Issues

Spending & National Debt top

Quite simply, our federal government taxes too much, borrows too much, and spends too much. The budget passed by Congress in 2009 will incur more debt in the next ten years than the nation incurred in all previous Administrations combined — from George Washington to George Bush. I have seen no example of any nation that has ever borrowed and spent its way into prosperity, and without serious curbs in federal spending, and fundamental reforms in entitlement programs, our nation is headed for a fiscal train wreck. I have introduced the Spending, Deficit, and Debt Control Act, which would enact comprehensive budget enforcement and spending discipline aimed at protecting the family budget from the explosive growth of the federal budget.

Ending Bailout Mania top

I helped lead the opposition to the federal bailout — the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) — in 2008. Despite TARP's origin as an emergency program intended to foster financial stability, it has now morphed into a $700 billion revolving bailout fund for the administration. Millions of hardworking Americans have lost their jobs as a result of the financial and economic crisis from which we are still recovering. But no nation can bail out, borrow and spend its way to prosperity. Nor should the federal government be forever empowered to politicize our economy by picking the winners and losers among us. House Republicans have developed a comprehensive plan to end bailouts and force management and investors to face the consequences of their mistakes — no matter how politically well-connected they are. You cannot have capitalism on the way up and socialism on the way down. It is time to terminate federal bailouts and allow voluntary investment, fiscal discipline and the spirit of American entrepreneurship to be unleashed.

Health Care top

Reform of our nation's health care system must be a top priority — but a government takeover of our health care system is not the answer. I support common sense solutions to our health care challenges to ensure that all Americans have access to the high quality health care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. When it comes to health care decisions, no government bureaucrat should ever come between you and your doctor, and if you are happy with your current plan, you should be able to keep it.

National Security top

I have consistently supported our troops and their families, and I believe our nation must remain the strongest and the best equipped in the world. We must also stand by our global allies who fight the terrorist threat shared by freedom-loving nations.

Energy Independence top

Economic and national security requires that the U.S. become more energy independent. I support a comprehensive energy policy that would increase the supply of American-made energy. Proposals I have helped to author would allow greater exploration and production of American energy in both arctic Alaska and from our off-shore resources, promote alternative and renewable sources of energy, and encourage energy conservation.

Immigration top

Ours is a nation of immigrants, and I strongly favor legal immigration that adds to our cultural and economic strength. But illegal immigration presents a threat to both our national security and our economic security. We must first secure our nation's borders, and then I would support a properly structured guest worker program. I oppose any form of amnesty, as there are people that have waited 5, 10, or even 15 years to come here legally. American citizenship should be a great privilege and ought to be open to everybody in the world who is willing to learn about our history, learn about our culture, learn the English language, everyone who loves freedom and wants to roll up their sleeves and work hard.

Earmarks top

When it comes to Congressional earmarks, the American people have wised up to the fact that too often Congressional earmarks are about using their paychecks to preserve a Congressman's or Senator's paycheck. I do not request or accept earmarks and, while I do not think all earmarks are bad projects, I do believe the earmarking process has lent itself to the triumph of seniority over merit, secrecy over transparency, and the special interest over the national interest. At a time when families are tightening their belt and making changes in the family budget, Congress should follow suit and stop using their tax dollars for pet projects.

Second Amendment top

As a life member of the National Rifle Association, I am a firm believer in our right to bear arms.

Protecting the Dignity of Human Life top

I have been working to protect the rights of all Americans —including the rights of the unborn. Human life is a precious commodity that in today's society is often taken for granted. I believe in my heart and mind that life begins at conception, and I am working to make abortion more rare in America. In addition to making our nation's laws more family-friendly and ensuring the dignity of human life, we must work to change hearts and minds as well.