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WATCH: Conservative champion and incumbent Congressman Bill Posey is running to represent Florida’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Posey talks about his background ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Paid political advertisement by Friends of Bill Posey.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Conservative champion and incumbent Congressman Bill Posey is running to represent Florida’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Posey was born in 1947 and has been a Florida resident since 1956. After graduating from Cocoa High and earning his A.A. from Brevard Community College, he followed in his father’s footsteps and worked at the Kennedy Space Center until he was laid off with the end of the Apollo Program.

Posey is the founder and President of Posey & Co. Realtors with over 30 years of residential and commercial real estate experience. Bill has served as a director of the Florida Association of Realtors and the President of the Space Coast Association of Realtors.

He was first elected to the Rockledge City Council in 1976, then to the Florida House in 1992, and served in the Florida Senate from 2001 to 2009, representing the 24th District.

While in Tallahassee, Posey received numerous awards over the years including Legislator of the Year from a number of groups including the American Legislative Exchange Council. He is known nationwide for his innovation in bringing greater accountability to government, having authored the book Activity Based Total Accountability.

In 2008, Posey was elected to the United States House of Representatives to serve Florida’s 15th District, which covered all of Indian River County and portions of Brevard, Osceola and Polk Counties.

He currently serves on the House’s Standing Committee on Financial Services; the Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance; the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions; and the Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

Posey’s reputation for demanding responsibility and accountability in government has remained strong in Congress, as Human Events magazine has named him “Mr. Accountability” for his leadership on government reform. He is a signer of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

In Congress, he has been a committed and successful fighter for better ideas and positive change in Washington. Bill is a consistent opponent of wasteful government spending and is a co-sponsor of a constitutional amendment requiring Congress to pass a balanced budget.

He introduced legislation that has become law requiring every bill voted on the floor in Congress to be posted online for 72 hours for the public and members of Congress to read before seeing a vote.

Another of Posey’s Congressional transparency initiatives that have been incorporated into House Rules and operating procedures requires that all changes to legislation throughout the legislative process be clearly shown so that the public and all Members of Congress are able easily see any changes and better understand the impact of such changes.

He has introduced a legislative proposal to prohibit members of Congress and committees from inserting unrelated amendments into bills without a vote on the House floor. Bill proposed legislation that would end the revolving door between Congress and lobbying.

In addition, Posey supports numerous bills that would provide meaningful reform to our health care system, protecting Medicare and Social Security, keeping taxes low, reducing excessive regulation, empowering state and local governments, creating a healthy economy where employers and their employees thrive, and protecting religious freedom and personal liberty.

To date, 19 of Posey’s legislative initiatives have been signed into law.

He has been married to his high school sweetheart Katie for 50 years and together they have two grown daughters, Pam and Cathi, and 3 grandchildren.

Besides being a devoted husband, dad, and now grandfather, Posey is an accomplished stock car racer, having received the award for short track driver achievement in memory of Davey & Clifford Allison presented by Bobby & Judy Allison.

Community Service

Kiwanis Club (President), High School Advisory Committee, Academic Club, Vocational Advisory Committee, Quarterback Club (12th Man Award), Middle School Advisory Committee, Elementary School PTA & Advisory Committees, Civic Association (LPCA President), Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, County School Board Instructional Materials Committee, Community College Better Government Study Committee, County Volunteer Deputy Registrar, Department of Education County Relations Advisory Committee, County Mental Health Association, Keep Brevard Beautiful, Civilian-Military Relations Council, American Cancer Society (director), United Methodist Church Trustee, Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (Chairman), Methodist Youth Fellowship (leader), United Methodist Men (President), Miss Softball (coach) and Little League (coach), Financial sponsor of over 100 teams, leagues & other youth programs.

For the first time since 2008, U.S. Rep. Bill Posey has a challenger in the Republican primary.

There are many valid reasons why an long-time incumbent like Posey deserves to the challenged: He’s been in D.C. for 12 years and there’s a case to be made that District 8 needs new blood, an energetic person who’s ready to rise through the ranks of GOP leadership to amass enough power to truly effect change for his constituents.

Posey’s opponent Scott Caine of Vero Beach has the conservative credentials that someday will make him a formidable candidate for Congress — perhaps when Posey retires, as it’s rumored every election year. He had a 30-year career in the Air Force, where he was vice commander of the 9th Air Force, and has said his priority is to take on China.

However, Caine fails to make the case that voters should exchange Posey — someone who’s been an advocate for our two biggest local issues, the Indian River Lagoon and space and has done a good job serving Brevard residents — for someone new.

For those reasons, our Editorial Board recommends Posey in the Aug. 18 primary. The winner will face Democrat Jim Kennedy in the Nov. 3 general election. The three candidates participated in a forum last week organized by FLORIDA TODAY, Eastern Florida State College and the League of Women Voters of the Space Coast. Kennedy was not considered for this recommendation because he’s not running in the primary. The district covers Brevard and Indian River counties and a small part of Orange.

The biggest obstacle for a candidate who challenges an incumbent of the same party is showing voters what sets them apart when their stances on issues are very similar. Candidates who did so effectively, for example during the Tea Party wave, were able to prove incumbents weren’t living up the conservative values of the GOP or the needs of their districts.

