Bill Nelson
Democratic Senator from Florida
Biography
Clarence William "Bill" Nelson (born September 29, 1942) is an American politician and member of the Democratic Party who serves as the senior United States Senator from Florida, in office since 2001. Nelson began his career in the Florida House of Representatives, where he served from 1973 to 1979. He then served in the United States House of Representatives from 1979 to 1991 and in January 1986, Nelson became the second sitting member of the United States Congress to fly in space. He flew as a Payload Specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia.
He retired from Congress in 1990 to unsuccessfully run for Governor of Florida. He then served as Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and Fire Marshal from Florida from 1995 to 2001. In 2000, Nelson ran for and was elected to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring Republican Senator Connie Mack III.
General Platform
Keystone Pipeline Pros and Cons
- Would bring more oil to the U.S. for exporting and national use
- Would create many jobs throughout the U.S.
- Would save money in the long run on oil tankers that are currently used to transport the oil
Cons
- Could hurt the environment
- Would cost a lot of money
- Might destroy the area in Canada that it would begin in
Increasing Minimum Wage Pros and Cons
- Ensure that every worker has a livable wage
- Studies show that increasing minimum wage doesn't increase unemployment
- Minimum wage would keep up with inflation
Cons
- Possible layoffs and fewer hirings
- Prices of goods might increase to match the new minimum wage
- Would hurt small companies who already struggle to pay employees minimum wage
Minimum Wage and Keystone Pipeline
He also sided with Big Oil on the Keystone Pipeline, voting to support the project.