Issues

Energy

EnergyOur nation cannot keep depending on foreign countries for oil. By relying on other countries and areas of the world, America’s security is vulnerable. It is my strong belief that the federal government should encourage policies that both promote the use of natural gas and the exploration of other avenues of energy development.

One commonsense approach to the energy crisis is to allow greater access to federal lands containing natural gas and oil resources and the removal of barriers to development on lands we have already leased. We must continue exploration efforts of domestic oil supplies in a safe and reliable manner.

I fully support expanding offshore drilling. With development, the Outer Continental Shelf could provide over 86 billion barrels of oil for our nation, which we desperately need to alleviate high gasoline prices and energy prices.

Our natural resources should be viewed as assets, not as a liability which has become the staple view of many liberals.

Taxes

Keeping taxes low is a cornerstone of my platform as your representative in Congress. Lower taxes stimulate economic activity and growth by keeping your hard-earned paycheck in your pocket instead of the government’s hands.

Higher taxes take money away from you and hinder our nation’s economic activity. They swell the size of the federal government and often end up wasted on extraneous projects and programs.

I believe that you, the taxpayer, know how to spend your money better than Uncle Sam.

However, without taxes, our government and nation could not function. Taxes should be enough to operate the government, offer you essential services, and provide for our country’s defense, but not be careless and irresponsible. I will continue to fight to make sure your money goes to only where it is needed, and the rest stays in your wallet.

War on Terrorism

September 11, 2001, is the day that forever shattered Americans’ sense of security and exposed an evil that lurks in the world, an evil that seeks to destroy our way of life.

Though we are blessed another terrorist attack has not occurred since that time, terrorism is still an everyday threat we must face with courage and an unyielding support for strong national defense policies that will keep our homeland safe.

To defend our nation against those who wish to cause us harm, the United States must continue to be as vigilant as we were in the days and months after the attacks. We need leaders in Congress and in the White House who understand that the Global War on Terrorism is a multi-generational war, and we must ensure our military always has the resources it needs to fight this war overseas – where the terrorists hide – so that never again will the enemy come into our land and take the lives of our people. As member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have never shortchanged our troops, and I will always work to ensure there are well-equipped to keep up the fight against terrorism.

Veterans

American FlagAmerica’s heroes – our veterans – are the men and women who embody the principles on which our nation was founded. Their love of country, love of freedom, and love for their fellow Americans drive their commitment to serve, and without their service our nation would have never overcome the many challenges we have faced throughout history.

We can never return fully to them what they have so bravely and selflessly given to us, but we can demonstrate our deep sense of gratitude by ensuring their needs are met and that they receive the benefits they so rightly deserve.

I regard supporting our veterans as a fundamental part of my job as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and I vow to continue serving them with the same unwavering dedication they have shown to us.

Illegal Immigration

With a staggering 13 million illegal aliens living in our nation today, illegal immigration is steadily draining our resources and weakening our national security.

Illegal immigration is a crime, and violators must be regarded for what they are – criminals. Those who break the law must be found and prosecuted, but some in Congress believe illegal immigrants should be granted a pardon for their crime. I do not.

As a member of House Immigration Reform Caucus, I have opposed legislation that would grant amnesty to illegal immigrants and worked with my colleagues to push forward legislation that bring about the fair and just solutions for immigration reform.

The United States must secure its borders and enforce the immigration laws that are put into place to maintain order and security. We cannot continue to allow those who have no respect for our nation’s laws to steal the rights and privileges granted to legal citizens of our country.

2nd Amendment Rights

In June 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal appeals court ruling that a gun ban in Washington, D.C. is unconstitutional – a victory for our Second Amendment rights. However, this decision it will not completely put to rest the efforts of some who wish to strip away our right to keep and bear arms.

Safeguarding the 2nd Amendment is core value of mine, stemming from my respect of and belief in the U.S. Constitution. Fighting against the liberal sect seeking to take this right away from our nation’s citizens is an essential part of my job as a United States Congressman.

We have the right as Americans to own guns as a means of protecting ourselves and our families, and I will continue to fight to preserve and defend this freedom.

Family Values

FamilyThe 5th district is a magnificent area to live and raise a family, and I strive to protect the values and way of life of our region.

I believe in the sanctity of marriage and support a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. I understand the importance of protecting the Christian values that our nation was founded on.

I am staunchly pro-life and believe that life begins at conception. I have always valued life and will continue to work to protect the life of an unborn child by supporting legislation that seeks to protect the most precious members of our society. My membership in the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus is an excellent forum in which to work to save unborn lives.