On the Issues
Budget, Debt and Deficit
Our federal budget, with its recurring deficits and accumulating debt, is one of the most important issues we face today. American businesses and families work hard to spend wisely, to plan for the future, and to invest in a more promising tomorrow. I believe American government should abide by the same principles without creating manufactured political crises that threaten the American economy.
Education
Education is the cornerstone of our country’s fundamental promise that no matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve the chance to make the most of our talent and hard work. We must ensure every American child receives an education that delivers the skills our complex economy demands.
Energy and Environment
In an increasingly complex global landscape, our environment, economy, and energy sources are all interconnected. Congress needs to make wise decisions that foster economic growth today while protecting the global climate for generations to come.
Equality
From equal pay for equal work to the right have a voice in our democracy and marry who we love: I believe this country was built on the promise of fundamental fairness. Every American deserves to be treated fairly by their colleagues, their community, and their government.
Foreign Affairs
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I believe that the United States is facing the most complex foreign policy landscape since World War II. Globalization has made the impact of entrenched regional and ideological conflicts vaster than ever before. At the same time, technological advancements have brought new hope to persistent and universal problems, from hunger and disease to poverty and human rights. This growing level of interconnection and interdependence is the reality we must navigate as we shape U.S. foreign policy moving forward. It presents challenges and opportunities that will define our place in the world for generations to come.
Health Care
Access to quality healthcare is a right that belongs to every American. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) achieved a historic milestone when it turned this principle into law, extending high quality coverage to millions of Americans who previously had no coveage at all. Since its enactment in 2010, the ACA has made significant changes to America’s health care system including comprehensive insurance reforms that prevent unfair practices and the creation of state-based health insurance exchanges and tax credits for small business. The ACA has also helped to slow down the skyrocketing cost of health care in this country. In fact, the growth of national health care expenditures is at its lowest rate in over 50 years. I will continue to support efforts that slow health care spending without compromising quality, accessible, and efficient health care.
Jobs and the Economy
Promoting growth and opportunity in Massachusetts’s 4th District is my number one priority in Congress. I am committed to ensuring that our workers have the skills required to access the modern job market, that our businesses have the certainty they need to hire and grow, and that we do everything we can to protect the expertise, entrepreneurship and innovation that have long been the Commonwea
Local Issues
Being accessible to my constituents and fighting for their priorities in Washington is the focus of my time in Congress. We’ve worked hard in my first term to be as accessible as possible to the people I represent, through our frequent office hours across the district, top-notch casework team and steady schedule of local events.
Military and Veterans
Our men and women in uniform promise, each and every day, to protect our nation whatever the cost. They deserve our support from their first day of service on through the rest of their lives. While serving on active duty, our troops must have access to the best training, equipment, healthcare, and education. In this era of tough fiscal choices, Congress needs to work with the Department of Defense to identify and eliminate wasteful military spending without compromising the quality of training and services available to military personnel.
Science and Technology
Science and technology lie at the heart of the innovation economy and have always been central to the vibrancy of the 4th District. I am honored to serve on both the Space and Energy Subcommittees of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. With 40 percent of Massachusetts employment tied to innovation industries like health care, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and information technology, the work of the Committee has a direct impact on job creation and economic growth in our district.