages and lack of health care in his district.

Posey countered by saying the economy had improved dramatically, noting how some businesses, such as Piper Aircraft, are having a tough time finding qualified employees.

The unemployment rate in Indian River County was 4.9 percent in August, down from about 10 percent when Posey took office. In 2017, United Way of Florida reported Posey’s Congressional District had the sixth-lowest poverty rate among 27 in the state. The report said the district had the state’s lowest percentage of adults living paycheck to paycheck.

There’s always room for improvement, but it’s not fair to put all the blame on Posey, the GOP or any other political party.

On the lagoon, Patel, a former project management consultant who moved to the district in 2008, deserves credit for learning about the causes of pollution and what ails the estuary near Lake Okeechobee. He also worked on a campaign that got Brevard County voters to pass an optional sales tax to fund lagoon projects.

Posey, though, has been working on projects small and large as a citizen and legislator in the state and U.S. capitols for decades.

In some ways, Posey, who served 10 years on Rockledge City Council and 18 in the Florida House or Senate, may be out of touch with some constituents in his community.

Health care is, in fact, a problem for residents without insurance and others who pay too much for coverage. Posey minimizes the scope of this. But Patel’s remedy is dramatic. He proposes Medicare for everyone, using savings from existing spending. Posey sees that as a $4 trillion folly.

Part of Posey’s disconnect is his lack of in-person town hall meetings, such as those run by his peer to the south, U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Palm City.

Posey, however, has been a leader on space issues. His home county weathered what could have been a devastating economic downturn when NASA missions were curtailed.

He has been a strong supporter for Indian River County residents’ safety in opposition to the Brightline passenger rail project. The concerns do not appear to be on Patel’s radar.

And while Posey has shown he can cross the political aisle occasionally, Patel’s “People Over Politics” slogan glosses over his own deep involvement in his party.

For two years Patel has lived off investments and retirement funds, he said, to help grow the Democratic Party in Brevard County, which his wife chairs. She ran unsuccessfully in 2017 to be statewide party chair. The couple in 2016 were Bernie Sanders’ delegates at the Democratic National Convention.

Just how willing would Patel be to work with Republicans in our nation’s capitol or represent the interests of the many conservative voters in Indian River County?

Unfortunately, we heard nothing concrete from either candidate about how they would unite Americans. Posey, a conservative, has a mixed track record.

Patel is a sharp newcomer and, based on his background, a potential problem solver. But we know Posey. While not perfect, he’s the best choice for House District 8.

TCPalm’s candidate recommendations are decided collectively by its editorial board. Recommendations are based on nonpartisan criteria that prioritize the best candidates for our local community.

To help inform voters ahead of the 2018 elections, the Editorial Board of TCPalm/Treasure Coast Newspapers is asking candidates in local, state and national races to fill out this questionnaire. Here are the unedited answers:

Bill Posey

Date of birth: December 18, 1947

City of residence: Rockledge

Political party: Republican

Office you’re running for: U.S. House of Representatives District 8

Educational background: AA Eastern Florida State College

Current occupation and work history:

• Member of Congress.
• Former member of Florida House & Senate
• Founder and president of Posey & Co. Realtors since 1978

Volunteer and civic engagement:

Kiwanis Club (President & Legion of Honor) School Academic & Vocational Committees, Quarterback Club (12th Man Award), Civic Association President, Civilian-Military Relations Council, American Cancer Society (Director), Methodist Church Trustee, Youth Fellowship Leader, Miss Softball & Little League (Coach), Financial sponsor of over 100 teams, leagues or other youth programs.

Why are you running for office?

I’m running for office to use my experience to serve our community and bring much needed accountability to the federal government. That is the reason a Washington newspaper nick-named me “Mr. Accountability.”

I strongly believe we need to keep this economy moving by pursuing policies that make our country more competitive and that continue creating jobs and opportunities.

Together we have worked hard to make the restoration of our Indian River Lagoon a top priority and I pledge to continue to do so.

We need a strong Space Program, a health care system that works, energy independence, and a national defense that will keep Americans safe. Accountability also means keeping our promises to our Seniors and Veterans.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain

I plan to continue the work we have been doing. We formed the first bipartisan congressional estuary caucus to fight for our estuaries and educate congress. We will continue to work through this group to advance initiatives to help our lagoon and protect our environment. Also, I will continue to fight for our space program, ensure NASA remains on track with a bold mission and that our commercial space companies have the tools they need to compete.

I would also like to build upon the reforms I passed to make congress more transparent by changing the way bills are written so Members and the public can read and comprehend what’s being voted on.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?

For most of my adult life I have been an active member of our community, serving and volunteering in all kinds of local causes, efforts and organizations that benefit others. I believe this experience has enabled me to understand the needs of our community and best serve my constituents.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain.

