Issues & Legislation

Legislating can be a complex process, but I am glad to explain my views on the issues affecting you in Southwest Louisiana.  Working together, we can achieve results that will make families more proporous, lower the cost of healthcare and produce good paying jobs across our area.  If you have any questions about the below issues, please don't hesitate to contact my office by phone at (202) 225-2031 or by e-mail.

National Defense & Iraq-  The safety and security of this nation will always be my highest priority while serving in the House of Representatives.  I continue to support responsible policies that protect this country and its citizens from global threats. 

Veterans-  The health and well-being of our veterans and military retirees is extremely important to me.  Because of the great sacrifices they have made for our country, the men and women who have served in our armed forces deserve our highest consideration and the best treatment.

Education-  The American education system is central to the success of our country and our future prosperity.  I am dedicated to ensuring that we give our children the best education possible, regardless of background.  I understand that education policy is an ongoing and ever changing issue that requires patience, feedback from educators and advice from experts.  I have and will continue to support a system that empowers teachers, gives choice to parents, and encourages American children to become the best students in the world. 

Coastal Restoration-  As “America’s Wetlands,” the coast of Louisiana provides much of the seafood and shellfish, oil and natural gas, and agricultural commodities enjoyed by the rest of the country.  In fact, more than 80% of the country’s offshore oil and gas is produced off our coast, and 25% of the foreign and domestic oil used in this country comes ashore through our ports.

Small Business-  Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but they are too often overburdened by excessive regulation and taxation.  Fundamental tax reform will provide a fairer and simpler system and will keep taxes at a reasonable rate.  I am a strong supporter of the tax relief packages of 2001 and 2003 and voted in 2006 to prevent many of these tax cuts from expiring, including small business expensing provisions and accelerated depreciation for leasehold properties and restaurants.

Louisiana Values-  I remain committed to protecting our shared Louisiana values and respect for God, country and family.  Our founding fathers built a new nation upon these principals and I will continue to defend them in Congress.

Seniors-  As a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I will continue fighting efforts to save money by depriving seniors of needed care.  If Washington only looks at the immediate cost of a single medication or treatment, it will ignore any long-term savings and significant benefits for patients.

Taxes and Spending-  Taxes are too high.  Congress must reign in wasteful government spending and provide much deserved tax relief to the American public.  I support fundamental tax reform that will provide a fairer and simpler system and that will keep taxes at a reasonable rate.  I am a strong supporter of the tax relief packages of 2001 and 2003 and voted to prevent many of these vital cuts from expiring in 2006.  I oppose Democrat efforts to raise taxes this year and will continue to work to ensure these tax cuts are made permanent in the future.

Trade-  During the current economic hardship, U.S. exports have remained strong and are credited with lessening the severity of the recession we face.  As a Member of the House Ways & Means Committee, I am committed to working on responsible trade agreements that make American businesses more competitive abroad and continue to benefit our domestic economy.  Now is not the time for short-sighted, protectionist policies that invite retaliation against American companies from foreign countries.