Abortion
I oppose abortion on demand and have consistently voted to eliminate any federal funding for abortion. I also support prohibiting funding for clinics that do not provide abortions but support other clinics that do. In my view, life begins at conception and that issues such as abortion are best regulated by the states. I believe that life begins at conception. I also support the ban on partial-birth abortion, the Unborn Victims Protection Act, the Child Custody Protection Act, and other pro-life legislation.
Education
My view on education has always been to keep it local. If the issue can be solved by the city, county or state then it should be. The last resort should to be to rely on the federal government to tell our N.C. families how to educate their children. Education is such an important and vital issue to our state and country. It makes us not only more successful, but a more competitive country.
Energy
Almost 50% of the crude oil we import is generated from the Western Hemisphere. In fact, our largest trading partners for oil and natural gas are Canada and Mexico. It is my strong belief that similar untapped opportunities exist within our borders, and we should utilize them to their maximum extent. Furthermore it is my belief that this effort can be achieved in an environmentally-sound manner.
Unfortunately, there is no clear cut solution to the price of gas, but I remain cognizant of the impact this has upon consumers. In addition, I believe we must continue to encourage investment in infrastructure, which promotes mass-transit options such as rail and bus. Finally, we must also continue to promote and expand oil and gas alternatives.
Unfortunately, there is no clear cut solution to the price of gas, but I remain cognizant of the impact this has upon consumers. In addition, I believe we must continue to encourage investment in infrastructure, which promotes mass-transit options such as rail and bus. Finally, we must also continue to promote and expand oil and gas alternatives.
Health Care
The cost of health care is one of the greatest concerns in America. The development of new life-saving drugs protected by patent, the increased utilization of improved diagnostic technologies, the increased prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, the unhealthy dietary choices made by much of our population, and the growing uninsured population are a few reasons health insurance costs continue to rise.
I believe that common-sense health care reform must be achieved, but a government takeover of our health care system is not the way. I opposed the health care law and continue to support a full repeal of this costly and fiscally responsible law. At an estimated cost of more than $1.1 trillion in its first 10 years, we cannot afford the price tag given our current economy.
I will continue to work towards finding common sense solutions to the challenges that face our country’s health care system. I will remain committed to opposing government-run health care.
I believe that common-sense health care reform must be achieved, but a government takeover of our health care system is not the way. I opposed the health care law and continue to support a full repeal of this costly and fiscally responsible law. At an estimated cost of more than $1.1 trillion in its first 10 years, we cannot afford the price tag given our current economy.
I will continue to work towards finding common sense solutions to the challenges that face our country’s health care system. I will remain committed to opposing government-run health care.
Congressional Pay and Pension Plan
If you are familiar with my record, you will know that I have historically opposed pay increases and excessive benefits for members of Congress. I fight hard to ensure your tax dollars are spent wisely. As a fiscal conservative, I have repeatedly voted against pay raises for members of Congress. Since the 1989 reforms to ethics rules, the congressional pay rise has been automatic unless the House passes legislation prohibiting the increase.
In case you did not know, I have refused to participate in the congressional pension program. I have labeled it a taxpayer rip-off. It is a much bigger abuse of the taxpayers than is a pay raise. I do not think you owe me a retirement package just because I decided to go into public service. I also refused to participate in the legislative retirement plan when I served in the General Assembly in Raleigh. In addition, when I retire, I will not be eligible to remain on the congressional health plan because I have refused the congressional pension plan.
In case you did not know, I have refused to participate in the congressional pension program. I have labeled it a taxpayer rip-off. It is a much bigger abuse of the taxpayers than is a pay raise. I do not think you owe me a retirement package just because I decided to go into public service. I also refused to participate in the legislative retirement plan when I served in the General Assembly in Raleigh. In addition, when I retire, I will not be eligible to remain on the congressional health plan because I have refused the congressional pension plan.
First Amendment
I strongly believe that the Founding Fathers did a remarkable job safeguarding our liberties through the Constitution of the United States, and I would do nothing to weaken the Bill of Rights. As you know, the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits Congress (and the states) from making any laws "respecting establishment of religion." In recent years, however, judges and other government officials have interpreted the Establishment Clause in a manner that discourages or even disallows religious expression. For example, the Supreme Court has struck down prayers overlapping with a school activity, even "when observance on the part of the students is voluntary."
Not only does the First Amendment restrict the government's ability to impose religious beliefs on its citizens, but it also prohibits government from denying its citizens the right to observe their religious heritage. The First Amendment goes on to explicitly state that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . ." I believe an individual's right to freely practice his or her religion must be preserved and protected.
