Economy
We remain in the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Unemployment stands above 9 percent, the housing market is in its worst state since the 1930s, and turmoil in the financial markets continues to threaten all Americans’ long-term security. State tax revenue has declined with lower home sales, property values and corporate profits, resulting in a record gap between state revenue and expenditures.
Health
Upon assuming office, one of Joe’s first priorities was to reform our health care system. He requested membership on the Small Business and Education and Labor Committees’ health care subcommittees and proposed eight steps: Shift away from fee-for-service programs, pay providers adequately, give patients the same choices as Members of Congress, share the costs, expand transitional health tax credits, institute mental health parity, improve performance in treating chronic disease and increase the use of health information technology.
Education
A member of the House Education and Labor Committee, Joe believes we must dedicate ourselves to improving our nation's schools and continuing our efforts to make college more affordable and accessible. Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and our country’s security and prosperity requires a competitive workforce that is a major source of innovation in the 21st century. He has hosted House Chairmen George Miller, Rubén Hinjosa, and Dale Kildee at summits on Early Education, Advanced Workforce Training and No Child Left Behind in his district.
Energy and Environment
Our global environment is at a tipping point — we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stop global warming, and end our nation’s dependence on foreign oil and our often careless disregard for precious natural resources. We need a comprehensive strategy with innovative solutions to our energy and environmental crisis that protects our air, water and land.
Defense
Even as we draw down our forces in Iraq, our gains remain fragile and we must ensure stability until we complete withdrawal at the end of 2011. In the months ahead, we will begin major new deployments to Afghanistan to ensure that Al Qaeda can never again have a safe haven there. The situation in Pakistan also remains highly unstable and demands our full attention. All of these threats must be addressed with the utmost transparency for taxpayers and fairness to the brave servicemen and women who defend us overseas.
More on the issues:
Agriculture........................ LGBT.
Animals and Wildlife.............. Seniors
Ethics............ ................. Small Business
Gender Equality................ Transportation
Housing .............................. Veterans
Internet and Broadband ....... .Youth
Israel ..................................... Working Families
