Issues
My work in Washington touches on some of the most important issues in Rhode Islanders' lives, from high-quality health care, to caring for our seniors, to better jobs, to protecting our precious environment. Choose from the list below to learn more about my views and the steps I'm taking to improve life for the people of our state.
Providing Our Servicemembers with a Worthy Strategy »
Since 9/11, our military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have had enormous demands placed on them. They have done everything they have been asked to do and more, and I couldn’t be more proud of their brave and honorable service. I am working hard to ensure that our servicemembers are provided with a strategy that is worthy of their hard work and sacrifice, and will enable them to succeed in their mission.
Supporting Rhode Island's Working Families »
Rhode Islanders, like families across the nation, are experiencing economic anxieties the likes of which we have not seen in a generation. We need to attack the problem of our floundering economy on two fronts: we must reexamine our failed trade policies, and we must give relief to middle-class families.
Fixing our Broken Health Care System »
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. This comprehensive health care reform is a historic achievement and a transformative moment for our health care system. I am proud to have helped pass this landmark legislation.
Protecting Our Environment »
Our planet is now at a crossroads. Global warming is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time, and if it goes unchecked, the consequences for Rhode Island and our entire country will be devastating. I will continue to do all I can to ensure we take steps to address this looming problem, and will work to protect our vital waterways and restore the fundamental integrity of federal environmental regulation.
Moving Beyond Oil »
America is facing a serious energy crisis. As Rhode Islanders pay record-high prices at the gas pump, oil company profits are skyrocketing. Our country is frighteningly dependent on foreign oil. We need a long-term American energy strategy to eliminate our crippling dependence on foreign oil by promoting renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency.
Helping Seniors in the Ocean State »
Improving the lives of Rhode Island’s seniors is one of my top priorities in Washington. I'm committed to improving the quality of health care for seniors, reforming the troubled Medicare Part D drug benefit, and shoring up Social Security.
Caring for Servicemembers and Veterans »
When we ask ordinary American men and women to do the extraordinary in the service of this country, we know we can never fully repay what they and their families give us. But we can promise that we will give them everything they need when they are in the field, and everything they deserve in honor and care when their service has ended.
Fulfilling America's Promise of a Great Education »
I believe all children should start school prepared to learn, regardless of economic background; that the federal government needs to fulfill its promises to provide the funding our schools need; and that we need to do more to help make sure that all young people who want to pursue higher education can afford to attend college.
Standing Up for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law »
For eight years, the Bush Administration pursued a dangerously aggressive view of Presidential power, at the expense of our essential freedoms, liberties, and the rule of law. As a former state and federal prosecutor, my experience has taught me that we can keep Americans safe without sacrificing our civil liberties. I will work with the Obama Administration to stand up against torture, for our civil liberties, and for balanced government and the rule of law.
Securing Rhode Island and the Nation »
I take very seriously the responsibility of safeguarding Rhode Island and our country from the threat of terrorism. I will continue working to ensure that efforts to secure and protect the United States have the funding and resources they need, and that when threats emerge, we are able to respond, always remembering that America’s greatest strength in the world is the strength of our ideals.
Upholding America’s Values in Our Foreign Policy »
Millions of people all around the globe have looked to the United States for leadership in an often uncertain world. The United States stands for the values on which our nation was founded: government of, by, and for the people; freedom of speech and conscience; opportunity for all; the rule of law; a strong system of property rights, transparency and a free press; and the principle that basic human rights are inalienable.
Investing in Our Transportation Infrastructure »
Many Rhode Islanders have expressed to me their frustration with longer and more unpredictable commute times. As a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I will continue to fight for increased infrastructure funding for our state. It is essential that we ensure the safety of our bridges and roads, and continue to develop our public transportation systems.