Congressman Brian Mast is in his third term representing the 18th Congressional District of Florida.
Prior to his election to Congress, Brian followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years, earning medals including The Bronze Star Medal, The Army Commendation Medal for Valor, The Purple Heart Medal, and The Defense Meritorious Service Medal. While deployed in Afghanistan, he worked as a bomb disposal expert under the elite Joint Special Operations Command. The last improvised explosive device that he found resulted in catastrophic injuries, which included the loss of both of his legs.
One of the roles I take most seriously in Congress is the opportunity to be a voice for the voiceless. Far too often, throughout the world and inside the United States, people are discriminated against because of their beliefs, religion, gender or ethnicity.
As the greatest force for human dignity in the world, the United States must stand up for oppressed people throughout the world. Upholding and advocating for human rights is a bipartisan goal that we can all agree on. We should use the privilege we are afforded as American citizens to help spread the values of freedom, democracy and individual liberty abroad.
I am also a member of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism. The Task Force was formed to ensure that Congress plays an integral role in condemning anti-Semitism and promoting tolerance in the United States and across the world. As part of this task force, I work with Congressional leaders, the Executive Branch, foreign leaders and other organizations to counter hateful anti-Semitic movements.
I am also committed to using my position in Congress to counter inequality in our own country. We must confront the systemic barriers that have led to marginalization and promote opportunities to unify our communities.