Issues
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Budget
According to the Congressional Budget Office, this will be the third consecutive year in which the federal government is running a deficit near or greater than $1 trillion. The solution to the government's fiscal crisis must begin by cutting spending in all areas, particularly in those that can be better run at the state or local level. The fiscal crsis we face as a nation needs to be taken seriously, and addressed with decisive action. -
Civil Liberties
The Founding Fathers warned of a Federal Government bent on usurping the power, rights, and privacy of its States and citizens. In the last nine years, the Federal Government has expanded the scope of its power at an alarming rate, while blatantly ignoring the Constitution. -
Death Tax
The death tax disproportionately harms small businesses and farms across the country. The death tax is not just a tax on savings, but also on any business and property an individual chooses to pass along to their family. Damage from the death tax leads businesses and family farms to be sold and destroys the jobs they create. In addition, each year millions of dollars in entrepreneurial capital is sent to the government instead of being invested back into the economy. -
Debt & Spending
With our national debt over 14 trillion dollars, the deficit spending by Washington DC continues to mortgage fruits of our future labor to fund federal programs we don't need and cannot afford. That's why I have introduced legislation to try and address this iscal problem with immediate action. I ntroduced a bill to cut this years deficit by $500 billion, and I have also introduced a plan that balances the federal budget in 5 years. -
Education
As the Federal Government has increased the size and budget of the Department of Education, test scores and scholastic performance have markedly dropped. More money, more bureaucracy, and more government intervention are eroding this nation's educational standards. -
Energy
Washington's bureaucratic regulations, corporate subsidies, and excessive taxation have made it virtually impossible for the market to produce new forms of cheap and clean energy. Companies have become more concerned with hiring lobbyists than they have with hiring scientists and engineers. Is it really surprising then that we're in an energy crisis? -
Federal Reserve Transparency
One of my first actions in the U.S. Senate was to introduce legislation allowing for a full audit of the Federal Reserve. This legislation is a Senate version of similar legislation long-championed by and introduced this session in the House of Representatives by my father, Congressman Ron Paul of Texas. The Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2011, will eliminate the current audit restrictions placed on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and mandate a complete audit of the Federal Reserve to be completed by a firm deadline, finally delivering answers to the American people about how their money is being spent by Washington. -
Foreign Policy and National Defense
One of the most significant issues we deal with in the United States Senate is foreign policy. And in my opinion, one of the most important votes a Senator could take is on the declaration of war to send our men and women of the Armed Forces into battle. If the military action is justified and there is no other recourse, I will cast my vote with a heavy heart. -
Health Care
During the 111th Congress, the Congress passed and President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) - commonly known as "Obamacare" (P.L. 111-148). This legislation rapidly expanded the powers of government into the health care system. Since the implementation of Obamacare, many states have filed Constitutional challenges based upon the mandatory purchase of insurance policies, and several courts have rules the law unconstitutional. -
Immigration
I do not support amnesty, I support legal immigration and recognize that the country has been enriched by those who seek the freedom to make a life for themselves. However, millions of illegal immigrants are crossing our border without our knowledge and causing a clear threat to our national security. I want to work in the Senate to secure our border immediately. In addition, I support the creation of a border fence and increased border patrol capabilities. -
Regulation
I proudly introduced the REINS Act along with 12 of my Senate colleagues on Feb. 7, 2011, as it is designed to increase accountability for and transparency in the Federal regulatory process. -
Sanctity of Life
I am 100% pro life. I believe abortion is taking the life of an innocent human being. I believe life begins at conception and it is the duty of our government to protect this life. I will always vote for any and all legislation that would end abortion or lead us in the direction of ending abortion. -
Second Amendment
There are many in Washington who give lip service to the Second Amendment, but vote to restrict gun ownership once they begin serving in public office. Gun control laws only restrict access to responsible gun ownership. High risk individuals will still be able to acquire firearms even with an increase in prevention. I do not support any proposed gun control law which would limit the right to gun ownership by those who are responsible, law-abiding citizens. -
Social Security
As a physician, I understand that millions of Americans depend on Social Security and Medicare, and we must keep our promises to them. We must also recognize that wasteful spending by decades of career politicians in Washington has drained the Social Security and Medicare trust funds, and something must be done to make these programs sustainable for the future. -
Taxes
There is absolutely no question that the United States income tax needs to be reformed. The burdensome tax regulations imposed by the United States Tax Code are too complicated for most Americans. -
Term Limits
In order to address this issue, I co-sponsored S.J. Res.1, along with my colleague, Senator David Vitter (La.). This joint resolution calls for a constitutional amendment which would place a limit on the amount of time a Member of the U.S. House or Senate may serve in office to a maximum of 12 years per chamber.
