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Animal Welfare
Congressman Tom Lantos of California and I are Co-Chairs of
the Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus. I am committed
to animal welfare because I believe animals are vital to our
livelihood, and I believe humankind has an obligation to all
animals.
Arts
The arts make a significant contribution to our lives. I grew
up in an arts family. My mom and dad, both performing actors,
met in the theater. Federal funding helps symphonies, theaters,
musical productions, ballet and educational programs reach
many people, including children, the elderly and those on
a limited budget, who might not otherwise have the opportunity
to see some very beautiful and enriching performances.
Budget
My number one priority since coming to Congress has been the
reduction and elimination of our annual federal budget deficits.
As a senior member of the House Budget Committee, I know the
best way to maintain fiscal discipline is to continue to eliminate
wasteful and unnecessary federal government spending.
Campaign Finance
I strongly support reforming our campaign finance system by
eliminating the unregulated, unlimited campaign gifts known
as soft money, applying our campaign laws to sham issue ads,
and increasing disclosure. Combined together, these reforms
will slam shut the open door that currently allows anyone
-- corporations, labor unions, wealthy individuals, even foreign
nationals -- to purchase limitless influence in our political
system. I believe this is a crucial first step to protect
our democracy.
Crime
Today, teenagers account for the largest portion of all violent
crime in the United States. Offenders under the age of 18
commit more than 20 percent of all violent crime. When encounters
with this juvenile justice system teach juvenile offenders
that they are not accountable for their actions, the system
is broken.
Defense
I support increasing defense spending to address our military's
needs and modernize our military for the 21st Century, but
I will not vote to increase defense spending without a fundamental
examination of our changing national security needs.
Economic
Development
Education
I believe we must guarantee young people have the opportunity
to become educated, successful members of society. While the
primary responsibility to teach our children rests at the
state and local levels, the federal government has an important
role to play.
Energy
I voted against the conference report to H.R. 6, which passed
the House by a vote of 275 to 156. Instead of creating a balanced
energy policy that provides incentives to make renewable energy
more affordable and widely available, this legislation makes
fiscally irresponsible and environmentally-reckless decisions
for the benefit of a few profitable industries that don't
need this kind of help from taxpayers.
Environment
I believe protecting and preserving our environment is one
of the most important duties Congress has. We simply won't
have a world to live in if we continue our neglectful ways.
Ethics
Financial
Services
At the start of 2001, I joined the newly-formed House Financial
Services Committees. The Committee has jurisdiction over banking,
securities, insurance, housing and international lending institutions
like the IMF and World Bank. I'm thrilled to be a member of
this Committee, which oversees so many issues important to
Fairfield County.
Foreign
Affairs
While the Cold War is over, the world has become a more dangerous
place. More and more nations are obtaining sophisticated weapons
technology, and the absence of a second superpower has led
to increased outbreaks of violence and civil strife.
Guns
I am very concerned about the use of firearms and believe
there must be some regulations on their purchase and use.
Health Care
I believe there are two areas of fundamental concern within
the current health care system -- expanding access to health
insurance by controlling costs and ensuring those with health
insurance have access to quality care.
Homeland
Security
Housing
As a member of the Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee
of the Financial Services Committee, I have worked to advocate
for programs that promote homeownership and the creation of
affordable housing. As a federal legislator, I know it’s
important we assist our local public housing authorities by
providing necessary resources to aid public housing residents
and others needing housing assistance.
Immigration
I support an increase in legal immigration and greater efforts
to reduce illegal immigration. Our country is a nation made
up of immigrants and we must continue to nourish the immigrant
spirit.
Intelligence
September 11 was a wake-up call from hell that told us not
only is the terrorist threat real, but Cold War doctrines
of containment, reaction and mutually assured destruction
are no longer valid. Our policy now must be to detect and
prevent those who wish to do us harm. This legislation will
help us accomplish that goal.
Indian Gaming
I believe gambling is inherently dishonest and oppose it in
any form. During my 14 years in the state legislature, I voted
against every gambling bill. Gambling financially cripples
those who can least afford it -- the poor -- through the cruel
and misleading lure of "winning it big."
Labor
I believe the time is right for an increase in the minimum
wage. Economic research has shown that a modest, incremental
increase in the minimum wage, like the one passed by Congress
in 1996, is the best way to minimize a wage increase's potentially
adverse consequences on employment and prices.
Medicare
I support strengthening, preserving and protecting Medicare
for current and future generations while expanding health
care choices for seniors, increasing preventative health benefits
and ensuring the trust fund remains solvent for future generations.
National
Service
As a strong fiscal conservative, I believe national service
is one of the wisest and most efficient investments our government
can make. Through service, Americans of all ages gain a sense
of commitment to their community and their country which will
prove valuable for their entire lives.
Patriot Act
To fight the war on terrorism, our intelligence
agencies must have the right tools. I know there are Constitutional
concerns surrounding the effects this legislation would have
on due process and civil liberties, but I believe these issues
were addressed by Congress and the Administration. Most importantly,
I believe Congress must provide continual oversight.
Social Security
I am committed to preserving Social Security for all current
and future beneficiaries. Congress must ensure retirement
security for all retirees by reforming the Social Security
system to meet the changing population and needs of seniors.
Supporting Sikorsky
Assisting Sikorsky helicopter, which makes the finest helicopters
in the world, has been one of my highest priorities.
Taxes
I support permanently extending the Tax Relief Act of 2001
and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Act of 2003. I believe
that before we take this action, however, Congress needs to
control spending, in both discretionary and mandatory categories.
Telecommunications
& the Internet
The world of telecommunications is undergoing exciting advances
and I believe that, whenever possible, the federal government
should allow market forces to determine the spread of services.
The worst thing Washington can do is hamper the development
of new technologies. The best thing we can do is encourage
competition which will lead to greater choices for consumers.
Trade
I strongly support expanding free trade, which is crucial
to strengthening our economy. Free, open trade is good for
the United States and our people economically, it is good
for us socially, and it is good for us politically.
Transportation
I am committed to easing the Fourth District's transportation-related
burdens. Fairfield County's location in the middle of the
New York-Boston corridor, less than an hour from the business
center of the world -- and its own success in welcoming business
-- have led to suffocating congestion on our roads, and increased
noise from air traffic over our heads.
Veterans
The men and women who serve our country and defend freedom
deserve to be treated with nothing less than the highest level
of dignity and respect. I am committed to providing our veterans
with the resources necessary to address and meet their needs
and ensure they have access to high-quality health care.
Welfare
We need to continue encouraging people to get off welfare
and into jobs so that they can become self-sufficient, contributing
members of our great nation. I supported the 1996 Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act because removed the
disincentives for welfare recipients to work and gives states
the resources to provide cash payments, job training, day
care and health care to ease an individual's transition into
work.
Women’s
Rights and Health
I would like to see abortion remain safe and legal,
yet rare. Whatever one's views on abortion, I believe we all
can recognize the importance of preventing unintended pregnancies.
When women are unable to control the number and timing of
births, they will increasingly rely on abortion. |
