Jim Jordan is the statesman we need at this moment as Speaker

The 2007 freshman class was comprised of only 13 newly elected Republicans, including myself and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). It was a tough election climate given escalating wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, ethics lapses in the House, and the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. But like me, Jordan worked diligently to ensure that congressional scandal, corruption and ethics violations would no longer be a part of any Republican ruling majority. We worked hard to regain the Speaker’s gavel for Republicans and earn the trust of the American people with honor and integrity.

Each year, the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL), a joint partnership between the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia and the College of Arts and Science at Vanderbilt University, issues an effectiveness ranking for each member of Congress. According to the CEL, each member’s legislative effective score is based upon his or her “proven ability to advance agenda items through the legislative process and into law.” I am honored to be consistently recognized by CEL as one of the most effective members of Congress. Additionally, The Lugar Center, in collaboration with Georgetown University’s McCourt School, measures the degree to which each senator and representative works across party lines. Its bipartisan index has now covered 14 congresses since 1993. During my tenure, I have consistently led the Florida congressional delegation with the highest score for bipartisanship, and most recently I earned an overall ranking of 27 out of 435 members of Congress. I also earned a 100 percent score from Heritage Action for my unwavering conservative record in the 117th Congress. My sustained success stems from my ability to put policy over people. I work to find common ground with Democrats without name calling and or compromising my conservative principles. I’m especially proud that I have been recognized for my effectiveness in communicating with my constituents. Nothing is more important than full transparency and accountability for the American people.

Fundamentally, most Americans want their elected officials to work together to do what’s right for our country. They expect their leaders to have courage of conviction but have also grown weary of the grandstanding and petty bickering that too often characterizes contemporary politics. They want results. The key to delivering those results is to stand firm in one’s beliefs while developing relationships with colleagues, treating everyone with civility, and finding areas of agreement about how to improve the lives of those we serve. Jordan embodies this core philosophy and has a proven track record of securing results. He understands that progress is only possible when we are willing to cooperate with one another and prioritize the needs of our constituents, which is why I enthusiastically support his candidacy for House Speaker. 

Jordan has been tenacious in his quest to ensure a government that is transparent and accountable. He has worked to root out corruption in federal agencies, including the IRS, Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security. His efforts led to the passage of legislation that would defund the hiring of 87,000 IRS agents — a Biden administration policy that the majority of Americans deplored. He has worked to empower parents and ensure they have a strong voice in their children’s education in the face of a weaponized Department of Justice. And as one of the strongest leaders in the House this Congress, Jordan was instrumental in passing the most stringent border security package our nation has ever seen and has proven himself uniquely adept at using oversight powers to root out corruption and potential criminal activity by members of President Biden’s family. 

Now is the time for a such a warrior. Jordan and I have been through thick and thin together over the years. I have seen his work ethic and tenacity up close. He has the temperament, wisdom and common sense to unite our diverse conference and do the work of the people that is worthy of our founding principles. I am confident that as Speaker, he will unite our caucus and effectively reach across the aisle with colleagues in the United States Senate to build consensus around commonsense solutions to the challenges facing American families. He is the statesman we need at this moment as we grapple with a vast array of international and domestic crises. I urge my Republican colleagues to get back to the work of governing. Let’s elect a Speaker who can navigate us through these unprecedented times. Join me in casting a ballot for Jordan.

Gus Bilirakis represents the 12th District of Florida.