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Issues
2010 Census
I am dedicated to ensuring each resident understands the importance of participating in the 2010 Census. The Census Bureau needs help ensuring that everyone is counted--and they will be hiring in the Baltimore area.
Chesapeake Bay
As a lifelong Marylander, I know what an incomparable resource the Chesapeake Bay is to our state. It is all of our responsibility to work together to restore the Chesapeake Bay to its former glory. We must always remember that the most important benefits of our efforts will be given to our children and grandchildren, who simply cannot wait.
Crime
Every year in Baltimore, known murderers continue to walk our streets every day because we lack the evidence necessary to bring them to justice. After talking to many law enforcement agencies, I believe that by improving the protection for state and local witnesses, we come one step closer to keeping our neighborhoods safe.
Economy
President Obama and the Democratic-led Congress have taken great strides to help struggling families survive the housing crisis, and this new legislation would ensure that the growing number of job-seeking homeowners have a chance to hang on to their homes and their dreams.
Education
Access to a quality education is not a luxury; it is every child's right. I believe that we must provide every child with opportunities to be the best that he or she can be, regardless of background, socio-economic status, or geographic location.
Financial Regulatory Reform
My concern had always been to ensure that the taxpayers’ money has been spent for their benefit, and that the Committee, and this Congress acted with the utmost integrity. I believe the hearing was an example of that integrity. The events that unfolded starting with the initial $85 billion Federal Reserve loan to AIG in September 2008 have been truly unprecedented, both in terms of scope and magnitude.
FY2011 Appropriations
Here you can see a list of the projects I believe will help improve the lives of families in Howard County, Baltimore County and Baltimore City. I've requested that these projects be funded in 2011.
Healthcare
Health care reform is one of the greatest and most important legislative decisions of our lifetime, and we cannot afford to get it wrong. With that in mind, I was proud to cast my vote, in favor of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.
Identity Theft
Identity theft has become an epidemic in and across the United States, claiming over 10 million victims last year alone. It's also one of the most costly crimes to consumers
Immigration
I recognize the need to address security problems that are created by illegal immigration. However, with more than 12 million people here illegally, enforcement alone will not solve the problem. Blanket amnesty is not a solution to the problem, but the combination of strong border security, reasonable financial penalties, and a path to legal residency will allow us to regain our territorial sovereignty.
Labor
I will continue to fight for equality in the United States, whether it is at the ballot box, in a paycheck or in the way our government assigns contracts. I feel a moral obligation to work as hard as I possibly can to ensure that a nation that so richly values its opportunities continues to allow all its citizens to avail themselves of those opportunities.
National Security
As a member of Congress, I have long stood for the judicious, and justified, use of military power. I will continue to ensure that our troops are adequately resourced and that our strategy is appropriate and clear so that we can accomplish our aims and finally bring out troops home.
Social Security
I believe Social Security is part of a moral promise kept, by our nation, between children and parents to protect each other in their times of need.
Tax Help
For individuals who earned less than $57k in 2009, the IRS Free File program provides free federal income tax preparation and electronic filing.
Transportation
I serve as a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Early in 2009, Chairman Oberstar, the Chair of the Committee, began to lead our effort to develop the next surface transportation authorization. He has proposed a ground-breaking bill that would significantly reform many of the existing highway and transit programs. However, the bill has a $500 billion price tag, and that cost simply cannot be supported by existing revenue streams.
Veterans
Veterans have kept their promise to serve our nation, and we must keep our promises to our veterans. The men and women who risk their lives for us must not be given first-class weapons in war only to be treated as third-class citizens when they return home from battle.
