Lynn Westmoreland

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Lynn A. Westmoreland
Image of Lynn A. Westmoreland
Prior offices
Georgia House of Representatives

U.S. House Georgia District 8
Successor: James Marshall

U.S. House Georgia District 3
Successor: Drew Ferguson

Compensation

Net worth

(2012) $391,001.50

Education

High school

D.M. Therrell High School, 1968

Personal
Religion
Christian: Baptist
Profession
Construction Executive

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Lynn A. Westmoreland (b. April 2, 1950, in Atlanta, GA) is a former Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Westmoreland represented Georgia's 3rd Congressional District from 2005 to 2017.[1]

He previously served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1993 to 2003. He also served as the House Republican Leader from 2001 to 2003.[1]

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Westmoreland's academic, professional, and political career:[2]

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2015-2016

Westmoreland served on the following committees:[3]

  • Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi

2013-2014

Westmoreland served on the following committees:[4][5]

2011-2012

Key votes

114th Congress

CongressLogo.png

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[6][7] For more information pertaining to Westmoreland's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.[8]

Economic and fiscal

Trade Act of 2015
See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

Trade adjustment assistance
Nay3.png On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Westmoreland was one of 158 Republicans to vote against TAA.[9][10]
Trade promotion authority
Nay3.pngOn June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Westmoreland was one of 54 Republicans to vote against the measure.[11][12]
Trade promotion authority second vote
Nay3.png After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining their original positions on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Westmoreland was one of 50 Republicans to vote against the amendment.[13][14]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
Nay3.png The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Westmoreland was one of 132 Republicans to vote against HR 1295.[15][16]

Defense spending authorization

Yea3.png On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Westmoreland voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill.[17] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.[18]

Yea3.png On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.[19][20] Westmoreland voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.[21] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.[22]

2016 Budget proposal

Yea3.png On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Westmoreland voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill.[23][24][25]

2015 budget

Nay3.png On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.[26] Westmoreland voted with 166 Republicans against the bill.[27] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.[28] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs

Iran nuclear deal
See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

Nay3.png On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Westmoreland voted with 18 other Republican representatives against the bill.[29][30]


Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
Nay3.png On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Westmoreland voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill.[31][32]


Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
Yea3.png On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Westmoreland voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill.[33][34]


Presidential non-compliance of section 2
Yea3.png On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Westmoreland voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution.[35][36]

Export-Import Bank

Nay3.png On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.[37] Westmoreland voted with 116 Republicans and one Democrat against the bill.[38]

Domestic

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015

Yea3.png On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Westmoreland voted with 195 Republicans and 142 Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.[39][40]

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Yea3.png On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Westmoreland voted with 237 Republicans in favor of the bill.[41][42]

Cyber security

Yea3.png On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.[43] Westmoreland voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.[44]

Yea3.png On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.[45] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Westmoreland voted with 201 Republicans and 105 Democrats in favor of the bill.[46]

Immigration

Neutral/Abstain On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015 by a vote of 289-137.[47] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who apply for admission to the U.S. Westmoreland and one other Republican did not vote.[48]


113th Congress

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[49] For more information pertaining to Westmoreland's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[50]

National security

DHS Appropriations

Yea3.png Westmoreland voted in favor of HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines.[51]

Keystone Pipeline Amendment

Neutral/Abstain Westmoreland did not vote on House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.[51]

CISPA (2013)

Yea3.png Westmoreland voted in favor of HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities.[52] The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[51]

NDAA

Yea3.png Westmoreland voted in support of HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[51]

Economy

Farm bill

Neutral/Abstain On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.[53] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.[54][55] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.[55] Westmoreland did not vote on the bill.

2014 Budget

Yea3.png On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.[56][57] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582-page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.[57] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[58] It increased the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel by 1 percent, increased Head Start funding for early childhood education by $1 billion, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and protected the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Westmoreland voted with the majority of the Republican Party in favor of the bill.[56]

Government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

Yea3.png On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[59] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[60] Westmoreland voted to approve the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[61]

Nay3.png The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[62] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Westmoreland voted against HR 2775.[63]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

Yea3.png Westmoreland voted in favor of House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status. The vote largely followed party lines.[51]

Healthcare

Healthcare Reform Rules

Yea3.png Westmoreland voted in favor of House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.[51]

Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act

Yea3.png Westmoreland voted in favor of HR 2009 - Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act of 2013. The bill passed through the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 232-185. The bill would prevent the IRS and Treasury Secretary from enforcing the powers provided to them in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The vote largely followed party lines.[51]

Social issues

Amash amendment

Nay3.png Westmoreland voted against House Amendment 413 - Prohibits the National Security Agency from Collecting Records Under the Patriot Act. The amendment failed on July 4, 2013, by a vote of 205-217. The amendment would have prohibited the collection of records by the National Security Agency under the Patriot Act. Both parties were split on the vote.[51]

Government affairs

HR 676

See also: Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration

Yea3.png On July 30, 2014, the U.S. House approved a resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. Five RepublicansThomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Broun of Georgia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Steve Stockman of Texas—voted with Democrats against the lawsuit.[64] Westmoreland joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution.[65][66]

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal Cliff

Nay3.png Westmoreland voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was 1 of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[67]


Issues

National security

American response in Syria

See also: United States involvement in Syria

Westmoreland released a statement regarding the situation in Syria on September 2, 2013. In it he said: "As most of you know, Syria is in the middle of a violent civil war. According to the latest media reports, the Assad regime has used chemical weapons against its own people and now President Obama is considering some type of a military intervention in Syria.

However, Article II, Section 8 of the US Constitution clearly gives Congress, and not the president, the power to "provide for the common defense" and "to declare war." Therefore, any use of military force in or against Syria must be authorized by Congress. That is why I signed on to a letter with my colleagues in the House urging President Obama to "consult and receive authorization from Congress before ordering the use of US military force in Syria." We cannot allow this president to ignore the Constitution, once again, and get our country involved in what is clearly a religious-based civil war in an unstable region without authorization by Congress. It is our constitutional responsibility and I refuse to sit by and let President Obama trample all over our Constitution any more than he already has.

There is also a larger issue here as to whether or not the United States should so cavalierly be involving ourselves in every internal dispute in the Middle East. I agree that the reports out of Syria of the staggering death toll and the reported use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime are troubling. But that does not mean that the United States should intervene. This is a complicated situation and there are conflicting reports about exactly what is happening. While it is certainly not easy to sit back and watch some of what is being reported on the news, we should not get involved without all of the information. We do not want a repeat of what happened with US military intervention in Libya back in March 2011. Then, President Obama bypassed Congress - like he is attempting to do now - and directed the military to conduct missile strikes to enforce a no-fly zone. Eighteen months later, the Libyan Ambassador and four other Americans were brutally murdered in Libya. And now, more than two years later, that country is still unstable and the situation is not getting any better.

Until we are able to get accurate information about exactly who the rebels are and what their long-term plans are if they win out, the United States needs to be very careful about getting involved in Syria. And the president should not unilaterally make a decision that could involve our country in an unwinnable war."[68]

Presidential preference

2016 presidential endorsement

✓ Westmoreland endorsed Marco Rubio for the Republican primary in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.[69]

See also: Endorsements for Marco Rubio

2012

See also: Endorsements by state officials of presidential candidates in the 2012 election

Lynn Westmoreland endorsed Newt Gingrich in the 2012 presidential election.[70]

Elections

2016

See also: Georgia's 3rd Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Lynn Westmoreland (R) did not seek re-election in 2016. Drew Ferguson (R) defeated Angela Pendley (D) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Ferguson defeated Mike Crane in the primary runoff election on July 26, 2016. Prior to that, Ferguson and Crane defeated Jim Pace, Richard Mix, Arnall Thomas, Chip Flanegan, and Samuel Anders to advance to the runoff election, while Angela Pendley defeated Tamarkus Cook in the Democratic primary. The primary elections took place on May 24, 2016.[71][72][73]

U.S. House, Georgia District 3 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngDrew Ferguson 68.3% 207,218
     Democratic Angela Pendley 31.7% 95,969
Total Votes 303,187
Source: Georgia Secretary of State


U.S. House, Georgia District 3 Republican Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngMike Crane 26.9% 15,584
Green check mark transparent.pngDrew Ferguson 26.8% 15,491
Jim Pace 23% 13,312
Chip Flanegan 9.9% 5,728
Richard Mix 9.1% 5,285
Samuel Anders 2.9% 1,657
Arnall Thomas 1.4% 812
Total Votes 57,869
Source: Georgia Secretary of State
U.S. House, Georgia District 3 Republican Runoff Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngDrew Ferguson 53.9% 22,813
Mike Crane 46.1% 19,490
Total Votes 42,303
Source: Politico
Note: Vote totals above are unofficial and will be updated once official totals are made available.
U.S. House, Georgia District 3 Democratic Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngAngela Pendley 50.2% 6,495
Tamarkus Cook 49.8% 6,444
Total Votes 12,939
Source: Georgia Secretary of State

2014

See also: Georgia's 3rd Congressional District elections, 2014

Westmoreland ran for re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. He He won the nomination in the Republican nomination in the primary election on May 20, 2014.[74] He ran uncontested in the general election.

