Brian Mast

Brian Jeffery Mast (born July 10, 1980) is an American politician and United States Army veteran who serves as the U.S. representative for Florida's 18th congressional district. He is a member of the Republican Party.

Early life and education
Mast was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the son of James Mast and Tixomena Trujillo. His maternal grandparents were immigrants from Mexico. Mast graduated from South Christian High School, in 1999. In 2016, he obtained an A.L.B. from the Harvard Extension School, where he studied economics, with minors in government and environmental studies.

Military service
After graduating from South Christian High School in 1999, Mast enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in May 2000 and went to become a combat engineer. In 2006, he transitioned to the active U.S. Army and became an explosive ordnance disposal technician. Mast later joined the elite 28th Ordnance Company. He served in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. On September 19, 2010, while clearing a path for United States Army Rangers in Kandahar, Mast took a wrong step into an IED along the road. The explosion resulted in the amputation of both his legs and one of his fingers.

Mast and his family were the recipients of a custom ADA-compliant home awarded to them by the non-profit organization Helping a Hero.

Civilian career
After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Mast was hired as an explosives specialist for the United States Department of Homeland Security. While recovering from his injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Mast provided explosive and counter-terrorism expertise to the Office of Emergency Operations at the National Nuclear Security Administration from July 2011 to February 2012 and as an instructor of Home Made Explosives for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

2016 campaign
Mast first considered running for office while recovering from his injuries at Walter Reed Medical Center. It was reported in May 2015 that Mast was considering a run for Congress.

On June 8, 2015, Mast announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination United States House of Representatives in Florida's 18th congressional district. Mast faced five opponents in the August 30, 2016 primary; he won with 38% of the vote. Mast faced Democratic businessman Randy Perkins in the November 2016 general election.

Mast won the November 8, 2016, general election with 53% of the vote.

Tenure
Mast was sworn in on January 3, 2017. He is a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership.

Committee assignments

 * Committee on Foreign Affairs
 * Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa
 * Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade
 * Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
 * Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
 * Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management
 * Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment (Vice Chair)

Political positions
As of May 9, 2017, Mast had voted with his party in 94.6% of votes and voted in line with Trump's position in 96.6% of the votes.

Abortion
He opposes abortion, with "exception for defense of a mothers life or the case or rape or incest".

Budget
Mast opposes "federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth" and is in favor of tax cuts as a means to promote economic growth. He has said, "I have not been able to find one country throughout history who is been able to text [sic] more and spend more in order to reduce their debt and grow their economy."

He has called for cuts to welfare expenditures. He has called for a great decrease in the corporate tax and the elimination of the inheritance tax on value above $5 million.

Crime
He favors capital punishment and mandatory minimum sentences.

Donald Trump
Mast supported Donald Trump "unanimously and wholeheartedly" in the 2016 presidential election. After the Billy Bush tape became public, he called Donald Trump's remarks "inexcusable and disgusting."

In February 2017, he voted against a resolution that would have directed the House to request 10 years of Trump's tax returns, which would then have been reviewed by the House Ways and Means Committee in a closed session.

Environment
Mast opposes government funding for the development of renewable energy, and opposes federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.

Foreign and defense policy
Mast favors "increased American intervention in Iraq and Syria beyond air support". Mast is opposed to cuts to defense spending, and has called for a spending increase. Mast said he would support a Republican proposal to cut U.S. funding to the United Nations.

In January 2015, Mast volunteered with the Israel Defense Forces, working at a base outside Tel Aviv, packing medical kits and moving supplies.

Healthcare
He is in favor of repealing the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). On May 4, 2017, he voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act and pass the American Health Care Act.

LGBT rights
He believes same-sex marriage should be decided by each state.

Planned Parenthood
Mast supports defunding Planned Parenthood. In July 2015, he claimed undercover videos showed Planned Parenthood was selling "baby parts", although it was later learned the videos had been altered and those responsible for altering them had been criminally charged.

Honors
During his twelve years of service in the U.S. Army, he received the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal with "V" for valor device.

He was invited by President Barack Obama as a guest to his 2011 State of the Union Address and was seated with First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Jill Biden. Mast was named one of 10 House freshmen to watch by the Washington, D.C. newspaper The Hill, out of 55 new members of the House elected in 2016.

Personal life
Mast lives in Hutchinson Island in St. Lucie County, Florida with his wife, Brianna, and their three children. He attends the evangelical Calvary Chapel.