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Andrew Clyde

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For the film and television actor, seeAndy Clyde.

Andrew Clyde
Official portrait, 2022
Official portrait, 2022
Member of theU.S. House of Representatives
fromGeorgia's9thdistrict
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2021
Preceded byDoug Collins
Personal details
Born
Andrew Scott Clyde

(1963-11-22)November 22, 1963(age 60)
Walkerton, Ontario,Canada
Political partyRepublican
SpouseJennifer Morgan
Residence(s)Athens, Georgia,U.S.
EducationBethel University(BBA)
University of Georgia(MBA)
WebsiteHouse website
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy
Years of service1985–1996 (active)
1996–2013 (reserve)
RankCommander
Andrew Clyde's voice
Andrew Clyde speaks on the origins of thePoppyas asymbol of veterans
Recorded November 2, 2021

Andrew Scott Clyde(born November 22, 1963)[1]is an American politician and gun store owner from thestateofGeorgia.ARepublican,Clyde representsGeorgia's 9th congressional districtin theUnited States House of Representatives,assuming office in 2021. The district serves a large swath of exurban and rural territory northeast ofAtlanta,includingGainesville,Toccoa,HartwellandDahlonega.

In 2020, Clyde ran to representGeorgia's 9th congressional district.The same year, he suedAthens, Georgia,over itsshelter-in-placeCOVID-19restrictions. As a representative, Clyde voted against certifying Arizona's and Pennsylvania's2020 U.S. presidential electionresults.[2]He described the2021 United States Capitol attackas "no insurrection" and said it resembled a "normal tourist visit", even though he previously acknowledged that he had helped to barricade the House chamber "from the mob who tried to enter."[3]

Early life and education

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Clyde was born on November 22, 1963,[4]inWalkerton, Ontario,Canada, to American parents.[5][6]He grew up inIndianaandNew York.[7]He attended and graduatedcum laudefromBethel Universitywith a BBA in accounting and business management, and was commissioned as an officer in theUnited States Navythrough theUniversity of Notre Dame'sNROTCprogram in 1985. He served 28 years in naval aviation units and theSeabees,including three combat deployments toIraqandKuwait.[8][9][10][11]

Clyde received theDefense Meritorious Service Medal,Meritorious Service Medal,aNavy Achievement Medal,and fourNavy Commendation Medals.[9]He retired with the rank ofcommanderin 2013.[9][7]In 1994 he settled inAthens, Georgia,where he had taught at theNavy Supply Corps School.Clyde earned aMaster of Business Administrationin corporate finance and entrepreneurship from theUniversity of GeorgiaTerry College of Businessin 1999.[7][12]

Career

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Clyde opened a gun shop, Clyde Armory, Inc., which began as a hobby business in his garage in 1991. He obtained commercial real estate in 1999 and moved in 2010 to a custom-built 12,400-square-foot (1,150 m2) edifice based on the design of a historic armory.[7]In 2014, Clyde opened a second location inWarner Robins, Georgia.He grew the business to $12 million in annual sales and 25 employees.[11]In 2013, he was subject to acivil asset forfeitureof $940,000 by theInternal Revenue Service.The action was later reversed, and he obtained a refund of $900,000.[9]

After the forfeiture, Clyde advocated reform of the procedure in testimony before theUnited States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight.[13]In 2019,Congresspassed andPresidentDonald Trumpsigned theTaxpayer First Act(H.R. 3151), which includes the Clyde-Hirsch-Sowers RESPECT Act. The law limits what funds the government can seize.[14]

Clyde was a member of the board of directors of Clarke Community Federal Credit Union.[11]

In 2013 he donated a 5,000-square-foot (460 m2) facility to Mercy Health Center and AthensCrisis Pregnancy Center,a nonprofit organization.[11]

U.S. House of Representatives

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Elections

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2020

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Main article:2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Georgia § District 9

Clyde announced his candidacy for theUnited States House of RepresentativesforGeorgia's 9th congressional districtafter five-term incumbentDoug Collinsdecided not to seek reelection to run for theUnited States Senate.During the campaign, he sued the city ofAthens, Georgia,over ashelter-in-placeorder imposed during theCOVID-19 pandemicthat he said compelled his business to close.[15]