Caine has signed a term limit pledge and points out Posey has not lived up to past statements in support of such limits. Posey co-sponsored a failed 2010 amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would have prohibited a House member from serving more than six consecutive terms (12 years), which he completes this year.

But beyond the fact Posey has been in Congress for a long time, there’s no reason to vote him out.

He reflects the values of local GOP voters — a staunch conservative and supporter of President Trump. He founded the House Estuary Caucus and has successfully fought to keep the National Estuary Program funded. He also co-sponsored 2018 legislation that reauthorized important research programs to fight toxic algae blooms.

To Caine’s credit, we can see how, given his experience in the Air Force, he could quickly emerge as a strong voice on foreign policy issues, particularly on China. If elected, the main goal of his first two-year term would be to pass legislation to rebuild American manufacturing with a focus on 5G telecommunication technology, which the Chinese are poised to dominate.

“Because if don’t, then we are going to fall behind China with all our friends and allies across the planet and they will be connected to China instead of connected to the United States,” he said.

On the topic of the lagoon, Caine said during the forum the federal government should make it easier for the state to address the issue — “That goes into getting federal government out of state business,” he said. While conservatives elsewhere would like to see that, we believe District 8 voters expect more from their Congress member.

Posey is quick to point out to his work to keep the Estuary Program funded.

Beyond that, it seems Caine and Posey agree on a lot.

On the most pressing topic of our time, COVID-19 and congressional response, Posey and Caine are in agreement for the most part. Both said the $600-per-week in unemployment benefits approved in the CARES Act provides incentives for people to stay home instead of looking for work. The benefits expire in July.

Caine called the benefits a “necessary evil” and that he’s “not a fan” of adding such “extra incentive.”

Posey left the door open to re-evaluate how much unemployment benefits should be — if any. We like that he’s open-minded as we’ve heard firsthand from Brevard County residents struggling to get access to unemployment benefits.

When asked about what he’s done for disenfranchised communities, Posey mentioned his work while he was in the Florida Legislature getting dollars to help build the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex in Mims honoring the civil rights activists assassinated in 1951, and passing a 2013 bill to rename the post office on Florida Avenue in Cocoa after them. Posey also passed legislation to present the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment known as the Borinqueneers, an all-Puerto Rican segregated unit that served in World War I and II and the Korean War.

We appreciate Posey’s efforts but it’s also worth pointing out he became nationally known for his link to “birther” theories, which questioned whether the nation’s first Black president was born in the U.S., when he filed a 2009 bill to require presidential candidates present a copy of their birth certificate. Posey at the time insisted it wasn’t aimed at Barack Obama but his legislation gave oxygen to a racially charged and widely debunked conspiracy theory.

In all, our Editorial Board believes Caine has the military and foreign policy background that generally make excellent candidates for Congress. But defeating a six-term incumbent is no easy task, especially when you can’t prove why he should be booted.

We hope Caine continues to run in future elections. But for now, Republican voters should give Posey another shot.

This week, U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Fla. has introduced a proposal to help American companies reshore their manufacturing equipment from China back to the U.S.

Posey introduced the “Reshoring American Manufacturing Act” (RAM ACT) on Monday, insisting the “COVID-19 crisis has shown how overly dependent we have become on China and other nations for vital supplies and consumer goods.”

On Tuesday, Posey offered some of the reasons behind his bill.

“Over the last three years, we have made great progress in rebuilding America’s manufacturing capability adding 500,000 good paying manufacturing jobs,” said Posey. “This legislation will build on that success by further breaking our dependence on China, restoring American manufacturing jobs, and rebuilding American industries and supply chains that are vital to our national security by bringing them home.”

The bill will offer tax credits to Americans companies, encouraging them to move manufacturing equipment out of China.

“Some companies face hurdles like high costs associated with transporting manufacturing equipment back to the United States. The RAM Act also requires companies to put the equipment into production in the U.S. There is also a ‘claw back’ provision to prevent companies from moving this same equipment back out of the U.S. should they take advantage of the tax credit,” Posey’s office noted.

Posey’s bill was sent to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee on Monday. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.

Reps. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) and Bill Posey (R-FL) have introduced a measure they said is designed to examine per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and firefighter exposure to the chemicals.

The Guaranteeing Equipment Safety for Firefighters Act of 2020 requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to work with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to examine the prevalence of PFAS in personal protective equipment worn by firefighters; the conditions and extent PFAS chemicals are released into the environment through normal use of firefighting equipment; and the relative risk of PFAS exposure faced by firefighters.

“In order to reduce the serious risk to our firefighters, we must first understand the means and the frequency at which firefighters are being exposed to these dangerous chemicals,” Perlmutter said. “These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day for our communities, and we must do everything we can to protect them in return.”

PFAS chemicals are commonly used on firefighting gear to make them more water and oil-resistant. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, however, research has determined PFAS exposure can lead to an increased risk of cancer, the leading cause of death among firefighters.

