DC Native, Representative Cliff Stearns (R-FL) discusses his love for his hometown, brotherhood, and his passion for engineering. After spending time in a college fraternity, the US Air Force, and running his own business, Rep. Stearns returned back to Washington DC to represent his new home, Florida. In this interview, he talks about his hometown and what he has learned here.

Washington DC is your hometown. What did you enjoy about the city as a child that you still enjoy about the city as an adult?

The nation’s capital has always been a center of culture, education, research, diplomacy, and government, and these qualities enrich life in the District of Columbia for everyone.

Do you think growing up in the nation’s capital has impacted your decision to become a US Representative?

Although growing up in the District provided me a great respect for our elected government, at that time I never thought that I would return as a Member of Congress.

You graduated from The George Washington University with a degree in electrical engineering. Is there anything  you learned while studying this subject that you have found useful in your current career?

My background in engineering has benefited me greatly in serving in Congress. I am a member of the Energy & Commerce Committee and I am the Republican Leader of the Communications, Technology & the Internet Subcommittee. We deal with cutting-edge technology and the development of advanced services and technologies, and my background in engineering help me understand and appreciating these technologies.

As a member of Gamma Beta Chapter of Theta Tau and a former U.S. Air Force Captain how do you apply “brotherhood” in your everyday life?

Participating in Theta Tau and the U.S. Air Force instilled within me the realization that there is something greater than the self and that we have a mutual responsibility to contribute toward enhancing our society and strengthening our community.

Of the many career fields you have worked in, which one do you feel best prepared you for be a Congressman?

My study of engineering trained me to approach problems with an eye toward problem solving, and this has helped me as an elected official. In addition, my experience as a small business owner provided essential insight into promoting economic growth and job creation.