Clyde finished second in the nine-way Republican primary behind State RepresentativeMatt Gurtlerin a runoff election. The 9th is one of the most Republican districts in the nation, and it was understood whoever won the runoff would be heavily favored to be the district's next congressman.[16][17]Clyde won the August 11 runoff.[18]

Clyde defeated Democratic nominee and former U.S. Army warrant officer Devin Pandy in the November general election,[19]and assumed office on January 3, 2021.[20]

Tenure

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On January 6, 2021, during the2021 United States Electoral College vote count,Clyde was one of 120 Republican representatives who voted against certifying the2020 presidential electionresults in both Arizona and Pennsylvania.[2][21]On March 17, 2021, he also was one of 12 House Republicans to vote against HR 1085 to award threeCongressional Gold Medalsto the United Statespolicewho protected the U.S. Capitol during the2021 United States Capitol attack.[22][23][24]In June 2021, Clyde and 20 other House Republicans voted against a similar resolution.[25]

In May 2021, during a House Oversight Committee hearing, Clyde said that the Capitol attack was "no insurrection" and that there was video of the event that resembled a "normal tourist visit", with Trump supporters behaving "in an orderly fashion, staying between the stanchions and ropes taking videos and pictures". During that same hearing, Clyde acknowledged that during the attack, he "helped barricade the [House chamber] door until almost 3 p.m. from the mob who tried to enter".[26][3][27]Fellow lawmakersAdam KinzingerandEric Swalwellcriticized him for later refusing to shake the hand of a police officer who had been beaten unconscious during the attack.[28]

In June 2021, Clyde was among 14 House Republicans who voted against legislation to establish June 19, orJuneteenth,as a federal holiday.[29]The Atlanta Journal-Constitutionreported that Clyde "supported the holiday but didn't like its title, Juneteenth National Independence Day".[30]

On February 28, 2022, Clyde was one of three representatives to vote against theEmmett Till Antilynching Act,which madelynchinga federalhate crime.[31][32]

In April 2022, he led a Republican effort to block the naming of a federal building in Florida afterJoseph W. Hatchett,the first Black State Supreme Court judge in Florida and south of theMason–Dixon line.[32]Clyde justified the action, saying that Hatchett had ruled to block prayer at public schools.[32]Naming of federal buildings is usually among the more mundane uncontroversial tasks of Congress, and it is usually accomplished without debate or a recorded vote.[32]

On November 3, 2022, Clyde introduced the Expose Biden's Inflation, Deficits, and Economic Neglect (BIDEN) Act.[33]

In February 2023, Clyde co-sponsored a bill to designate the "AR-15-style rifle "the National Gun of the United States.[34][35]

Clyde was among the 71 Republicans who voted against final passage of theFiscal Responsibility Act of 2023in the House.[36]

Clyde voted to provide Israel with support following2023 Hamas attack on Israel.[37][38]

On March 5, 2024, Clyde's Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act was favorably reported by the House Foreign Affairs Committee by a bipartisan vote of 34 - 13.[39]

On June 13, 2024, Clyde introducedH.Amdt. 978"to relocate theReconciliation Memorial,also known as the Reconciliation Monument, to its original location in Arlington National Cemetery. "It was defeated by roll call, 230-192, with the Aye votes being only Republicans while the No votes included 24 Republicans with the rest being Democrats.[40][41]

Veterans Issues

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ThePACT ACTwhich expandedVAbenefits to veterans exposed to toxic chemicals during their military service, received a "nay" from Clyde.[42]Regarding cannabis, despite lobbying fromVSOssuch as theDAV[43]Clyde also voted against2022 MORE Act.[44][45]

Committee assignments

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For the118th Congress:[46]

Caucus memberships

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Personal life

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Clyde and his wife, Jennifer, live in unincorporatedJackson County[50](with anAthensaddress).[51]Clyde is aBaptist.[52]

