Issues
As a former member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and a Vietnam combat veteran, I'm well aware of the threats America faces. I'm committed to providing our Armed Forces and Intelligence Community everything they need to defend our nation. However, military action should always be our last resort. The President must exhaust all diplomatic options before entering the United States into any conflict. And we must all be mindful of the sacrifices our men and women in uniform, and their families, make in service of this country.
As Co-Chair of the Land Conservation Caucus, Co-Chair of the Wildlife Refuge Caucus and a lifelong outdoorsman, preserving America's natural heritage has always been a priority of mine. That's why I strongly support investing in land conservation, acting to prevent climate change and transitioning to a clean energy economy.
For far too long, Washington has avoided making the tough choices necessary to get our fiscal house in order. The Congressional Budget Office projects our annual deficit, the difference between federal tax revenue and spending in a given year, will exceed $1 trillion and continue increasing indefinitely. As Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, I'm committed to laying the groundwork for a fiscally responsible future.
While we've made great strides in recent years, too many people in our country still can't get the health care they need. Health care is a right. Congress must ensure everyone in America has access to quality, affordable health care.
Too many folks have been left behind in this economy. More than 6 million Americans who want a job don't have one. Another 4.3 million are involuntarily working a part-time job instead of a well-paying, full-time job. Congress must do more to ensure everyone in our country shares in the benefits of growth.
As a Vietnam combat veteran and Co-Chair of the Military Veterans Caucus, I understand our nation's responsibility to our men and women in uniform. No person who served honorably in our Armed Forces should have to fight for a paycheck, proper health care or a roof over their head.
California's Fifth Congressional District is a world-renowned food and wine destination because of our vibrant agricultural and viticultural heritage. As an organic grower myself, I'm fully committed to protecting and strengthening our farming and grapegrowing communities.
Education is the foundation of a strong middle class and vital to our nation's long-term success. Congress must invest in early childhood, special, technical and higher education programs to ensure everyone benefits from our 21st century economy.