U.S. House, Georgia District 3 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngLynn Westmoreland Incumbent 100% 156,277
Total Votes 156,277
Source: Georgia Secretary of State
U.S. House, Georgia District 3 Republican Primary, 2014
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngLynn Westmoreland Incumbent 69.5% 37,106
Chip Flanagan 30.5% 16,294
Total Votes 53,400
Source: Georgia Secretary of State

2012

See also: Georgia's 3rd Congressional District elections, 2012

Westmoreland won re-election in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing Georgia's 3rd District. He defeated Kent Kingsley and Chip Flanegan in the primary on July 31, 2012. Westmoreland ran unopposed in the general election on November 6, 2012.[75]

U.S. House, Georgia District 3 General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngLynn Westmoreland Incumbent 100% 232,380
Total Votes 232,380
Source: Georgia Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"
U.S. House, Georgia District 3 Republican Primary, 2012
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngLynn Westmoreland Incumbent 71.6% 64,765
Chip Flanegan 14.5% 13,139
Kent Kingsley 13.8% 12,517
Total Votes 90,421

Full history


Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Lynn A. Westmoreland campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2014U.S. House (Georgia, District 3)Won $1,026,118 N/A**
2012U.S. House Georgia District 3Won $1,067,726 N/A**
2010U.S. House Georgia District 3Won $785,044 N/A**
2008U.S. House Georgia District 3Won $762,003 N/A**
2006U.S. House Georgia District 3Won $1,238,598 N/A**
2004U.S. House Georgia District 3Won $2,029,448 N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Personal Gain Index

Congressional Personal Gain Index graphic.png
See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives
Net Worth Metric graphic.png

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Westmoreland's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $-947,994 and $1,529,997. That averages to $291,001.50, which was lower than the average net worth of Republican representatives in 2012 of $6,956,438.47. Westmoreland ranked as the 201st most wealthy representative in 2012.[80] Between 2004 and 2012, Westmoreland's calculated net worth[81] decreased by an average of 12 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.[82]

Lynn Westmoreland Yearly Net Worth
YearAverage Net Worth
2004$8,670,245
2012$291,001
Growth from 2004 to 2012:−97%
Average annual growth:−12%[83]
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.[84]

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Westmoreland received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Real Estate industry.

From 2003-2014, 22.53 percent of Westmoreland's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.[85]

Donation Concentration Metric graphic.png
Lynn Westmoreland Campaign Contributions
Total Raised $6,632,685
Total Spent $6,139,052
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Real Estate$490,023
Health Professionals$285,130
Retired$266,923
General Contractors$232,575
Commercial Banks$219,550
% total in top industry7.39%
% total in top two industries11.69%
% total in top five industries22.53%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Westmoreland was a "lonely far-right Republican follower," as of July 29, 2014. This was the same rating Westmoreland received in June 2013.[86]

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.[87]

Westmoreland most often voted with:

Westmoreland least often voted with:


Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Westmoreland missed 441 of 8,074 roll call votes from January 2005 to September 2015. This amounted to 5.5 percent, which was higher than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.[88]

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Westmoreland paid his congressional staff a total of $924,315 in 2011. He ranks 135th on the list of the lowest paid Republican representative staff salaries and ranks 169th overall of the lowest paid representative staff salaries in 2011. Overall, Georgia ranks 24th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[89]

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year.

