Chandler on the Issues

CRIME:
I know the devastating impact crime has on our families and communities.  During my time in Congress, I have introduced legislation aimed at protecting our most vulnerable citizens from violence, including a bill preventing the abuse and exploitation of our seniors. Also, I have worked to ensure the safety of our children by working to prevent parole eligibility for certain sex offenders and child predators.  In addition, the persistence of criminal gangs, which has been linked to illegal drug activity and other forms of violence, continues to threaten the well-being of our nation. To help end the reign of these gangs, I introduced a bill to expand the successful Project Safe Neighborhoods program, including resources to identify, investigate, and prosecute criminal gangs. 
 
ECONOMY:
The effects of the ailing economy continue to be felt in the everyday lives of American families and businesses.  I believe we must address the root causes of the economic crisis—such as high energy costs and the housing market—while doing all we can to quickly jump start the economy.   We must invest in science and technology, while also making advances in clean and renewable energy to keep our energy costs down.  As a fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrat, I believe we must be good stewards of the taxpayer dollars while making strategic investments in our people and remaining focused on ways to bring down our national debt.
 
EDUCATION:
We must continue to strive for educational improvements in order to provide every child in America with a quality education.  Numerous studies cite a direct correlation between modern, functional school facilities and student achievement.  For this reason, I introduced the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, which if signed into law will provide $6.4 billion in year one to our nation’s schools for modernization, renovation, and repair.  In addition to properly funding our school districts through the Title I program and the Individuals with Disabilities Act, we must also focus on recruiting dedicated, quality teachers to the classroom. Over the next ten years, our local school systems will need to hire 2.5 million new teachers to keep pace with growing class sizes.  Higher education must also be made more accessible and more affordable so that every Kentuckian who seeks to further his or her education can do so.
 
ENERGY:
Alternative and renewable energy, green technology, and conservation will be vital components of our energy future. However, we will have to rely on fossil fuels for years to come.  I believe we can produce and burn coal more cleanly and that responsible exploration for oil and natural gas should be part of a comprehensive solution to our energy crisis.  If we act soon, Kentucky can not only be a player in the push to develop alternative energy, but a leader. This emerging market could create thousands of jobs and utilize the innovation and ingenuity of Kentuckians. Our top-notch universities, with their excellent research programs can collaborate with the private sector toward this goal.
 
ENVIRONMENT:
I believe we have a duty to be stewards of God’s creation and protect our environment for future generations.  Our air, land, and water are irreplaceable resources that must be enjoyed and utilized responsibly.  Throughout my time in Congress, I have been strong advocate of combating pollution, addressing climate change, and protecting the rolling bluegrass hills, diverse forests, and clear streams and rivers of our Commonwealth.
 
HEALTHCARE:
Expanding coverage to the uninsured while preserving access to high quality care for those who are already covered presents one of the most critical challenges of our time.  Right now, as many as 47 million American citizens go without insurance coverage within a system that leads the world in accessibility and innovation.  As spending on healthcare consumes an ever-increasing percentage of our economy and individuals and families struggle with the high costs of insurance and medical care, it is clear that fundamental changes must be made.  In this economy, something must be done to curb the rising costs of healthcare, as we have come to learn that somewhere between 60% and 70% of all bankruptcies can be attributed to the cost of healthcare.  Efforts to reform our nation’s healthcare system should accomplish goals such as: decreasing the numbers of uninsured, lowering the overall cost of healthcare, protecting Medicare and Medicaid, maintaining and enhancing quality care, protecting the sanctity of the patient-doctor relationship, and setting the nation on a path of fiscal sustainability.  In addition, I have personally supported initiatives that would seek to address inequities in the system.  In reform discussions, I have supported the inclusion of a patch for the gap in coverage for Medicare Part D, commonly referred to as the “doughnut hole,” that affects so many of our seniors.  I have also supported past initiatives that would force insurance companies to cover mental illnesses in much the same way they currently cover physical illness, as well as eliminate preexisting conditions exclusions that currently prevent those with chronic disease, such as diabetes and cancer, from obtaining coverage.    Although this process is at times contentious, I am committed to the development of responsible policies that maintain access to safety-net programs by those who need them while expanding the current insurance marketplace to include access to affordable, high-quality health insurance for the hardworking families and individuals of the Sixth District.
 