No

Originally posted May 2015

Lisa Bell: Who are the champions in Tallahassee for the Indian River Lagoon?

Matt Reed: That’s kind of hard to say. I think there are a lot of people who are advocating for that Amendment 1 money to be applied to projects like this. Again, fortunately in Brevard County we are represented by Steve Crissifulli, who is the House Speaker and is probably the state’s leader on water issues. Don’t get that guy talking about water, because he’ll go all day long and I really think he will come through ultimately.

Another person is Senator Andy Gardiner, from Orlando, also represents the Space Cast. He’s been great on this issue.

And then, up in Washington DC , Senator – uh, Congressman Bill Posey, who represents Brevard & Indian River Counties – conservative guy, maybe he was a little slow to come around on this issue, but he has had meetings at Florida Tech with marine biologist and others and he seems to be onboard with directing money – in fact he introduced some bills to free up some money to get sent down to the estuary program that can help with these projects.

So those are three people who, if you went to write now, or sent an E-mail to, or call, it would help out a lot.

March 10, 2017

The Honorable Bill Posey
The Honorable Suzanne Bonamici
The Honorable Frank LoBiondo
The Honorable Rick Larsen

Re: Bipartisan Congressional Caucus to Support Our Nation’s Estuaries

Dear Representatives Posey, Bonamici, LoBiondo, and Larsen,

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is the nation’s largest conservation organization with more than 6 million members and supporters nationally. NWF strives to remain a national network of like-minded state and territorial groups, seeking balanced, common-sense solutions to environmental problems that work for wildlife and people.

As such, we applaud you for forming a bipartisan congressional caucus to give our nation’s estuaries a stronger voice and presence in Washington by uniting lawmakers from across the country in support of these critical ecosystems. As you are aware, estuaries are among the most productive natural places in the world. They provide goods and services that are economically and ecologically indispensable. Most fish and shellfish consumed in the United States complete at least part of their life cycles in estuaries, which also provide essential habitat for hundreds of species of birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife.

NWF recognizes that healthy estuaries are not only critical for the survival of many wildlife, but that they also serve as the economic centers of coastal communities by providing important recreation areas, tourism, and centers of transportation and commerce. NWF’s work in the Gulf before and after Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill has centered on ensuring investments are made in restoring and maintaining the health of the Gulf’s estuaries – such as ensuring enough freshwater reaches coastal estuaries, restoring sediment supply to retreating deltas, and protecting water quality by preserving strategic pieces of coastal land. The Gulf’s estuaries also serve as some of the first lines of defense from hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, making the maintenance of their ecosystem functions of urgent importance.

We are enthusiastic and optimistic that the Congressional Estuary Caucus will continue to elevate the importance of estuaries by educating Members and their staff of the 115th Congress on their value to our environment, communities, and national economy, and promoting initiatives that support the restoration and protection of these critical ecosystems.

Thank you again for supporting our Nation’s Estuaries. NWF stands ready to support your work and we hope you will reach out to us with any inquiries or opportunities to engage with you.

Sincerely,

David Muth
Director, Gulf of Mexico Restoration
National Wildlife Federation

“I thank President Trump for putting forward a nominee with such impeccable credentials”

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – In a statement issued Tuesday, U.S. House of Representative Bill Posey said President Donald Trumps’s Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh has built an impressive legal career and has an outstanding record of public service and working in the private sector.

“In 2006, he was confirmed to be a United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit by a bipartisan vote in the U.S. Senate.”

“In that role, he authored more than 300 opinions with more than a dozen opinions that the Supreme Court adopted as the law of the land. I look forward to learning more about Judge Kavanaugh as the confirmation process in the U.S. Senate moves forward and I thank President Trump for putting forward a nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court with such impeccable credentials.”

BREVARD COUNTY – In a recent announcement, the Army Corps of Engineers has decided to provide priority funding to two major Space Coast projects.

The two projects are part of the Army Corps FY2018 Work Plan, which will provide funding for the Canaveral Harbor Sand Bypass and the Mid Reach beach re-nourishment efforts.

“Port Canaveral is a critical economic asset for Central Florida. Ensuring access to our waterways and safe transit of cruise and cargo vessels are vital to this region’s economy,” said Capt. John Murray, Port CEO, in a recent press release from the office of Congressman Bill Posey. “We have a long-standing partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and are grateful to Congressman Posey for his efforts to ensure projects that are important to our operations received priority funding.”

“The sand bypass is a fundamental element to ensure navigability of the Canaveral Harbor,” said George Cecala, of the office of Congressman Bill Posey. “[Concerning the Mid-Reach re-nourishment efforts,] we have to protect our coastal areas and communities from erosion and flooding, especially after a storm. Lots of folks live along those areas, and if we do not re-nourish the beach, we face critical problems with flooding and erosion.”

