Since arriving in Congress, I have had the distinct honor of serving on the House Financial Services Committee, which has direct jurisdiction over our financial markets, banking, and housing.

Additionally, I am proud to serve on two subcommittees on the committee:

• Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises
• Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology

As a practicing realtor for over 30 years, I understand and respect the spirit of entrepreneurship that characterizes small businessmen and -women.  Economic recovery efforts must continue to focus on small businesses, which are responsible for employing more than half of Mississippi’s non-farm workforce.

Mississippi also has a well grounded community banking system that is the pillar of many towns and cities in the First District. I will continue working to ensure that financial regulatory reform does not adversely punish the businesses and individuals that strengthen our local communities and promote economic development throughout the region.

Stabilizing the housing market is also a top priority of mine. I believe that if the housing industry turns around, our entire economy will follow. To help bolster the industry, I have introduced legislation that would extend for one year the first-time homebuyer tax credit included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as well as expand the credit to all families or individuals purchasing a principal residence (H.R. 3640).