National Marine Sanctuary Caucus
I serve as the Co-Chair of the National Marine Sanctuary Caucus, a bipartisan coalition that is dedicated to increasing awareness and strengthening commitment to our nation’s National Marine Sanctuaries, including the Channel Islands and Monterey Bay. Our National Marine Sanctuaries protect over 150,000 square miles of coastal and open ocean waters, including countless species of wildlife and their habitat, while allowing compatible commercial and recreational activities.

Congressional Coastal Caucus
As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Coastal Caucus, I work to improve the quality of our coastal environment while enhancing the interests of those who live, work and do business in America’s coastal communities. Specifically, the Caucus keeps members informed about a wide range of coastal issues such as shore protection, watershed management and non-point source pollution.

Out of Iraq Caucus
As a member of the Out of Iraq Caucus, I am working with my colleagues to end the disastrous war in Iraq and bring our brave troops home as soon as possible. The caucus regularly holds hearings with leading military and civilian experts to discuss strategies for ending the war.

Congressional Nursing Caucus
As a nurse, I am deeply committed to educating my colleagues on nursing issues and supporting efforts to combat our nation’s current nurse shortage. I founded the Congressional Nursing Caucus in 2003 and continue to serve as a Caucus Co-Chair to help accomplish this goal. We now boast a growing membership of over 125 Members of Congress.

Congressional School Health and Safety Caucus
As a school nurse in Santa Barbara County, I became intricately aware of the specific health issues children face in their schools. I founded the School Health and Safety Caucus to promote school health and safety, such as improving nutrition in schools.

House Cancer Caucus
As a Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, I am working to advance the priorities of the cancer community and meet the 2015 goal for eliminating cancer deaths. The Caucus advocates for greater funding of cancer research, prevention, access to care and quality of life issues for those affected by cancer.

Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition
The Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition advocates for better research, treatment, and awareness about cardiovascular disease. Membership includes both Representatives and Senators. I currently serve as one of the House Co-Chairs of this Coalition.

Congressional Caucus on Infant Health and Safety
As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Infant Health and Safety, I am working to protect the youngest members of our society. The Caucus hosts several briefings a year to increase awareness and highlight effective programs addressing issues such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and safe sleep practices.

LGBT Equality Caucus
I am an honorary Vice Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus, which works to establish equality for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community by advancing such issues as hate crimes legislation, federal benefits for the partners of LGBT government employees, and overturning the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy banning gays from serving openly in the military.

I am also a member of the following Caucuses:

Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus
Bi-Partisan Pro Choice Caucus
Congressional Aerospace Caucus
Congressional Art Caucus
Coalition on Autism Research and Education
Congressional Bike Caucus
Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus
Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues
Congressional Climate Change Caucus
Congressional Community College Caucus
Congressional Diabetes Caucus
Congressional Global Health Caucus
Congressional Goods Movement Caucus
Congressional Hearing Health Caucus
Congressional Human Rights Caucus
Congressional Intelligent Transportation Systems Caucus
Congressional National Parks Caucus
Congressional Native American Caucus
Congressional Oceans Caucus
Congressional Organic Caucus
Congressional Passenger Rail Caucus
Congressional Port Security Caucus
Congressional Recycling Caucus
Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus
Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus
Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease
Congressional Task Force on International HIV/AIDS
Congressional Tourism and Travel Caucus
Congressional Vision Caucus
Congressional Wine Caucus
Congressional Working Group on Parkinson's Disease
Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus