Issues

Iraq and the Armed Services

We must end the Iraq War now and bring our soldiers home as quickly and safely as possible. We must also continue to provide our soldiers, wounded soldiers, and veterans with the benefits and services they deserve.

The Economy

Our economy is facing hard times. I have worked with my democratic colleagues to pass an economic stimulus, to extend and expand tax incentives for renewable energy, retain and create hundreds of thousands of green jobs, spur American innovation and business investment, cut taxes for millions of Americans.

Housing

Access to affordable housing is one of my legislative priorities in Congress. With the weakening economy and rising food and gas prices, it is more important now than ever that people have access to housing that they can afford.

This year, I passed legislation in Congress to preserve the affordability of Starrett City, the nation's largest affordable housing development. I have actively supported full funding of the Section 8 housing voucher program and signed on to legislation to increase the number of Section 811 units available to disabled low-income Americans.

Health Care

Throughout my service in Congress, I have remained committed to improving access to affordable and quality healthcare.  In the 111th Congress, I have supported legislation to stem the rising tide of the health care costs, implement important reforms that prevent insurers from discriminating against persons with pre-existing conditions and expand access to affordable, quality health care to nearly every American.  I want to ensure that people, not insurance companies, are in charge of their own care.

Technology

Access to the internet is critical for both our children and our community, because universal broadband would expand markets, improve efficiency, and allow for critical access to all the educational and health care rewards that the internet has to offer. This is why I have sponsored several bills to guarantee that inner cities across America have equal access to high speed internet services.

Government Contractors

You pay your taxes, so should the corporate world, especially those with federal contracts. I recently introduced legislation that says if your company owes taxes, you can't get any more federal contracts until you pay them.

Another bill I'm supporting states that if 80% of a corporation's revenue comes from federal funds, we have the right to know how much you are paying your top executives. With the help of my colleagues, I got both these bills passed. 

Education

Our inner cities face great challenges in providing a quality education. Education is the key to developing a strong, prosperous society, and without a solid education, many of our communities' youth will be left behind. That’s why I have introduced and supported bills that increase teacher salaries, reduce class size, and provide the latest technology to our students. I have also cosponsored the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act that makes college affordable, enabling more students to graduate.

Crime

Crime affects every area of our lives, from the safety of our children to the extra prices we pay for goods and services in our community. As a former social worker and a longtime advocate of crime prevention programs, I have been pushing for stricter policies and more enhanced resources for community programs.

The Environment

I want our grandchildren to have a clean, safe environment in which they can thrive and grow. During my time in Congress, I have supported clean energy initiatives that help preserve the air we breathe and the water we drink, while creating jobs here at home and strengthening our national security. I believe the best way to protect our environment -- and economy -- is to invest in the technology that will reduce our reliance on foreign oil and expand our use of wind and solar energy sources.