Further, I believe that no one should be denied the right to observe his or her heritage, nor should anyone be forced to practice a religion they do not follow. Although I do not support policies and legislation that would attempt to force people to conform to the teachings and practices of Judeo-Christian authority, I do believe that moral teachings need to be instilled in our nation’s youth in order to redirect our country to a future of moral growth and prosperity.
Not only does the First Amendment restrict the government's ability to impose religious beliefs on its citizens, but it also prohibits government from denying its citizens the right to observe their religious heritage. The First Amendment goes on to explicitly state that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . ." I believe an individual's right to freely practice his or her religion must be preserved and protected.
Further, I believe that no one should be denied the right to observe his or her heritage, nor should anyone be forced to practice a religion they do not follow. Although I do not support policies and legislation that would attempt to force people to conform to the teachings and practices of Judeo-Christian authority, I do believe that moral teachings need to be instilled in our nation’s youth in order to redirect our country to a future of moral growth and prosperity.
Immigration Reform
I have long stated that we must secure our borders because, until we do that, we will never fully solve our immigration crisis. In addition to gaining full control of our borders, which I view as the basic requirement in any immigration reform measure, I favor mandatory verification of fraud-proof documents for all employees.
I am opposed to amnesty, but I remain mindful that industries, whether large or small, must have a seasonal and unseasonal workforce that American labor is not filling. This workforce, of course, includes those who labor in industries such as agriculture, landscaping, fisheries, meat processing, hospitality, restaurants, and construction. For many years, this nation has not had a temporary visa program capable of keeping pace with the escalating demand for workers, and, therefore, such a program must be created. That said, we must be able to track where the workers go, how long they stay, and whether they leave the U.S. in accordance with the terms of their visa. Tracking technology exists now. Before making these jobs available for foreign workers, however, U.S. workers must get first choice.
Any immigration bill that reaches the full House for consideration will likely also contain provisions for increasing the number of visas available for highly skilled and educated foreign workers. Many skilled and educated American professionals are finding work in industries that previously sought foreign skilled workers, thus reducing the number of foreign workers who are sought each year.
While we may decide to accommodate the need for foreign workers who possess exceptional skills and knowledge because they help improve our lives and the lives of our children, we simply cannot afford to offer permanent legal status to people who are here illegally. We cannot reward those who entered our country illegally by giving them a head start above those who are playing by the rules and trying to become American citizens through proper and legal channels.
In the 112th Congress, immigration reform is a top priority of the Judiciary committee, on which I serve. The top priorities this Congress are making a workable guest worker program, securing the border, as well as creating an e-Verify program. The committee is promoting all three of these priorities. It is estimated that 300,000 illegal immigrants live in North Carolina, and now is the time for us to promote immigration reform across this country.
I am opposed to amnesty, but I remain mindful that industries, whether large or small, must have a seasonal and unseasonal workforce that American labor is not filling. This workforce, of course, includes those who labor in industries such as agriculture, landscaping, fisheries, meat processing, hospitality, restaurants, and construction. For many years, this nation has not had a temporary visa program capable of keeping pace with the escalating demand for workers, and, therefore, such a program must be created. That said, we must be able to track where the workers go, how long they stay, and whether they leave the U.S. in accordance with the terms of their visa. Tracking technology exists now. Before making these jobs available for foreign workers, however, U.S. workers must get first choice.
Any immigration bill that reaches the full House for consideration will likely also contain provisions for increasing the number of visas available for highly skilled and educated foreign workers. Many skilled and educated American professionals are finding work in industries that previously sought foreign skilled workers, thus reducing the number of foreign workers who are sought each year.
While we may decide to accommodate the need for foreign workers who possess exceptional skills and knowledge because they help improve our lives and the lives of our children, we simply cannot afford to offer permanent legal status to people who are here illegally. We cannot reward those who entered our country illegally by giving them a head start above those who are playing by the rules and trying to become American citizens through proper and legal channels.
In the 112th Congress, immigration reform is a top priority of the Judiciary committee, on which I serve. The top priorities this Congress are making a workable guest worker program, securing the border, as well as creating an e-Verify program. The committee is promoting all three of these priorities. It is estimated that 300,000 illegal immigrants live in North Carolina, and now is the time for us to promote immigration reform across this country.
Second Amendment
As you may know, I strongly support the right to keep and bear arms. Gun control issues can be very emotional, and while I recognize the need to ensure public safety, the Second Amendment clearly provides a constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
Simply creating new gun regulation does little to curb violent crime in our country. Criminals will still have access to guns, while responsible citizens may be put in harm’s way without the ability to defend themselves. At the same time, I also believe that the right to bear arms must be exercised responsibly.
