Issues

Budget & Economy

The Obama Administration inherited a deficit of well over $1 trillion and the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Congress and the Administration are taking steps to create jobs, rebuild our economy, and reduce the deficit.

Education

The FY2010 budget resolution includes the $100 billion in education funding provided in the Recovery Act to help states maintain elementary, secondary, and higher education services.

Energy

The climate bill is a work in progress and a long way from being finished. I think our climate is warming, and I think greenhouse gases are a cause. I voted for this bill believing that we need to take action now, but I am not wedded to cap and trade. I also voted to send the bill to the Senate, believing it would weigh the alternatives and improve this bill.

Health Care

Our health care system is in need of reform, but we need to be wary of the cost and complexity, and we should choose among the best proposals in the House, Senate, and White House.

National Security

Since coming to Congress, I have supported efforts to improve the quality of life for the brave men and women who sacrifice to serve our nation. I believe we should put our troops first, preparing them for emergencies, providing them with first class weapons and equipment, and ensuring that they and their families are well taken care of.

Recovery Act

How the Recovery Act is helping SC

Taxes

The tax code is full of deductions, credits, preferences, and exemptions, and long overdue a closet cleaning. We need to broaden the tax base and lower tax rates, as we did in the Tax Reform Act of 1986.

Veterans

The FY2010 budget resolution honors our veterans by providing an 11.7 percent increase for veterans health care and other services. In addition, the budget allows Congress to provide funding for VA medical care one year in advance.