References

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  1. ^"Rep.-elect Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.-09)".November 30, 2020.
  2. ^abStevens, Harry; Santamariña, Daniela; Rabinowitz, Kate; Uhrmacher, Kevin; Muyskens, John (January 7, 2021)."How members of Congress voted on counting the electoral college vote".The Washington Post.Archivedfrom the original on January 8, 2021.RetrievedMay 18,2021.
  3. ^abEdelman, Adam; Haake, Garrett (May 12, 2021)."Republican loyal to Trump claims Capitol riot looked more like 'normal tourist visit'".NBC News.Archivedfrom the original on May 12, 2021.RetrievedMay 12,2021.
  4. ^Bowden, John (November 30, 2020)."Rep.-elect Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.-09)".The Hill.Archivedfrom the original on January 12, 2021.RetrievedDecember 1,2020.
  5. ^"Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA)".Armenian National Committee of America.
  6. ^Gill, Jeff (October 13, 2020)."U.S. House 9th District preview: What motivated Andrew Clyde to run for Congress".Dawson County News.Archivedfrom the original on January 23, 2021.RetrievedOctober 15,2020.
  7. ^abcd"Gun dealer finds inspiration for new building".Savannah Morning News.Associated Press.May 29, 2010.Archivedfrom the original on March 24, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 14,2021.
  8. ^"2 May 1985, 34 - The South Bend Tribune at Newspapers".Newspapers.
  9. ^abcdReed, Megan (February 27, 2020)."Athens business owner Andrew Clyde to run for 9th District in U.S. House".Forsyth County News.Archivedfrom the original on May 12, 2021.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  10. ^Kallis, Sarah (June 10, 2020)."Election 2020: Clyde, Gurtler qualify for GOP runoff in 9th Congressional District".The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.Archivedfrom the original on January 24, 2021.RetrievedOctober 15,2020.
  11. ^abcdDiaz, Lissa (September 24, 2015)."Wall of Fame Recipients Honored".Bethel Magazine.Bethel University.Archivedfrom the original on October 24, 2020.RetrievedOctober 15,2020.
  12. ^Reed, Megan (February 26, 2020)."Athens business owner Andrew Clyde to run for 9th District in U.S. House".The Gainesville Times.Archivedfrom the original on June 6, 2021.RetrievedOctober 15,2020.
  13. ^Thompson, Jim (February 12, 2015)."Athens gun shop owner testifies to Congress on asset seizure".Athens Banner-Herald.Archivedfrom the original on June 6, 2021.RetrievedAugust 12,2020.
  14. ^Shearer, Lee (June 22, 2019)."Federal bill bears Athens man's name".Athens Banner-Herald.Archivedfrom the original on July 10, 2020.RetrievedAugust 12,2020.
  15. ^Shearer, Lee (March 25, 2020)."Gun dealer sues over Athens-Clarke shelter-in-place ordinance".Athens Banner-Herald.Archivedfrom the original on May 27, 2020.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  16. ^Amy, Jeff (August 6, 2020)."Clyde, Gurtler, vie for Republican nod in northeast Georgia".Associated Press.Archivedfrom the original on October 17, 2020.RetrievedOctober 15,2020.
  17. ^Williams, Dave (June 10, 2020)."Matt Gurtler, Andrew Clyde likely runoff opponents in Georgia's 9th Congressional District".Dawson County News.Archivedfrom the original on February 18, 2021.RetrievedJune 13,2020.
  18. ^Gill, Jeff (August 11, 2020)."Andrew Clyde wins Republican nomination to US House 9th District".The Gainesville Times.Archivedfrom the original on June 6, 2021.RetrievedOctober 15,2020.
  19. ^"Republican Andrew Clyde wins election to U.S. House in Georgia's 9th Congressional District".The Valdosta Daily Times.RetrievedNovember 4,2020.[dead link]
  20. ^Gill, Jeff (December 31, 2020)."Andrew Clyde returning to D.C., where his successful run for Congress was inspired".The Gainesville Times.Archivedfrom the original on June 6, 2021.
  21. ^Chang, Alvin (January 7, 2021)."The long list of Republicans who voted to reject election results".The Guardian.Archivedfrom the original on May 17, 2021.RetrievedMay 18,2021.
  22. ^"FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 87".United States House of Representatives.March 17, 2021.
  23. ^Itkowitz, Colby; Flynn, Meagan (March 17, 2021)."A dozen Republicans voted against Congressional Gold Medals for police who protected them on Jan. 6".The Washington Post.Archivedfrom the original on March 18, 2021.RetrievedMarch 18,2021.
