Ben on the Issues

View my positions on various issues that are important to our District and my work in Congress.

For more information concerning my work and views on important Issues, please contact my Washington, DC office.

I look forward to your feedback.

Thank you.

Arts and Humanities

I strongly support the mission of public television and radio programs. As the power of private broadcasting corporations continues to grow, I believe that Congress must work to ensure that Americans have access to independent public media outlets free from political and corporate influence.

Economy and Jobs

Small businesses are the engines of job creation. In this tough economy, we are going to rely on these smaller companies even more to get our economy moving again.

Education

Our country's future depends on making a quality education available to our children, giving them the knowledge and skills to provide for their families and contribute to their communities. With the rise of India and China, our children need the tools to compete in a global economy.

Energy and Environment

Recent spikes in gas prices have reminded us all of the need to move to new technology and wean ourselves off of foreign oil. As you know, record breaking gas prices continue to rise around the country, straining families' budgets and slowing down economic growth.

Fighting Crime

In 2010, Forbes listed Kentucky as the fourth “most medicated” state, and in the past year we had one of the highest reports of non-medical use of pain killers, drugs like OxyContin, Lortab, and Percocet.

Foreign Policy

I have great respect for our military and their families, and I believe that all Americans owe a deep debt of gratitude to the military and their families for all that they give to our country every day.

Healthcare

Last year, when the House of Representatives considered the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act, I voted against the bill because I believed that the legislation did not fully address the needs of the people of the Sixth District of Kentucky.

Homeland Security and Defense

I believe that one of the most important duties I have as your Congressman is providing resources for our brave men and women in uniform.

Immigration

Not only do I think we need to fix the dangerous loopholes in our immigration system, but I am also opposed to giving blanket amnesty to all undocumented immigrants inside our borders.

Kentucky Industries

Other states trying to imitate our bourbon and horse industries envy our natural 200-year advantage. I believe we need to nurture the golden goose—not kill it

Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security

Nearly since the birth of Social Security and Medicare, these two successful programs have been under constant attack. I remember so clearly in 2005 fighting against President Bush’s plan to privatize Social Security and gamble seniors’ benefits in the stock market.

National Debt, Budget and Taxes

In April 2011, there was a great deal of speculation that Congress would fail to provide funding for the federal government’s operations, resulting in a government shutdown. In 1995, a government shutdown cost the American taxpayers $1.5 billion, and resulted in cancellations and delays in the delivery of important services for seniors, veterans, and unemployed workers

Politics and Government

By law, Members of Congress may receive cost of living adjustments at no greater rate than other federal employees operating under the General Schedule pay structure.

Second Amendment

I have always been—and will continue to be—a strong supporter of the Second Amendment right.

Veterans

Kentucky is home to nearly 400,000 U.S. veterans who have selflessly served America to protect our freedom. In return for this sacrifice, we are obligated to give these men and women our unending support during their transition home while ensuring the protection of their benefits into the future.