Op-ed Written by Congressman Lee Zeldin (NY-01)
I learned as a freshman in the New York State Senate that there is a way to leverage being a freshman in the majority to get a lot accomplished for one’s legislative district. Once learning how and which legislative leaders want me to stay in my position for another term, I work with them as closely as possible articulating which priorities are my top priorities for the legislative session. They want to help and communication is critical.
Working with my colleagues in the House, including chairmen of various committees, I work hard to earn their support of my proposals, as well as members of the local community, building coalitions with third party groups and leaders who are invested in a specific agenda, to help advance key legislative priorities.
In Congress, I have been focused on pursuing my New Era of American Strength agenda to protect America’s security at home and abroad, help grow our economy, support our veterans and first responders, improve healthcare and the quality of education, repair our nation’s infrastructure and safeguard our environment.
By working closely with other members of the House, I’ve been able to get several of my proposals passed, including three bills to help veterans, two proposals to save Plum Island, my counterterrorism legislation, a bill to allow striped bass fishing off the coast of Montauk, and a proposal to keep the FAA from taking negative action against East Hampton for the enactment of aircraft noise restrictions. My proposal to allow states to opt out of Common Core without penalty from the federal government was passed and signed into law, as well as my Safe Bridges Act to direct federal funding to repair our state and local bridges.
Regardless of whether a freshman elected official is in the majority in Congress, a state legislature or more locally, I would encourage all to identify priorities immediately upon taking office and communicate these priorities clearly with top leadership. As the agenda is set for which bills will be considered in committee or on the floor, effectively lobby to have your proposals included. Try to gather as many cosponsors, third party support, and earned media as possible so that there is a maximum amount of awareness and momentum for your legislation. These tactics can be pursued as well if a freshman finds himself or herself in the minority party, although this is much more of an uphill battle to get across the finish line and often unsuccessful despite one’s best efforts.
As someone who is supportive of term limits, I believe it is important to waste zero time getting goals across the finish line once elected to office. The key is to identify solutions quickly, build relationships, make bold asks, and go all in when necessary to turn an idea into a win.
Congressman Lee Zeldin represents the First Congressional District of New York. He is a member of the House Foreign Affairs, Veterans Affairs and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees.