My Legislative Issues

2010 Summary of U.S. Budget & Financial Outlook

A Taxpayers’ Guide to Uncle Sam’s CheckbookMany Kentuckians have questions about the state of the U.S. government’s finances. All citizens of this country should have a firm understanding of where...

Agriculture

Farm EconomyAs the home of the majority of Kentucky’s family farming operations, the First District provides numerous incentives for farmers to expand and diversify their businesses. Agriculture is the lifeblood...

Defense

I believe in a strong national defense and have consistently supported efforts to strengthen our nation’s military and provide our men and women in uniform with whatever they need to...

Economy

During the past few months there has been a lot of talk about recession and the loss of jobs. Congress responded by crafting the Economic Stimulus package, which is an...

Education Department

Local school officials, not Washington bureaucrats, should make decisions regarding the particular educational needs of the community. I have supported reforms enacted by Congress which provide states and local school...

Energy

Gasoline prices and energy costs across the country have hit historic highs amidst an economic slow-down that has forced most Kentucky families to tighten their belts. Kentuckians, like all Americans,...

Environment and Conservation

I share the concerns of many Kentuckians over the need to implement policies that protect our environment and the species that inhabit it. As citizens of this country, we have...

Family Values

During my time in office, I have consistently supported legislation to reaffirm traditional values important to families in Kentucky’s First District.I have always supported legislation to protect the unborn and...

Health Care

I am committed to improving the nation’s health care system and providing affordable health care to all Americans. During my time in Congress, I have consistently supported efforts to reduce...

Homeland Security

From local law enforcement to increased security at our borders and ports, protecting our homeland remains one of my top priorities. With the threat of terrorist acts against our nation...

Labor

The United States has long possessed the best, brightest and most innovative workforce in the world. To harness this invaluable resource, we must ensure that workers have the training, tools and resources they need to compete in a global economy. We also need to make certain that American workers receive the benefits they have earned, particularly in the way of retirement and access to quality, affordable healthcare. To do this, we must modernize our 20th century labor regulations to fit the needs of a 21st century workforce. I have been proud to support policies and programs that would do just that by empowering and protecting American workers and the businesses they drive.

Law Enforcement

I support tough crime laws and providing incentives to states to increase enforcement of existing laws. To help combat crime in Western Kentucky, we have coordinated with federal law enforcement...

Prescription Drugs

While pharmaceuticals have helped millions of Americans live longer and better lives, the cost of modern medicines has skyrocketed in recent years. Many Americans are forced to take chances with...

Second Amendment

"A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."- Second Amendment, The Constitution...

Social Security

I am committed to ensuring that America's seniors are able to provide for themselves in their retirement years. I am a strong supporter of Social Security because I know what...

Tax Relief

I am committed to reducing the heavy burden of taxation on our nation's families and business. I have pledged to reduce taxes on working families in order to allow them...

Telecommunications

As a Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has sole jurisdiction over Telecommunication issues, I have the opportunity to participate in crafting our national communications policies concerning telephones,...

Transportation

Surface TransportationServing the Commonwealth’s largest Congressional district, I have worked to bring new and improved roads, bridges, and public transit to the First District. In 2005, my colleagues and I...

Veteran's Affairs

Nearly 27 million Americans wear the proud title of Veteran of our Nation’s Armed Forces, including 366,000 who live in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Throughout our nation’s history, they have...