Issue Position: Top Issues

Issue Position

Q: If elected, what would be your top five issues to focus on?

A: Getting America back to work continues to be my driving goal. Through the votes and actions I have taken over the last year in the Fifth District, 239,000 families received a much-needed tax cut. And 59,000 Missouri jobs were created or saved--thousands in our District. We have leveled off the decline but are far from stable. There is no single "magic bullet" to combat the jobless rate. Still, government can and should take steps to create demand, free up credit, and put people back to work. We have to rebuild our nation's bridges, roads, and aging infrastructure, which would put millions back to work. Just weeks ago, I voted to enact billions of dollars in tax credits for small businesses in this Congress--helping them hire unemployed workers, save money on employee health insurance coverage, and spur investment. We've also voted to close tax loopholes to prevent good-paying jobs from being shipped overseas.

I wish we could focus all our attention on creating jobs, but while we are trying to encourage job growth several other important issues face our nation. We still have a great deal of work to do to restore regulation and order to our financial and housing markets. The Financial Regulatory Reform bill, which I was proud to co-sponsor, will go a long way, but more work needs to be done in this area before financial stability is established.

A discussion of our role in Afghanistan has been lost in the name calling and foul temper. Our men and women in uniform have done an incredible job fighting in Afghanistan to oust an oppressive regime, fight terrorism, and give the Afghan people the opportunity to choose their own government. However, the future of Afghanistan ultimately lies with the Afghan people and we need to safely and securely make that transition.

Social Security is solvent through 2037, but our nation also needs to have a thoughtful and serious conversation about ensuring its future. There are some who see privatization of this essential program as an option. I think we are all relieved we did not follow that path when it was proposed prior to the financial meltdown. How quickly some forget the risks inherent in privatization. Social Security is the primary source of income for 64% of retiree households, and one out of three rely on Social Security for all or almost all of their income. For 75 years Social Security has fulfilled its mandate. We need to discuss how best to ensure 75 more good years.

Finally, I look forward to reviewing and discussing the findings of the President's bipartisan Debt Commission. These are serious people who, I believe, will make substantial and difficult recommendations on how we move forward.

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