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Issues
View my positions on various issues that are important to our District and my work in Congress.
2nd Amendment
I am a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution, so that law-abiding adults can exercise their Constitutional right to purchase and own firearms for the protection of their homes and families, collecting, target shooting, and hunting. I received an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association for the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and the 111th Congress (2009-2010).
Agriculture
Georgia’s farmers, ranchers, and producers are the backbone of our state’s most important industry: agriculture.
Appropriations
The federal budget and the Appropriation bills which Congress approve annually are a reflection of our fundamental values and priorities as a nation. Determining which investments our government makes is perhaps one of the most important decisions Congress faces each year.
Crime
I have fought to make our streets safer by placing more police officers on the streets and increasing funding for law enforcement efforts.
Defense
As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, I am a proud supporter of the men and women of our nation’s armed forces and their families.
Disaster Preparedness
When natural disaster strikes – whether from a flood, hurricane, or tornado – it is imperative that we work quickly and efficiently to restore and rebuild.
Education
I have worked tirelessly to make our nation’s schools and universities accessible and affordable.
Energy
Our country’s dependence on foreign oil affects the United States in some ways when confronting a wide range of economic, national security, environmental, and human rights issues in the Middle East.
Family Values
I support the pro-family values of Georgia’s Second Congressional District through my votes in favor of school prayer and outlawing same-sex marriage, permanently eliminating the “marriage penalty” in the tax code, extending health insurance coverage to children, and assisting American fathers who are trying to earn a livable wage and take a more active role in the lives of their children.
Fiscal Discipline
As a Member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, I have consistently supported measures to reduce our federal budget deficit to get our nation’s fiscal house in order.
Foreign Affairs
I have supported legislation in the United States House of Representatives to promote human rights at home and abroad, bolster foreign aid and security assistance to Israel, strengthen diplomatic efforts and sanctions to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, prevent violence in Sudan and to ensure that the U.S. successfully completes its mission in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Health Care
I am a strong supporter of policies that make health care more accessible and affordable to all Americans regardless of their background and income.
Homeland Security
As a current Member of the House Appropriations Committee and as a former Member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for six years, I am a staunch supporter of efforts to protect our country from biological and nuclear threats, improve information sharing across intelligence agencies, bolster our cyber-security, strengthen our border security, allow search and surveillance of potential terrorists with probable cause, and secure our nation’s ports, airports, highways, transit and rail systems, energy grids, and other physical infrastructure.
Housing
I support legislation to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, stop predatory and irresponsible mortgage loan practices, increase the supply of affordable housing, expand veteran and rural housing opportunities, and promote fair housing education and enforcement activities.
Immigration
It is imperative that our borders and homeland are protected from threats made against our security. Immigration reform must include provisions that strengthen border security by increasing manpower, utilizing new technology and fencing, and providing the tools, resources, and infrastructure necessary to enforce existing immigration laws and punish offenders.
Jobs & Economy
Strengthening the economy of Georgia’s Second Congressional District and the nation is my top priority in Congress.
Senior Citizens
I support preserving Social Security for current and future retirees, providing cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments for Social Security recipients, reducing prescription drug costs for seniors by closing the Medicare Part D “donut hole” coverage gap, cracking down on Medicare fraud and abuse, preventing scheduled reductions in Medicare physician payments, and vigorously prosecuting elder abuse.
Small Business
Small business is the cornerstone of our economy.
Taxes
I support extending all of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts until the economy becomes stronger and job creation accelerates. I also support repealing the estate tax or at least substantial relief from the estate tax, which I know will benefit many small businesses. I do not want to see small business owners lose the companies they worked so hard to build and hoped to hand down to their children.
Transportation
I support more highway-related construction jobs, reduced gasoline prices, and the increased use of bio-fuels. I will continue to fight for Georgia’s Second Congressional District to receive its fair share of funding to improve its highways, roads, bridges, and mass transit infrastructure.
Veterans
As the Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, and as the Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, I will continue to support the men and women who serve in the military and their families and our nations veterans. The Hiring Heroes law that I authored in the House was signed into law by the President in November 2011. The law honors our veterans by ensuring they have the resources and tools they need to find suitable and sustainable employment.
