On the Issues:

 

Civil and Constitutional Rights

We need to utilize every resource to insure Americans are safe in their homes and workplaces; on their roads and rivers; and of our ports and borders – but we must be equally vigilant to protect American civil liberties guaranteed over 200 years ago in our Constitution. ... more

Disaster Preparedness

In September, 2006, I completed my work on the House Democratic Caucus’ Katrina Task Force report. The report is a scathing analysis of the current administration’s failure to provide adequate and timely post-Katrina disaster relief. It will serve as a framework for lawmakers to craft legislation to restructure and improve disaster relief policies. These measures will not only improve the conditions in the Gulf Coast region, but will also provide for more effective disaster relief and preparedness for the future. ... more

Economic Growth

Silicon Valley and its technology sector were hit particularly hard by the economic downturn that began in 2001. While too many Americans remain out work, I am optimistic that instituting the right public policies now will help Silicon Valley rebound and reach new economic highs. ... more

Energy Independence

As Ranking Member of the Energy Subcomittee, I believe that energy is one of the most important challenges that we face as a nation, in particular our addiction to fossil fuels. ... more

Fiscal Responsibility

The federal budget should be a statement of our nation’s values that reflects the priorities of the American people: good jobs, safe communities, quality education, and access to health care. In recent years, however, Republican budget proposals have conflicted with these priorities and sent our nation into deeper and deeper debt. ... more

Health Care

Maintaining and improving the health of individuals is key to a healthy society. Health is connected to every aspect of our lives, and affects our capacity to work, live, and play. The health of Americans is intrinsically tied to our health care system and is influenced by the way we have chosen to organize our social and economic resources. As the divide between the haves and the have-nots grows wider in our society, we all suffer. Our nation cannot prosper without addressing health disparities and assuring access to high quality and affordable health care. ... more

Homeland Security

As a nation, it is vital to protect America’s security from threats at home and abroad. Democrats are working to make sure that the federal government does more to support our police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, by providing training and equipment needed to keep America safe and secure. We must also work for tighter security at airports, seaports, rail tunnels, terminals, transit facilities, and other targets vulnerable to terrorists, taking a comprehensive, unified approach in protecting our nation. ... more

Honesty in Government

In Congress today, we are facing a crisis in corruption that pervades the Republican Administration, and the policies and laws they have enacted. ... more

Honoring our Veterans

Since our nation’s founding, the U.S. military has been dispatched to all parts of the world to defend our freedom and that and our allies. In battles big and small, the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces have distinguished themselves through their strength, loyalty and valor. Their service, however, has not come without great sacrifice. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have died and millions more injured defending this country. ... more

Housing Affordability

Homeownership is the fulfillment of the American Dream, and is the traditional starting point for American families to accumulate wealth. Homeownership provides shelter and security to families, and fosters involvement in community life, as well as participation in democratic institutions. Homeownership provides important social as well as economic benefits. It is the cornerstone of a healthy community and the basis for positive community involvement. ... more

National Security and Foreign Policy

My view of foreign affairs is founded on the belief that as one of the world's strongest, richest and most innovative countries, we must do our part to raise the standard of living for other less fortunate parts of the world and by doing so, we help create a more stable international environment, therebye also benefitting us. ... more

Preserving our Environment

The current administration’s record on the environment has been dismal. On most major issues — clean air, clean water, the protection of the public lands from commercial exploitation — President Bush retreated or signaled retreat from the policies of his predecessors. ... more

Protecting Social Security

Social Security is the cornerstone of our national commitment to older Americans and has been our nation’s most successful domestic program. Created in 1935, the Social Security program has lifted millions of Americans from poverty due to age, death and disability and allowed millions more to maintain independent and financially secure lives during their retirement years. ... more

Quality Education

As a former high school teacher and principal, education has always been my top priority. I agree with President Bush that we must hold our students and teachers to higher national standard. However, in order to achieve this high national standard, accountability and standards must be a two way street. ... more

Safe and Efficient Transportation

As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have successfully fought for Santa Clara County’s fair share of federal transportation funding to improve the inter-city and intra-city travel for our fast growing region. More broadly, I have been at the forefront of Congressional efforts to craft policies that encourage sound planning for our nation’s airports, highways, and public transportation systems. ... more

Encouraging Innovation and Development of Nanotechnology

Through my work as a member of the Science Committee I have enacted legislation to encourage the development of nanotechnology in the United States. The emerging fields of nanoscience and nanoengineering (collectively, “nanotechnology”), which allow the control of materials at the atomic level, are leading to unprecedented scientific and technological opportunities that will benefit society by changing the way many items are designed and made, in areas such as electronics, medicine, energy, biotechnology, and information technology. ... more

Women

Women have made tremendous economic, political, and social advances during the 20th century, but are far from enjoying gender equality. Women continue to face many obstacles in our society, and I am committed to working towards policy changes that support and encourage gender equality. ... more