Jobs
Government does not create jobs. Small business owners, entrepreneurs and hardworking taxpayers create jobs. Unfortunately, the federal government has only burdened the true job creators of Central and Eastern Pennsylvania. For every dollar in high taxes the government takes there is one less for a business to create a job. We must build an environment that allows American business to compete freely, and stop outsourcing jobs overseas. We must tear down government bureaucratic red tape, regulation, and taxes.
Seniors
Seniors all across Pennsylvania have worked hard and played by the rules. When they retire, they deserve to enjoy the benefits of their hard work. I am committed to strengthening Medicare and Social Security and making sure our nation can keep its promises to our seniors along with fighting to replace ObamaCare. Not only has ObamaCare cut Medicare by $500 billion, it also taxes our seniors' dividends.
Debts and Deficits
The federal government added enough debt to cover three football fields seven feet high with one hundred dollar bills, or just about $2 trillion, over the past two years. Families all across the district are cutting back their own spending and Washington should do the same. If out of control government spending does not stop, it will be impossible for our children and our grandchildren to benefit from the same quality of life we have enjoyed. My top priority is to scale back spending for programs we simply cannot afford. It is time to make Washington function like a business: streamlined, efficient and working for the people of this nation and not for itself. We can send a strong message to the President by passing a balanced budget amendment in 2011 to ensure we do not spend what we simply do not have.
Health Care
Every American should have access to quality and affordable health care, but I will not support any legislation that empowers bureaucrats over patients. Here are three common sense priorities I will fight for as we work to repeal and replace ObamaCare:
- Give individuals the same tax breaks as businesses. For tax purposes, a business gets to deduct the cost of insurance. Giving individuals the same deduction automatically saves money.
- Allow small businesses to band together to purchase health care coverage for their employees under one policy. This will lower costs for small businesses, allowing more small businesses to provide employees with health insurance
- Allow businesses and individuals to purchase health insurance across state lines. We are bombarded with car insurance commercials that ask you, the consumer, to name your own price. Unfortunately, health care is much different as there is virtually zero competition. Allowing competition will increase the availability of quality, affordable health insurance.
National Security
We live in a dangerous world, but a strong America means a safe America. Our fighting men and women should have every available resource to do their job and return home safely.
I strongly support the democratic movements awakening throughout the world, especially in such strategically important nations like Iran. We must stop that destructive government from obtaining advanced nuclear technology and becoming a nuclear weapons power.
I believe the United States must remain Israel's strongest ally, especially with such violent, hateful, and antagonizing rhetoric from brutal regimes like the current government in Iran. With that in mind, I believe the right of Israel's people to defend themselves cannot be disputed.
In Afghanistan, Iraq, and across the Middle East, the United States must take the necessary steps to stop radical groups from breeding extremism.
Energy Independence
Energy independence is not only good for our wallet, it's also vital to our security. I support development of home grown sources of energy like Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale natural gas, but the solution can't just be one source of energy. We need renewable energy, nuclear power, and Pennsylvania coal. Our goals should be simple - decrease our dependence on other countries for our energy; create incentives for American energy production; and keep our water and air clean. We must employ an “all-of-the-above approach” towards achieving energy independence.
Veterans
The men and women who have served in our military and defended our land deserve a special status. For those who have sacrificed so much, we must ensure they receive the benefits due from a grateful nation. These include high quality education and training, world class health care, and access to additional support for our veterans and their families when they return home.
Right to Bear Arms
The Constitution gives individuals the right to keep and bear arms. I will always support and defend our Second Amendment Rights.
Protecting The Unborn
The liberals in Washington have created a corrupt game of buying and selling votes regardless of right and wrong. As your next Congressman, I will stand firm on my principles to protect the lives of the unborn.
Immigration and Border Security
Men and women coming to our country from all over the world have created a culture that is uniquely American. That pioneer spirit is one of the sources of our county's greatness. But we must have rules and they must be enforced. Let's welcome those who want to join us legally, but strengthen our borders to deny entry to those who want to come here illegally. The Federal Government has failed at enforcing its own rules, which is why states like Arizona are taking matter into their own hands. We must support our states on cracking down on illegal immigration.
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