“The more we know about the presence of PFAS in the products we manufacture, the better we will be able to protect consumers and public health,” Posey said. “First responders such as firefighters sometimes face dangerous conditions and their safety is a priority.”

HAS SERVED AS THE U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FOR FLORIDA’S 8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SINCE 2009

SPACE COAST DAILY TV: U.S. Congressman Bill Posey talks with the Friday Night Locker Room’s Steve Wilson. Congressman Posey talks about Memorial Day, and how important it is to recognize those that have paid the ultimate price to secure our freedom.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – U.S. Congressman Bill Posey talks with the Friday Night Locker Room’s Steve Wilson. Congressman Posey talks about Memorial Day, and how important it is to recognize those that have paid the ultimate price to secure our freedom.

The Congressman also talks about the upcoming Commercial Crew Rocket Launch scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at 4:32 p.m, from Kennedy Space Center LC-39A.

Posey has served as the U.S. Representative for Florida’s 8th congressional district since 2009.

He is a member of the Republican Party and formerly served in the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives.

Posey was selected as the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame 2020 Sports Ambassador inductee, as he has been a motorsports competitor, entrepreneur and advocate for more than 57 years – and is currently the co-chair of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus and Auto Racing Caucus. See more at the below link.

Wikipedia contributed to this report.

As we pass the 59th Anniversary of the first American human space flight launch that saw Alan Shepard pilot the famous Freedom 7 capsule as part of the Mercury program, U.S. Representatives Bill Posey (R-Florida) and Charlie Crist (D-Florida) introduced bipartisan legislation to build on that important legacy and keep America first in space. The American Space Commerce Act (H.R. 6783) supports American leadership in space by providing an incentive for American space firms to keep investing in America and launching from American soil.

“Our domestic space launch industry is in our national security interest and America is up against unfair trade practices from nations like China and Russia that heavily subsidize space launches,” said U.S. Rep. Bill Posey.

“Our bill provides a powerful incentive for our space firms to keep investing to support America’s growing commercial space sector, further advancing our leadership in space and securing the ultimate military high ground for years to come. I thank my colleague, Congressman Crist, for joining me in introducing this legislation which is critical to both the state of Florida and our nation.”

“The U.S. aerospace industry plays a critical role in advancing our nation’s space exploration goals, national security posture, and global competitiveness,” said U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist.

“I’m proud to work with Congressman Posey to introduce this bill to strengthen American leadership in space. The American Space Commerce Act will help shield the U.S. aerospace industry from unfair trade practices, promote our national security, and protect workers in communities across Florida and America.”

“Space Florida applauds the introduction of the American Space Commerce Act by Congressmen Posey and Crist. This bill will ensure that the US remains the world leader in space by supporting the development of domestic launch capabilities. It is the strength, innovation and agility of the commercial space marketplace which best enables American leadership in space,” said Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello.

The 2019 Report to Congress of the U.S. – China Economic and Security Review Commission states that “China is taking steps to establish a commanding position in the commercial launch and satellite sectors relying in part on aggressive state-backed financing that foreign market driven companies cannot match.”

The report further adds, “China has already succeeded in undercutting some U.S. and other foreign launch and satellite providers in the international market, threatening to hollow out these countries’ space industrial bases.”

The American Space Commerce Act will level the playing field by extending existing space launch tax incentives for an additional ten years for companies that launch their payloads from the United States.

By doing this the bill helps free up more capital to allow American space companies to continue to invest in developing new technology and launching future space missions from the United States.

Two congressmen in the Florida delegation have teamed up on the “American Space Commerce Act” which will encourage American space firms to continue to invest in the U.S., including launching from American soil.

At the end of last week, U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Fla., introduced the bill with U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla., as a cosponsor. The congressmen showcased the bill on Monday.

“Our domestic space launch industry is in our national security interest and America is up against unfair trade practices from nations like China and Russia that heavily subsidize space launches,” said Posey. “Our bill provides a powerful incentive for our space firms to keep investing to support America’s growing commercial space sector, further advancing our leadership in space and securing the ultimate military high ground for years to come. I thank my colleague, Congressman Crist, for joining me in introducing this legislation which is critical to both the state of Florida and our nation.”

“The U.S. aerospace industry plays a critical role in advancing our nation’s space exploration goals, national security posture, and global competitiveness,” said Crist. “I’m proud to work with Congressman Posey to introduce this bill to strengthen American leadership in space. The American Space Commerce Act will help shield the U.S. aerospace industry from unfair trade practices, promote our national security, and protect workers in communities across Florida and America.”

The two congressmen pointed to the U.S. – China Economic and Security Review Commission’s report to Congress last which found that “China is taking steps to establish a commanding position in the commercial launch and satellite sectors relying in part on aggressive state-backed financing that foreign market-driven companies cannot match” and “China has already succeeded in undercutting some U.S. and other foreign launch and satellite providers in the international market, threatening to hollow out these countries’ space industrial bases.”

Posey’s bill continues space launch tax incentives currently in place for another ten years with the congressman’s office insisting that doing so will free up more capital which can be invested in new technology and in actual launches.

The bill was sent to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee last week. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.