Talk about what the first several days in Washington, D.C., have been like, including the pace, what you had to get done before your official start and casting your first vote.
The pace is nonstop. I’m getting my exercise for sure with all the walking and running here and there.
It’s a pleasure to serve the people of Florida and I take pride in voting on their behalf.
Before being sworn in, I had to tidy up all my personal business affairs, notify my insurance clients that someone else would be servicing their accounts.
In addition, I had to interview and hire new congressional staff and secure new space to locate district offices in Tallahassee and Jacksonville.
I’ve also had to undergo weeks of training on how Congress works, two weeks in Washington and one week at Harvard University.
Who did you invite to attend your swearing-in ceremony and why? Did you have a personal gathering, as well?
I took my grandkids — Cameron, Jordan and Sam — into the chamber with me, as only kids under 12 were allowed on the House floor.
I was really nervous as I didn’t know how the 3-year-old would behave. He did go to sleep, which was great. My wife and son were in the gallery.
The balance of my family, friends and supporters were in my office watching on the TV.
Describe your emotions and thoughts during the swearing-in ceremony.
It was a great privilege to take the oath of office to represent the people of Florida’s 5th Congressional District. I felt a tremendous sense of joy, respect and thankfulness to the citizens for allowing me to serve.
What are some of the personal items you took with you to keep in your D.C. office and why are they important to have with you?
The first thing I grabbed was an old state of Florida seal that hung in my old Florida Senate office and sports memorabilia from my playing and coaching days at Florida A&M University and Florida State University.
What are the keys for you, as a freshman representative, to be successful?
I came to Washington, D.C., to serve all of the people of the 5th Congressional District responsibly and with integrity. I’ve always found that when your agenda is to be of service to your community, you will be successful.
You and Rep. John Rutherford both represent parts of Duval County. What is your relationship with him and how will you work together on issues important to the area?
We have a great relationship; we have known each other for years.
In the weeks since my election, Rep. Rutherford and I have been getting reacquainted and searching for ways in which we can work together on issues to benefit all of Duval County.
I see our relationship strengthening in the months and years to come.
What is the relationship among the Florida delegation? How will the group keep partisan politics out of doing what’s best for the state?
I’ve known some members of the Florida delegation for decades, having served with them in the Florida Legislature.
I represent a good swath of North Florida, so to be successful in the community, I will have to work with my North Florida colleagues (Matt Gaetz, Neal Dunn, Rutherford and Ted Yoho), as well as those members from other parts of the state.
A Scripps Howard Foundation analysis found that in the 113th Congress, only 2.6 percent of bills introduced by new lawmakers became laws and 84 percent received no action beyond being referred to a committee. What bills do you plan to introduce and how will you work to gain support for them?
I’m looking to introduce a bill to help reduce the student loan debt that burdens so many Americans.
I represent multiple colleges and universities and over 100,000 college students who leave with a tremendous amount of debt.
With the tremendous amount of student debt borne by so many Americans, I think this is an issue I can find common ground with several other members to address.
How often will you get back to the district, both to meet with constituents and to see your family?
I was just sworn in this past week and my family has been with me the entire time.
It is my intention is to be in the district each week, longer when there are no scheduled votes in D.C.
You’re from Florida, where winters aren’t really winters, especially compared to D.C. How’s that weather up there so far?
D.C. is cold! I spent this past weekend in Williamsburg, Va., with the freshman class of the 115th Congress (the newly elected members of Congress). And I can tell you that I have not ever seen so much snow in my life. There was eight inches of snow. I had to purchase a new winter coat, scarf, hat and gloves, prior to coming to D.C. I’m thinking I may need to find some snow boots.