Greg Steube: Overview of Career and Legislative Record
Greg Steube is a Republican U.S. Representative for Florida’s 17th Congressional District, having served since 2019. Below is an overview of his career, legislative actions, and key positions:
Career Path to Congress
- Graduated from the University of Florida with undergraduate and law degrees.
- Enlisted in the U.S. Army after the September 11th attacks, serving as an Airborne Infantry Officer and later in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps.
- Deployed to Iraq with the 25th Infantry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006 to 2007.
- Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2010, serving three terms until 20164.
- Served in the Florida Senate from 2016 to 20184.
- Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, representing Florida’s 17th Congressional District.
Sponsored Legislation
Representative Steube has introduced several notable pieces of legislation:
- The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act: Reintroduced in 2025, this bill aims to ensure that school athletics comply with Title IX by recognizing biological sex at birth.
- Legislation aimed at ending chain migration in immigration policy.
- H.R. 5702 (Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2020): This bill prohibits schools receiving federal funding from allowing transgender individuals who were biologically born male to participate in female sports.
Stances on Social Issues
Steube has adopted conservative positions on various social issues:
- He opposes transgender participation in sports consistent with gender identity.
- Citing religious beliefs, he has argued against the Equality Act, stating that transgender identities contradict scripture.
- He supports conservative immigration policies and advocates for faith-based values.
Stances on Economic Issues
Steube’s economic positions reflect conservative principles:
- He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, advocating for policies that support small businesses and fairer trade deals.
- He promotes oversight of the IRS and Washington bureaucrats.
- He has introduced legislation aimed at eliminating the marriage penalty in income tax brackets.
Stances on National Defense
Steube’s military background suggests a pro-defense stance:
- His service in the U.S. Army and deployment to Iraq indicate support for robust national defense.
- He advocates for military initiatives and funding for defense spending.
Demographics of Florida’s 17th Congressional District
The district includes:
- All of Sarasota County, Charlotte County, and portions of Lee County.
- It is characterized as one of the most elderly districts in the country.
Controversial Statements
Steube has made statements that have attracted criticism:
- During a debate on the Equality Act, he suggested that transgender individuals are an “offense” to God, citing scriptural references.
- He stated that individuals who choose their sexual identity imply that “God did not know what he was doing when he created them.”
These comments have led to criticism from some Democratic colleagues, who argue that he is using religious language to discriminate.
Steube is recognized as a vocal conservative figure in Congress, regularly appearing on media outlets such as Fox News, Fox Business Network, and Newsmax TV to discuss his legislative initiatives and viewpoints. His positions on issues like transgender rights in sports and the use of religious arguments have made him a contentious figure in public discourse.
As a representative of a district with a significant elderly population, Steube emphasizes policies that support Florida’s seniors. His background in agriculture also informs his approach to balancing agricultural interests with water quality issues. His legislative focus and public statements indicate a commitment to conservative principles across social, economic, and defense issues, as reflected by his reelection in 2020, where he received 64.6% of the vote.