There has been a growing concern by some Brevard residents, however, about the quality of fill that is being used for the re-nourishment efforts along the Mid-Reach, as well as the dangers that the fill imposes on the natural reef systems. The most outspoken of these is Matthew Fleming, who is the leader of a group titled, ‘Save the Mid-Reach’.

“What we are seeing now is NOT the beach widening project that we are fighting to prevent,” Save the Mid-Reach officials state in an online article. “This emergency nourishment is using 30-40,000 cubic yards of material, the project that is scheduled for the next two years will use over 600,000 cubic yards of material. This is enough to bury the entire reef under ten feet of sand/dirt.”

The Army Corps of Engineers plans for the Canaveral Harbor Sand Bypass project will be granted $16 million in priority funding, while the Brevard County Mid Reach beach re-nourishment project will receive $28.375 million in priority funding.

The Climate Solutions Caucus–which is led by two South Florida congressmen–continues to grow with six new members this week including a conservative Florida Republican jumping on board.

Founded by U.S. Reps. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., and Ted Deutch, D-Fla., at the start of 2016, the Climate Solutions Caucus defines it mission as “to educate members on economically-viable options to reduce climate risk and to explore bipartisan policy options that address the impacts, causes, and challenges of our changing climate.

Curbelo and Deutch announced six new members joined this week bringing the caucus to 84 members. U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Fla., joined the caucus this week. So did U.S. Reps. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., Lynn Jenkins, R-Ks., Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., Robert Scott, D-Va., and John Yarmuth, D-Ky.

“Now 84 Members strong, the Climate Solutions Caucus is evidence there is a growing, diverse, and bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress willing to put partisan stereotypes aside to work toward meaningful solutions to the challenges posed by sea level rise and climate change,” Curbelo said on Wednesday. “We have a responsibility to our constituents and future generations to present a united front to combat anti-climate policies and to have a productive, fact-based dialogue about market-oriented solutions, investments, and innovations that could mitigate the effects of climate change and make our nation more resilient. By joining the Caucus, new Members are showing a willingness to answer the call of their constituents and be a part of the solution to this issue.”

“Climate change is an urgent global issue with severe local ramifications,” Deutch said. “As more and more Americans face the impacts of climate change, they are demanding action from Congress. I welcome these new members to our Caucus and look forward to finding bipartisan solutions to address the effects of climate change facing communities across our country.”

Besides the two founders and Posey, there are five other members of the Florida delegation in the caucus: Republican U.S. Reps. Matt Gaetz, Brian Mast and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Democrats U.S. Reps. Charlie Crist and Stephanie Murphy.

The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Wednesday that was pushed by U.S. Rep. Bill Posey to open up the Cape Canaveral area and other space ports throughout the country to more companies engaging in commercial space flight support and private astronaut training operations.

House Resolution 5346, ws sponsored by the Rockledge Republican and cosponsored by Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Lawson of Tallahassee and two Texas Republicans who chair the key Congressional space committees. HR 5346 sets federal regulatory and licensing framework for private companies doing everything from training private astronauts in high-flying aircraft to launching spacecraft from underneath airplanes for sub-space research and technology development.

Posey, who sits on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee and the Subcommittee on Space, has pushed the bill for a couple years because companies in the fledgling private space industry, including the Kennedy Space Center-based Starfighters, discovered there were insufficient federal regulatory frameworks for such operations, and so the Federal Aviation Administration was reluctant to grant licenses.

The legislation, which awaits emegence of a U.S. Senate companion bill, would affect not just small companies such as Starfighters but the aspirations of some of the biggest “new space” companies in operation today such as Virgin Galactic and Stratolaunch.

Kennedy Space Center and other areas of Cape Canaveral are not the only space ports seeking opportunities such companies promise. Throughout the country small space ports are developing, including the Cecil Spaceport in Jacksonville, in Lawson’s district.

“Companies would like to utilize space support vehicles to train crews and spaceflight participants by exposing them to the physiological effects encountered in spaceflight or conduct research in reduced gravity environments,” Posey stated in a news release issued by his office. “This legislation creates a foundation for more companies to engage in human space flight activities and support commercial space operations. I would like to thank my Florida colleague Rep. Al Lawson, [U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee] Chairman Lamar Smith and Subcommittee [On Space] Chairman Brian Babin for their support of this important, bipartisan legislation.”

Posey’s office noted that FAA and Goverment Accountability Office reports issued last year recommended that the FAA examine its current regulatory framework for space support vehicles and suggested legislative or regulatory changes, as applicable.