REP. McHENRY SPEAKS TO YOUNG AGENTS
Congressman discusses political activism, insurance issues
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 20, 2005—Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) spoke to young independent agents and brokers from nearly all 50 states, along with the state and national InsurPac leaders at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s (the Big “I”) 29th annual National Legislative Conference today. McHenry addressed the Young Agent-InsurPac Luncheon.
At 29, McHenry is the youngest member of Congress. Before his election to the House of Representatives, McHenry worked on the Bush-Cheney 2000 Campaign, was subsequently appointed to a position in the U.S. Department of Labor, and then represented North Carolina House District 109, encompassing part of his native Gaston County.
McHenry spoke to the Young Agents about the importance of political activism and commitment.
“It is a unique opportunity to serve in Congress as its youngest member,” says Congressman McHenry. “The misconception about Congress is that you have to wait to make a difference. Political involvement and achievement is based on merit, your willingness to work, and your depth of knowledge.”
McHenry has seen the power of young advocates. “Young people put in more time and energy, bring a new level of activism, and bring a new perspective to the political process,” says McHenry.
“Congressman McHenry encouraged the Young Agents to get involved and stay involved in the political process,” says Charles E. Symington Jr., Big “I” senior vice president of government affairs and federal relations. “He compared his experience as our country’s youngest congressman to the position of Young Agents. He put politics in context, stressing the importance of the political process and the role the Young Agents can and must play in it to strengthen and secure their future and the future of their employees and colleagues.”
McHenry also discussed his support for state-based insurance regulation.
“I believe in states’ rights,” says McHenry. “Each insurance market is unique. We’re not at that point in history where we need a mandate for federal insurance regulation.” Congressman McHenry also discussed prospects for TRIA renewal and the importance of Social Security reform.
Congressman McHenry is among several prominent political leaders to speak to agents and brokers at the Big “I” event. Thursday morning, President George W. Bush and Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will address the group. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), a leading voice among moderates in the Senate, will address the agents and brokers Friday morning. Additionally, House Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) addressed the Big “I” Insiders’ Luncheon on Tuesday, April 19.
Highlights of the Big “I” National Legislative Conference include an in-depth issues briefing session; the annual Big “I” congressional reception on Capitol Hill; appearances by numerous high-profile speakers; and hundreds of meetings on Capitol Hill between Big “I” agents and brokers and their elected representatives in the Congress. For more information about young agents, please contact Leslie Mularski at 800-221-7917; leslie.mularski@iiaba.net.
Founded in 1896, the Big “I” is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, and health—as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.
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