Issues & Legislation

Since coming to Congress in 1990, Jack Reed has been a strong advocate for Rhode Island's families. Reed's top priorities as a lawmaker are improving our nation's health care and education systems, expanding economic opportunity and prosperity, enhancing our security, and protecting the environment.

Providing Access to Quality, Affordable Health Care

As a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Reed is well positioned to help reform our nation's health care system. In an effort to improve patient care, reduce medical errors, and save consumers money, Senator Reed authored legislation to modernize our health care system and make it easier for doctors to share life-saving information. He also succeeded in increasing funds for vital immunization and disease prevention programs for children and adults.

Senator Reed believes that families and their doctors-not HMOs or the government-should make personal medical decisions. But the federal government should help people struggling with the rising cost of prescription drugs. That is why he voted to increase the Medicaid rebate for generic drugs and supported efforts to give Medicare the power to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices.

Protecting the Environment and Increasing Energy Efficiency

Senator Reed supports a national energy policy that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, promote the use of alternative fuels, and increase energy efficiency standards.

Throughout his career, Senator Reed has been deeply committed to preserving our natural resources. Reed was fortunate to grow up enjoying the wonders of Narragansett Bay and has worked hard to protect the environment for future generations to enjoy.

Sound environmental policy also makes good economic sense. Rhode Island's beaches, parks and waterways are important to our economy and Senator Reed has been successful in getting environmental groups and business leaders to agree on innovative "green" policy initiatives that promote both economic development and environmental restoration.

Investing in Education

Senator Reed knows that our children's education is the key to our economic future. In order to increase student achievement we need qualified teachers who are highly motivated and well-prepared. Senator Reed authored legislation to enhance the recruitment, training, and retention of teachers and early childhood education providers by improving preparation and professional development opportunities and providing mentoring services.

Senator Reed believes that libraries are rich centers of learning, woven into the fabric of our communities. He has helped provide hundreds of millions of dollars in critical funding to America's public and school libraries so that students of all ages have access to books and educational resources.

Continuing the proud tradition of his predecessor, Claiborne Pell, Senator Reed has also championed financial aid programs for students so that more young people can afford to attend college.

Expanding Economic Opportunity and Affordable Housing

As the top Senate Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee, Reed has supported sound fiscal policies to expand our economy, protect American workers against unfair trade and labor practices, and help small businesses grow. Since his early days in the House of Representatives, Reed has been a fiscal hawk, promoting responsible budgets that won't leave our children and grandchildren saddled with the legacy of our debt.

Through his work on the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, Senator Reed helped secure millions of dollars for innovative community development projects to help improve the quality of life in Rhode Island, expand affordable housing opportunities, and encourage homeownership. He also helped direct hundreds of millions of dollars back to the state for important Rhode Island road and transportation projects.

With the price of energy continuing to rise, Reed has championed LIHEAP and helped secure billions of dollars in federal funding so that low-income families and the elderly can pay their home heating bills.

Enhancing Our Security and Advancing America's Interests

A leading spokesman on defense issues, Senator Reed is a former Army Ranger and a member of the Armed Services Committee. While Reed voted against the resolution authorizing the use of force in Iraq, he has consistently voted to support America's fighting men and women. He authored legislation to increase the size of our Armed Forces. Senator Reed has also worked tirelessly to provide our troops with the equipment they need and give our veterans the benefits they have earned.

Senator Reed knows that securing our homeland means more than just defending America against terrorism. It means providing local law enforcement with the tools they need to keep our streets safe and maintaining a well-equipped National Guard that can rapidly respond to emergencies.

A Hardworking, Dedicated Leader

Today, Senator Reed's leadership, dedication, and hard work in the Senate continue to help make a difference for families in Rhode Island and all across America. To learn more about Senator Reed's recent legislative initiatives, or to get specific information on a particular issue, please click on any of the links to the left.