Chris Lee wraps up first year in office

CLARENCE, N.Y. (WIVB) - It has been a whirlwind freshman year on Capitol Hill for Congressman Chris Lee.

Businessman turned politician Chris Lee is taking it one day at time.

The 45-year-old Republican congressman, who's wrapping up his first year on the hill, says the job is tough.

"In the short time that I've been there. I've had to vote on over 25 bills that I've had less than 24 hours to read," said Lee.

His biggest accomplishments this year include: Working with democrat Congressman Brian Higgins to get a passport office in this region, and his flight 3407 legislation.

When it comes to finances, Lee, who serves on the Financial Services Committee, says his philosophy is simple.

"Spending money that we don't have will have long term repercussions on our ability to be competitive," said Lee.

For that reason, the Congressman says, he voted against both stimulus packages, supported by Democrats and he voted against the health care reform bill.

"This bill is filled with so much, it's a huge outreach of growth of federal government. The biggest opportunity to reduce cost is on liability reform," Lee said.

He says he came to that conclusion after speaking with more than 70 different health care groups.

As he continues his adjustment as congressman, Lee says he will survive this term, and maybe even seek another.

Lee said, "Washington has it's issues, but we need to focus on how we can help people here."