Issues

Agriculture

Economy

Education

Energy

Social Security & Medicare

Transportation

Veterans

Agriculture
Family farms are the backbone of our nation. My aim is to create an environment in which small farming, ranching and growing operations can be profitable and sustainable.

Economy
As a former small business owner, I know small businesses are the engine that drives the American economy. In Congress, I have fought for policies to encourage small business growth and development, including targeted tax cuts and credits.

Education
We must make a national commitment to education by strengthening our schools, making sure our teachers are qualified, rewarded and supported, reducing class size, modernizing our classrooms, and providing vocational and technical educational opportunities. One of the ways we can start is by reforming federal education policy to provide accountability, flexibility and increased funding. Federal policies should take advantage of America’s true creative spirit to equip our next generation with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive international environment.

Energy
One of my visions for our district is to make it a hub of renewable energy use and production, creating tens of thousands of family-wage green jobs in the process. Already there are wind turbines on the Altamont Pass and solar photovoltaic panels on rooftops from Stockton to Morgan Hill.

Environment
We face many difficult challenges ahead, such as climate change, which is one of the most important issues facing our country and the world. In fact, if left unchecked, climate change will seriously harm our environment, our economy, and our way of life, threatening the fragile San Joaquin Delta ecosystem and the availability of fresh water for drinking and agriculture.

Health Care
In a country like ours which has the world’s best-trained healthcare professionals and leads in medical innovation, every American should have access to quality, affordable health care. Unfortunately, not everyone does. Today, more than 45 million Americans live without health care coverage. And even some who have insurance struggle with the soaring costs of prescription drugs.

Homeland Security
In this post September 11 world, our most solemn responsibility is ensuring the safety and security of our homeland. That duty to protect and defend our nation is one of the reasons my son, Michael, joined the Air Force after September 11.

Immigration
Our nation is made stronger both economically and culturally because of legal immigration. But it’s clear today that our immigration system is broken. To reform it, we need a comprehensive, common sense approach that addresses the full range of issues under consideration, beginning with securing our nation’s borders.

Iraq
I traveled to Iraq last summer. I know that our men and women in uniform have performed bravely and honorably in that country, doing everything that has been asked of them. But their service and sacrifice has not been met with the kind of leadership that honors such dedication.

Social Security & Medicare
After a lifetime of paying into Social Security and Medicare, America’s seniors should be able to count on these programs to provide a stable and secure retirement. It is a sacred pact with our senior citizens which must be protected.

Transportation
I travel hundreds of miles throughout our district every week and I know traffic problems are some of the biggest issues we face locally. The consequences of traffic congestion are becoming increasingly clear, not just in lost productivity due to time spent in traffic, but also less time spent with family and loved ones.

Veterans
My son, Michael, signed up to serve in the Air Force after the September 11 attacks on our nation. I am committed to fighting to ensure that my son, and all the men and women who wear our nation’s uniform, get the recognition, respect and support they deserve.