  24. ^"H.R.1085 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): To award three congressional gold medals to the United States Capitol Police and those who protected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021".Congress.gov.March 16, 2021.RetrievedMarch 18,2021.
  25. ^Grayer, Annie; Wilson, Kristin (June 16, 2021)."21 Republicans vote no on bill to award Congressional Gold Medal for January 6 police officers".CNN.RetrievedJune 16,2021.
  26. ^Harvey, Josephine (June 17, 2021)."Cop Beaten In Capitol Riot Slams 'Coward' GOP Lawmaker Who Refused His Handshake".The Huffington Post.
  27. ^"Photo shows Rep. Clyde barricading door during insurrection"(video).CNN.May 18, 2021.
  28. ^Allassan, Fadel (June 17, 2021)."GOP lawmaker refuses to shake hand of officer who protected Capitol on Jan. 6".Axios.
  29. ^Grayer, Annie; Diaz, Danielle (June 16, 2021)."Congress passes bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday".CNN.RetrievedJune 16,2021.
  30. ^Mitchell, Tia (June 16, 2021)."U.S. House sends Juneteenth holiday bill to Biden".The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.RetrievedJune 17,2021.
  31. ^"FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 47".
  32. ^abcdKarni, Annie (April 12, 2022)."House G.O.P., Banding Together, Kills Bid to Honor Pioneering Black Judge".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedApril 12,2022.
  33. ^"H.R.9263 - Expose BIDEN Act".congress.gov.U.S. House Of Representatives.RetrievedNovember 9,2022.
  34. ^Ibrahim, Nur (February 26, 2023)."George Santos Wants to Make the AR-15 America's 'National Gun'".Snopes.RetrievedMay 27,2023.
  35. ^Prater, Nia (February 23, 2023)."George Santos Wants to Make the AR-15 America's 'National Gun'".New York.RetrievedMay 27,2023.
  36. ^Gans, Jared (May 31, 2023)."Republicans and Democrats who bucked party leaders by voting no".The Hill.RetrievedJune 6,2023.
  37. ^Demir gian, Karoun (October 25, 2023)."House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedOctober 30,2023.
  38. ^Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601 (October 25, 2023)."Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session".Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives.RetrievedOctober 30,2023.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  39. ^"H.R.6046 - Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act".U.S. House Of Representatives.RetrievedApril 11,2024.
  40. ^"Roll Call 269, Bill Number: H. R. 8070, 118th Congress, 2nd Session".Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives.June 13, 2024.RetrievedJune 14,2024.
  41. ^Baio, Ariana (June 14, 2024)."Dems slam House Republicans who voted to restore 'mammy' statue in Arlington".The Independent.RetrievedJune 15,2024.
  42. ^https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202257[bare URL]
  43. ^"DAV Magazine July/August 2023 Page 5".qgdigitalpublishing.
  44. ^https:// c-span.org/video/?519065-1/house-session&start=11123[bare URL]
  45. ^"Vote Smart | Facts for All".
  46. ^"Andrew S. Clyde".Clerk of the United States House of Representatives.RetrievedMay 8,2023.
  47. ^"Membership".Republican Study Committee.December 6, 2017.RetrievedMarch 28,2021.
  48. ^Haroun, Azmi."13 members of the pro-Trump House Freedom Caucus refused to condemn Myanmar's generals who violently overthrew elected leaders".Business Insider.RetrievedApril 25,2021.
  49. ^Elrod, David (November 18, 2023)."House, Senate chicken caucus chairs lead hundreds in Congress to request a delay to recent USDA Packers and Stockyards rule".National Chicken Council.RetrievedApril 11,2024.
  50. ^"9th District congressional candidates share their platforms".Hartwell Sun.May 6, 2020.Archivedfrom the original on December 26, 2020.RetrievedOctober 15,2020.
  51. ^Official member listfor 117th Congress
  52. ^"Religious affiliation of members of 118th Congress"(PDF).Pew Research Center.Archived(PDF)from the original on March 16, 2023.
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U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of theU.S. House of Representatives
fromGeorgia's 9th congressional district
2021–present 		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence(ceremonial)
Preceded by United States representatives by seniority
299th 		Succeeded by
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