Issues
During my time in Congress, I have found that through honest debate and discussion we can often find common ground.
While my first priority is to serve the best interests of Michigan’s 5th district and uphold the Constitution, I also look for opportunities to move good ideas forward by working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
Today our country spends approximately $900 billion each year educating students in public elementary and secondary schools. That equates to over $18,000 for each student. With such a huge educational investment, governments at the federal, state and local levels have a duty to ensure our children are receiving an excellent education that meets their needs and prepares them for success in either the workforce or higher education.
Unleashing American energy resources will provide relief to the pocketbooks of Michigan families while encouraging domestic job creation and securing long-term energy security and reliability. Unfortunately, federal regulations can often inhibit the use of domestic energy and the construction of new infrastructure that is necessary for Michiganders to enjoy affordable energy.
Our nation is faced with a variety of challenges abroad; below are my views on a number of issues that I continue to monitor in Congress.
The traditional values exemplified by the hardworking people of Michigan are the same principles America was founded upon. As your representative, I will adamantly support legislative initiatives that preserve America’s founding principles and protect the rights of the unborn.
We need to maintain a strong Social Security program that will provide retirement stability for its participants. With 10,000 baby boomers retiring and beginning to receive Social Security benefits each day, we must have a national conversation about modernizing Social Security that ensures its fiscal solvency.
Congress needs to manage their spending just like many hard-working, honest families and businesses back in Michigan who work every day towards maintaining their responsible bottom lines. Congress must be judicious in decisions to spend and ensure that appropriated dollars are used efficiently.
Rapid technological innovation is changing the way we live, how we work and access information and entertainment, and revolutionizing everything from agriculture and the auto industry, to manufacturing and medicine.
I am working to ensure the benefits of the digital age are accessible for all families and businesses in Michigan—including rural areas—while promoting a regulatory environment which allows for continued technological growth and innovation.
