Original sentence: In Congress, McEwen was a staunch conservative, advocating a strong military and reduced government spending.In addition, he was a strong advocate for government works in his district—dams, roads, locks and the like—as McEwen was on the House's Public Works and Transporation Committee
Edited sentence: "  He was a staunch conservative, advocating a strong military and reducing government spending.In Congress, Congressional Quarterly described him as the "trusty sidekick Sancho Panza to Bob Dornan of California, both tilting at the liberal windmills.The latter, however, did not stop him from successfully lobbying for projects for his district—dams, roads, locks and the like—as McEwen was on the House's Public Works and Transporation Committee