Simply creating new gun regulation does little to curb violent crime in our country. Criminals will still have access to guns, while responsible citizens may be put in harm’s way without the ability to defend themselves. At the same time, I also believe that the right to bear arms must be exercised responsibly.
Taxes
I still believe that smaller government and lower taxes are the most effective economic policies. Working Americans now pay more in taxes than at any time in history. If you add up the costs of federal, state and local taxes, the average citizen pays more than half of his/her income to the government. We should meet the most pressing needs of the government by cutting waste, fraud and inefficiency – not by letting Washington make another grab into the taxpayers' pockets.
It is my opinion that stimulating the economy through tax relief restores consumer confidence, spurs capital investment, and creates new jobs, which are critical components of economic growth. I supported recent tax cuts, which lowered taxes on all Americans, including families in the Sixth District. I believe it is important for these tax cuts to be made permanent so families and small businesses are allowed to keep more of their hard-earned money.
These tax cuts, which are collectively known as the Bush tax cuts, were originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2010. These tax provisions were extended, with my support, until the end of 2012. Most economic forecasts suggest the economic and budget outlook will likely be characterized by high unemployment, sluggish economic growth, and relatively large budget deficits. Consequently, the 2012 debate over the fate of the Bush tax cuts is also likely to take place in a bleak economic and fiscal environment.
It is my opinion that stimulating the economy through tax relief restores consumer confidence, spurs capital investment, and creates new jobs, which are critical components of economic growth. I supported recent tax cuts, which lowered taxes on all Americans, including families in the Sixth District. I believe it is important for these tax cuts to be made permanent so families and small businesses are allowed to keep more of their hard-earned money.
These tax cuts, which are collectively known as the Bush tax cuts, were originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2010. These tax provisions were extended, with my support, until the end of 2012. Most economic forecasts suggest the economic and budget outlook will likely be characterized by high unemployment, sluggish economic growth, and relatively large budget deficits. Consequently, the 2012 debate over the fate of the Bush tax cuts is also likely to take place in a bleak economic and fiscal environment.
Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization – The House and Senate negotiated an FAA reauthorization for Fiscal Years 2012 – 2015 that totals $63 billion. $13 billion of that comes from the Airport Trust Fund and will help with airport improvements and the NextGen radar system.
The House is in the process of passing a Surface Transportation reauthorization. We support a five-year plan that helps create jobs now by improving and completing bridge and interstate projects. Many of these jobs are “shovel-ready.”
Congress needs to make responsible choices by supporting legislation such as the “Cut, Cap and Balance Plan.” If not abated, spending on deficit interest payments will quickly become one of the largest costs to the budget.
The House is in the process of passing a Surface Transportation reauthorization. We support a five-year plan that helps create jobs now by improving and completing bridge and interstate projects. Many of these jobs are “shovel-ready.”
Congress needs to make responsible choices by supporting legislation such as the “Cut, Cap and Balance Plan.” If not abated, spending on deficit interest payments will quickly become one of the largest costs to the budget.
Veterans' Affairs
I am a veteran and believe that we must support those who have served our nation. I am very concerned about the quality of our veterans programs, particularly considering the large number of injured veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Improving our veterans programs will continue to be a priority for the 112th Congress, and I expect funding for veterans programs will continue to increase.
I strongly oppose any increase in TRI-CARE fees and am happy to report such proposals have been unanimously rejected by Congress. As you may know, I am a veteran eligible for military benefits and do not participate in the lavish congressional pension. Because I do not participate in the pension plan, I am ineligible to carry my FEHBP health insurance into retirement. At that time, I will have the same health care coverage as many of the people I now represent because my military service entitles me to TRICARE.
Finally, I will listen to reports from veterans and continue to work with the congressional oversight committee and VA officials to ensure that our veterans’ hospitals in Salisbury and Durham remain efficient and responsive to veterans’ needs.
I strongly oppose any increase in TRI-CARE fees and am happy to report such proposals have been unanimously rejected by Congress. As you may know, I am a veteran eligible for military benefits and do not participate in the lavish congressional pension. Because I do not participate in the pension plan, I am ineligible to carry my FEHBP health insurance into retirement. At that time, I will have the same health care coverage as many of the people I now represent because my military service entitles me to TRICARE.
Finally, I will listen to reports from veterans and continue to work with the congressional oversight committee and VA officials to ensure that our veterans’ hospitals in Salisbury and Durham remain efficient and responsive to veterans’ needs.