Press Releases

Congressman Michael Waltz (FL-R), the first Green Beret elected to Congress, a former senior White House and Pentagon advisor, and small business owner, released the following statement announcing his appointment to the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee and Committee on Science, Space and Technology:

“As the only Republican freshman member appointed to the Committee, I’m truly honored to continue serving our country by fighting for our national defense in the House of Representatives. Florida plays an integral role in keeping Americans safe, and as a Green Beret and former Pentagon advisor, I know firsthand the challenges facing our men and women in uniform as well as what is required to complete the mission. As threats grow around the globe, we have a duty to ensure our servicemembers have the resources to meet these challenges and keep America safe.  It is essential for Congress to honor its commitments to military personnel, and their families, so our critical missions are carried out safely.

“I’m also excited to join the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology whose vast jurisdiction includes multiple Florida priorities like space, energy, and the environment. Astronautical and aeronautical research and development are a key part of Central Florida’s economy. My goal is to ensure these 21^st Century jobs remain in Florida’s Space Coast by investing in education programs here. I’m also eager to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support American energy independence, encourage clean energy solutions, protect our environment and water resources. Finally, I’m committed to ensuring the federal agencies monitoring hurricanes have the resources they need to allow Floridians the opportunity to prepare for severe weather -- saving lives and billions of taxpayer dollars in property damage from serious storms.

“As an Army veteran and National Guardsman, I know how to accomplish a mission for our country. This is the Servant Leadership ethos I will bring to my work on both these Committees, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to achieve these goals for our country and state.”

 Learn more about the jurisdiction of the House Armed Services Committee here. Learn more about the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology here.

 Background on Congressman Waltz

Congressman Waltz is a proud Florida native, combat-decorated Green Beret, former White House and Pentagon policy advisor, small business owner, and a proud father.

Waltz graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and has served over 20 years in the U.S. Army. After being commissioned as an Army lieutenant, Waltz graduated Ranger School and was selected for the elite Green Berets. He has served all over the world as a decorated Special Forces officer with multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa. During his time in Afghanistan, Waltz led the teams searching for Pvt. Bowe Berghdal, who deserted his post. Upon Berghdal’s return to the U.S., Waltz was one of the first to call into question then-President Obama’s labeling of Berghdal as a hero and has continued to lead call for justice on behalf of all the service-members Berghdal’s desertion put in harm's way.

Waltz’s public service continued in the Pentagon where he was a defense policy director for Secretaries of Defense Rumsfeld and Gates. Waltz then went on to serve in the White House as Vice President Dick Cheney's counterterrorism advisor, which allowed him to see first-hand the difficult decisions the President and his Cabinet must make to protect our national security. During his time as a policy adviser, Waltz continued his military service and directly implemented the strategy he helped devise. His experiences as a soldier and a policy advisor inspired him to write his own book, “Warrior Diplomat: A Green Beret’s Battles from Washington to Afghanistan,” the proceeds of which continue to benefit the Green Beret Foundation.

Following his time in the White House, Waltz co-founded a small business that grew from just a handful of employees working from home to over 400 employees in Florida, Virginia, and nine countries throughout Europe and the Middle East. Their work supported the Departments of Defense and Treasury with analysis of terrorist financing and specialized training.

Waltz represents Florida’s 6th congressional district, which includes Flagler and Volusia counties as well as portions of Lake and St. Johns counties.