Biography
Vernon Gale Buchanan, born on May 8, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, is a Republican politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 16th congressional district since 2013. Prior to that, he represented Florida's 13th district from 2007 to 2013. Buchanan is a self-made businessman with over 30 years of experience, notably in the automotive industry, and has chaired both the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Sandy, with whom he has two sons, James and Matt, and resides in Longboat Key, Florida.
Education and Military Service
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Education: Bachelor of Business Administration from Cleary University; Master of Business Administration from the University of Detroit.
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Military Service: Served six years in the Air National Guard.
Political Experience
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U.S. House of Representatives:
- Elected in 2006 to represent Florida's 13th congressional district; re-elected in subsequent terms, currently representing the 16th district.
- Serves as Vice Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, overseeing tax policy, international trade, health care, welfare, Social Security, and Medicare.
- Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, focusing on Medicare and health-related issues.
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Legislative Achievements:
- Authored 29 legislative initiatives signed into law, including reforms in military training, support for veterans, measures against the drug epidemic, and efforts to stop animal cruelty.
- Introduced the Buchanan Balanced Budget Amendment Act, aiming to require Congress to pass a balanced budget.
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Bipartisanship and Effectiveness:
- Recognized as one of the most bipartisan and effective members of Congress by the Lugar Center and the Center for Effective Lawmaking.
- In 2020, rated highest among Florida's congressional delegation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for bipartisanship and job creation efforts.
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Commitment to Seniors:
- Advocates for preserving Social Security and Medicare, representing a district with one of the highest numbers of beneficiaries.
- Awarded the "Champion for Healthy Seniors" for efforts to protect Medicare and lower prescription drug costs.
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Support for Veterans:
- Represents over 70,000 veterans in Southwest Florida.
- Authored the Veterans Identification Card Act, allowing veterans to receive official ID cards from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Law Enforcement Recognition:
- Established the Congressional Law Enforcement Awards in 2010 to honor exceptional law enforcement officers and departments in Florida's 16th District.
Buchanan's extensive experience in business and politics underscores his commitment to economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and support for veterans and seniors.
