On the Issues

Economic Security
Vice-chairman of Small Business Committee; passed legislation for small businesses to more easily compete for government contracts; expanded access to start-up capital, job-training and workforce development, enacted tax relief for small businesses; support middle class tax cuts. Read more….

Health Security
Expanded health care for seniors; cut costs for Medicare prescription drugs; increased support for treatment of military service members’ psychological health; expanded funding for cancer research and treatment; provided $29 million for treatment of autism; supported legislation to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Read more….

Education Security
Member of the Education and Labor Committee: expanded Head Start; provided tuition assistance for teaching in high-need schools; sponsored legislation to make college education more affordable by cutting student loan interest rates in half and increased Pell Grants by $1,100. Read more….

Energy and Environmental Security
Promoted tax incentives for alternative sources of energy; sponsored grants for small businesses in the renewable fuels field; support long-term energy independence solution by both expanding drilling and pursuing renewable sources of energy; only PA Congressman to have 100 % rating from the League of Conservation Voters, PennEnvironment, and has been endorsed by the Sierra Club. Read more….

Defense Security
Member of the Armed Services Committee; support a safe,responsible time-line to re-deploy from Iraq; worked to ensure our troops have proper equipment, including increased funding for mine-resistant vehicles and body armor; led efforts for the new G.I. Bill which ensures returning veterans have an educational opportunity; increased funding for Veteran Administration programs, particularly health care; increased funding for Homeland Security and 50,000 more police officers. Read more….