IMMIGRATION:
I strongly support efforts to stop illegal immigration, improve border security, and develop a border management system that enhances homeland security while facilitating legitimate travel and trade. In 2006, I voted for the Secure Fence Act to authorize and construct a fence on our southern border to prevent illegal immigration and keep our borders secure. We must continue to strengthen our immigration policies until we secure our borders and successfully account for all foreign visitors within our country.
 
IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN:
I have great respect for our military, troops, and their families, and I believe that all Americans owe a deep debt of gratitude to the military and their families for all that they give to our country every day. While in Iraq, I saw with my own eyes that altering the United States’ role in Iraq was needed—changing our strategy in Iraq is one of the best things that we can do for our troops, our national security, and for the people of that country.   Therefore, I support the President’s decision to end the combat mission in Iraq by August 31, 2010.  This is the first step toward bringing our brave soldiers home and letting the Iraqi people take control and responsibility of their own country.   While we are drawing down our forces in Iraq, the conditions in Afghanistan require enhanced steps to address the deteriorating security environment in the country.  I firmly believe that success in Afghanistan is inextricably linked with security and rule of law in Pakistan.  To this end, I have supported legislation that would increase resources for economic development in both countries, as well as build Afghan governing structures and improving Afghan security forces that can curb militant activity.  Undoubtedly, I remain very concerned about putting our brave troops and civil servants in dangerous combat zones.  Therefore I will continue to support funding for our troops and civil servants that ensures their safety through proper equipment and training.  
 
SECOND AMENDMENT:
I have always been—and will continue to be—a strong supporter of the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. I believe this right is guaranteed under the Constitution, and I will oppose any legislation that infringes upon this right. 
 
SENIORS:
I believe that how we treat our seniors says a lot about who we are as Americans. In these hard economic times, while 401(k) accounts and other retirement accounts aren’t providing the income that many had counted on, it is good to know that Social Security continues to provide.  I stood up for Social Security, strongly condemning the unsuccessful effort by some to privatize this pillar of retirement.  I opposed the dumping of defined benefit pensions on the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), and have supported efforts time and time again to increase the accessibility and affordability of Medicare. During my time in Congress, I introduced legislation to prevent the abuse and exploitation of our senior citizens, and as Attorney General of Kentucky, I fought to create a special division to further protect our Kentucky seniors.
 
TRANSPORTATION:
As we move into the 21st century, we must continue to make long-term investments in our transportation infrastructure.  Our economic development and quality of life depend on a reliable and efficient transportation system, from roads and bridges to rail, rivers, and airports.  I believe we must move forward with investments in all modes of transportation with an eye toward new strategies such as light rail and high-speed rail.
 
VETERANS:
Kentucky is home to nearly 400,000 U.S. veterans who have selflessly served America to protect our freedom. In return for this sacrifice, we are obligated to give these men and women our unending support during their transition home while ensuring the protection of their benefits into the future. I am proud to have supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in February 2009, a bill that made key investments for those who have served in our military. First, this act provides a tax credit for businesses who hire unemployed veterans, helping the 4.6% of American veterans who are currently jobless. Healthcare is also an area of concern for our aging veteran population. Recognizing this, the ARRA provides support to disabled veterans, along with funding to improve VA hospitals and construct new extended care facilities for veterans. Also, in 2008, I supported legislation providing for the largest increase in funding for veterans healthcare in the VA’s 77-year history, totaling almost $12 billion, to help meet the needs of the 5.8 million patients each year who are treated by the VA. Part of ensuring a bright future for returning military men and women is working to keep the promise of a good education for our veterans. The restored GI Bill for the 21st Century, passed by Congress in 2008, makes certain that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have access to a full, four year education upon their return.