Florida’s newest congressional representatives are quickly making a name for themselves in both Washington and Florida  – leading the charge on issues ranging from disaster funding for Treasure Coast beaches ravaged by Hurricane Sandy to immigration reform which is vital to many Florida families. In contrast to the dysfunction of the Republican controlled Congress, Florida’s newest members are proving that they are results oriented leaders who are focused on constituent services and standing up for middle class families. 

Here’s what they’ve been up to:

Congressman Patrick Murphy (FL-18) is working to direct federal disaster funds for beach renourishment and clean up back home after Hurricane Sandy caused an estimated $77 million in damage to Florida’s Treasure Coast. Read Murphy’s letter to the Army Corp of Engineers here. Last week Congressman Murphy also visited three local businesses, speaking with industry representatives and hundreds of workers to discuss their concerns and ways they can work together to create local jobs.  Murphy also used his first floor speech in Congress to introduce an amendment protecting Social Security and Medicare during the debt-ceiling debate.

Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) was on a “campaign-style marathon” in her district last week, “a seemingly nonstop tour of the Broward-Palm Beach County congressional district she was elected to represent in November” which included meetings with constituents, business and community leaders.  Dr. Henry Moon, a lifelong Republican and former CEO who attended one of Frankel’s constituent meetings, came away impressed, stating: “She listened and there was no campaigning in the interchange that we had…. She was a very good listener, and the interaction was geared toward solving problems.” 

Congressman Joe Garcia (FL-26) is quickly establishing himself as a leader in the immigration discussions, penning an op-ed in today’s Miami Herald calling for comprehensive immigration reform. Garcia wrote that “The story of our community in South Florida is a story that the entire country  can learn from. It is a story of opportunity and freedom, and it is a story that I am committed to telling so that more Americans can make my family’s story their own.” Congressman Garcia was also featured on Univision’s Al Punto and CNN last week discussing  immigration.