2013

Westmoreland ranked 63rd in the conservative rankings in 2013.[90]

2012

Westmoreland ranked 25th in the conservative rankings in 2012.[91]

2011

Westmoreland ranked 1st in the conservative rankings in 2011.[92]

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Westmoreland voted with the Republican Party 93.9 percent of the time, which ranked 135th among the 234 House Republican members as of July 2014.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many

2013

Westmoreland voted with the Republican Party 96.8 percent of the time, which ranked 69th among the 233 House Republican members as of June 2013.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term Lynn + Westmoreland + Georgia + House


See also

External links


Footnotes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named biography
  2. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "WESTMORELAND, Lynn A., (1950 - )," accessed February 9, 2015
  3. U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Clerk, "Committee Information," accessed February 18, 2015
  4. CQ.com, "House Committee Rosters for the 113th Congress," accessed March 3, 2013
  5. U.S. House of Representatives, "Committee Assignments," accessed March 29, 2014
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  7. Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 114th Congress," accessed January 5, 2017
  8. Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress," April 13, 2015
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  10. Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
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  13. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 374," June 18, 2015
  14. Politico, "Trade turnaround: House backs new power for Obama," June 18, 2015
  15. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 388," June 24, 2015
  16. The Hill, "Obama signs trade bills," June 29, 2015
  17. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 239," accessed May 27, 2015
  18. Congress.gov, "H.R. 1735," accessed May 27, 2015
  19. The Hill, "Redone defense policy bill sails through House," accessed November 12, 2015
  20. Congress.gov, "S. 1356," accessed November 12, 2015
  21. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 618," accessed November 12, 2015
  22. Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 1356)," accessed November 12, 2015
  23. Congress.gov, "S.Con.Res.11," accessed May 5, 2015
  24. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 183," accessed May 5, 2015
  25. The Hill, "Republicans pass a budget, flexing power of majority," accessed May 5, 2015
  26. Congress.gov, "HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015," accessed November 1, 2015
  27. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 579," accessed November 1, 2015
  28. Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1314)," accessed November 1, 2015
  29. Congress.gov, "H.R.1191 - Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015," accessed May 16, 2015
  30. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 226," accessed May 16, 2015
  31. Congress.gov, "HR 3461," accessed September 11, 2015
  32. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 493," accessed September 11, 2015
  33. Congress.gov, "HR 3460," accessed September 10, 2015
  34. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 494," accessed September 11, 2015
  35. Congress.gov, "H Res 411," accessed September 10, 2015
  36. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 492," accessed September 10, 2015
  37. Congress.gov, "HR 597," accessed November 2, 2015
  38. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 576," accessed November 2, 2015
  39. Congress.gov, "H.R.2048," accessed May 26, 2015
  40. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 224," accessed May 26, 2015
  41. Congress.gov, "HR 36 - the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act," accessed May 16, 2015
  42. Clerk.House.gov, "HR 36," accessed May 16, 2015
  43. Congress.gov, "HR 1731," accessed November 2, 2015
  44. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 173," accessed November 2, 2015
  45. Congress.gov, "HR 1560 - Protecting Cyber Networks Act," accessed November 1, 2015
  46. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 170," accessed November 1, 2015
  47. Congress.gov, "HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015," accessed November 20, 2015
  48. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 643," accessed November 20, 2015
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  50. Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 113th Congress," accessed March 4, 2014
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  74. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named prim
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  77. U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
  78. U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
  79. U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
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  81. This figure represents the total percentage growth from either 2004 (if the member entered office in 2004 or earlier) or the member's first year in office (as noted in the chart below).
  82. This number was found by dividing each member's total net worth growth percentage by the number of years included in the calculation.
  83. This figure represents the total percentage growth divided by the number of years for which there are net worth figures for each member.
  84. This figure was calculated using median asset data from the Census Bureau. Please see the Congressional Net Worth data for Ballotpedia spreadsheet for more information on this calculation.
  85. OpenSecrets.org, "Rep. Lynn A. Westmoreland," accessed September 23, 2014
  86. GovTrack, "Lynn Westmoreland," accessed July 29, 2014
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  89. LegiStorm, "Lynn Westmoreland," accessed 2012
  90. National Journal, "2013 Congressional Vote Ratings," accessed July 29, 2014
  91. National Journal, "2012 Congressional Vote Ratings," accessed February 27, 2013
  92. National Journal, "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: House," accessed February 23, 2012
Political offices
Preceded by
Jim Marshall
U.S. House of Representatives - Georgia District 3
2007–2017
Succeeded by
Drew Ferguson (R)
Preceded by
'
U.S. House of Representatives - Georgia District 8
2005–2007
Succeeded by
'
Preceded by
'
Georgia House of Representatives
1993–2003
Succeeded by
-


Senators
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
District 14
Republican Party (9)
Democratic Party (7)